Club Ambassador Program Chair Interviews George Casey Jr.

by Donna Lazarek, CAP Chair 2012-2013

George Casey, Jr. & Donna Lazarek

On Saturday, July 28, 2012, at one month into the 2012-2013 Toastmaster year I took a few moments to talk to Ambassador George Casey Jr., of CSX Toastmasters at Southpoint, Club #1910515, and Area Governor for Area 10, Division A. George Casey Jr. is the current leader in the rankings for Ambassador of the Year in the District 84 Club Ambassador Program (CAP).

CAP Chair: Why are you interested in the Club Ambassador Program?

GC: I'm interested in what it offers. I've had a chance to visit about 20 clubs now (give or take) over the last couple years. It's something I've grown to love. It's added to my Toastmasters experience … but more than that I see it as an opportunity. When I go to a club I'm always promoting it. This is why I'm here, I'm here for the ambassador program. I'm amazed by the people who don't know about the ambassador program. I think it has really given our club the opportunity to grow…

CAP Chair: You've visited 5 clubs so far this year do you have any goals beyond just the Ambassador designation?

GC: In Jacksonville we have about 38-40 clubs. My initial goal is to go out and visit all the clubs in the Jacksonville area but beyond that I want to go out and visit some clubs in Orlando and the Gainesville area and possibly as far as Tallahassee and Miami. I'm looking forward to the challenge…

CAP Chair: What kind of benefits did you bring back to your club?

GC: A better understanding of what Toastmasters has to offer for one. It gave us a chance to get out of our club setting. …We get comfortable in our home setting. As our speeches go they're only going to be developed as much as the most developed member in that group but when you get outside of that group you get a whole array of speakers and talent levels that you can compete on.

…We were able to steal some ideas from other innovative clubs and bring those innovative ideas back to our club and it makes it more exciting because once you get into that mundane routine it gets boring, so it keeps it exciting.

CAP Chair: What is the funniest thing you've seen at another club?

GC: I can't recall anything funny but more fun. One of the membership drives I saw at one of the clubs was during football season and they incorporated that into the contest. You bring in one member to your club you get a point for that and your goal is to score as many points within the football theme.

CAP Chair: There is a new award this year in the Club Ambassador Program called the Embassy Award. The Embassy Awards are given to the club and area with the most ambassadors. Do you think your club is a contender to win that?

GC: Absolutely! I have a club in mind that is going to win it but beyond that I believe Area 10 is going to win it.

CAP Chair: You're saying Area 10 is going to win the Area Embassy award?

GC: Absolutely, that's my prediction.

Thank you Ambassador George Casey Jr. for taking the time to speak with me. It was a pleasure meeting with you and I wish you success in the Club Ambassador Program.