Thursday, April 17, 2014

Congratulations, Terra Jarvis! Winner of League of Volunteers Pin Design Contest!

Congratulations, Terra!

District 84 is pleased to announce the winner of our League of Volunteers Pin design contest: Terra Jarvis!

Terra, a member of Lake Nona Toastmasters, put a lot of thought into her design, as evidenced by her comments upon learning that her design was the one selected for our LOV pin.

"What inspired me about doing the design was the League of Volunteers Program. I first researched and examined the audience that would be looking at the design and wanted to make sure the design was simple, but purposeful."

Her design is based on a circle. When asked why, she said, "The reason why I chose to use a circle was because I wanted to add symbolism to the pin. The program is about unity and I felt the circle expressed that deeply, because a circle implies unity like a never-ending system. A circle is also symbolic of being connected, and when you are connecting with others through service, that is the best connection anyone can make..."

Winning Design for LOV Pin
Terra indicated that working together to reach a goal felt more rewarding to her when she has volunteered, whether for her club or another club. She was drawn to the idea that this program could effectively promote unity among our members and our clubs. Stepping up to volunteer is an act she admires. "The act of service is such a selfless act," she explained. "I was really moved by the mission of this program."

When asked for her thoughts about the new League of Volunteers, Terra said, "I think the LOV program is an effective way to recognize volunteers. The volunteer program offers members so many opportunities to grow and expand. The LOV program is extremely important and it will inspire members to volunteer and serve others outside their clubs, and within their club as well."

There is little doubt that Terra has put a great deal of thought into her design, and into the LOV program. What about Toastmasters itself? How does Terra see her involvement with our overall organization?

"Toastmasters has helped me tremendously," she said. "Toastmasters has really challenged me and helped me grow so much as a person. I have become more confident in myself and in my own abilities, in regards to public speaking and in my leadership skills as well. I have learned to listen more, and be more mindful about the words that I use."

She looks forward to continued development through her further Toastmasters experience and education. What does that opportunity mean to her? In her own words, "Toastmasters, to me personally, means to be fearless if you want to grow. Professionally, it means to do your best if you want to accomplish your goals."

District 84 applauds Terra Jarvis for being our winning League of Volunteers Pin Designer, and looks forward to seeing what this thoughtful, motivated Toastmaster will accomplish next!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

District Elections by Dee Melvin, DTM, District Governor

On May 17, 2014 the District 84 Council will meet at the Westin in Lake Mary to elect District officers to lead us during the 2014-2015 Toastmaster year.  At that time members of the District Executive Committee (DEC), along with Club Presidents and Vice Presidents Education (VPEs), will cast their ballots for their candidates of choice.

We are required to have a quorum (1/3 of all Club Presidents and VPEs) at the Council meeting for the business to be considered valid.  If there is not a quorum present, the business conducted must be approved in writing by a majority of the Presidents and VPEs.

Therefore, it is imperative that all Club Presidents and VPEs either attend the meeting or assign their proxy to another member of their club.  Each officer has been contacted and asked to complete the proxy form online.  If the officer is going to attend the Council meeting, they will just mark the box indicating they will be there.  If they are not going to be at the meeting, they will need to complete the proxy form and designate a member of their club to carry their proxy and cast their vote.

DEC members, Club Presidents and VPEs and those carrying proxies must visit the Credentials Desk by 11:30 on Saturday, May 17, to collect their ballots.  Only those members carrying ballots are allowed to vote    

The nominating committee has met and interviewed all candidates.  Below is the list of the nominated candidates. 

DISTRICT 84 NOMINATED CANDIDATES FOR 2014-2015
DISTRICT LEADER POSITIONS

District Governor – Mary Carol Holbert
Lt. Governor Education & Training – Rebecca McGilton
Lt. Governor Marketing – George Casey
Lt. Governor Marketing – Nancy Hoehn
Division A Governor – Jerod Powers
Division B Governor – Deborah Wilde
Division B Governor – Darlene Williams
Division C Governor – DeLona Ashby
Division C Governor – Paul Rene
Division D Governor – Gina Tyckoson
Division E Governor – April Holtzman
Division F Governor – Dennis Kleppen
Division F Governor – Janet O’Rourke
Division G Governor – Beth Ramsay
Division H Governor – Vickie Goodman


My Toastmasters Journey

By Barbara Kincade, DTM - Toastmasters at Twelve, Daytona Beach I never even heard about Toastmasters until I took the Dale Carnegie...