Last month, Zack Souza, District 39 Director, Jane Taff, Program Quality Director, and Wes Johnson, Club Growth Director attended an intensive two day training with other District Trios from Regions 2 and 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They gathered along with Toastmasters International executives to brainstorm, network and to learn about the ongoing implementation of PATHWAYS as well as the future of Toastmasters.
Dan Rex, Toastmasters International CEO, said, “District activities, expenses and goals should always operate from the Toastmasters mission: ‘we build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence’. The mission really sets the priority on how our time as district leaders should be spent,” he added.
Wes added, “Our priorities as district leaders is to focus on club quality and club growth to fulfill Toastmasters mission.”
Jane said she is working with Rex’s team for him to visit District 39.
The trio learned PATHWAYS may completely rollout to all regions as early as May 2018, with a two-year grace period, with the old system for legacy members lasting until June 2020.
Zack explained the usual face-to-face District Executive Committee (DEC) meetings are scheduled to go virtual with webinars and conference calls. “Starting in the 2018-2019 year we will vote early to certify appointed officers and approve the budget. Toastmasters International provided recommendations on voting software to assist district in managing online voting,” he said, adding the first virtual DEC was held on February 12.
At the training, Wes was reminded that the Toastmasters brand promises to “empower individuals through personal and professional development. People join because of this promise, and stay (or leave) based on the delivery of this promise.”
Another suggestion was a District Summit that might replace the fall district conference. Jane noted this summit might, “include leadership development training for leaders, communication and leadership enrichment for the members, recognition, and networking opportunities.
In February, Wes brought the idea of the District Summit as well as other ideas members submitted to the Procedures Committee. Jane said, “I am really excited about creatively addressing the fall conference alternative. I look forward to what our Procedures Committee will come up with in the next couple of months.”
Stay tuned regarding alternatives for the Fall Conference by checking the District 39 website, and at the DEC meeting at the Spring Conference, May 19, 2018.
Although what happens in Vegas usually stays in Vegas, Zack admitted he had some fun outside of training. After completing his training Zack attended his first Vegas show- Cirque Du Soleil’s KA with Toastmasters friends from Oregon and Texas.
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