A message from our District Governor.

My how time flies when you are leading, learning and loving Toastmasters! It is hard for me to believe that we are four months into our 2009-2010 terms and January, 2010 is just around the corner. It seems like yesterday when you elected me as your District Governor. I entered the office eager, energized and “Empowered to Succeed”. Because of your outstanding qualities, energy and support, I am even more committed to serve you well. Thank you for your trust, dedication to your personal growth and development as well as your active participation in this amazing district. I appreciate your willingness to continue to challenge yourself as you strive for your greatness.

I suited up as your 2009-2010 District Governor secure in my belief that Georgia Toastmasters are indeed the best Toastmasters on the planet. Four months later, I am still secure in that belief. Let me reflect on a few of the key experiences that have influenced me during my leadership journey.

During the “We Can, You Can” reign of our 2005-2006 District Governor, Felicia Artis Kemp, I learned the power of teamwork. I witnessed the great works of clubs with 12 and under membership totals after they successfully rallied together to build to “Charter Strength” clubs and serve their members better. When our 2006-2007 District Governor, Lee Holliday challenged us to “Dare to Soar”, I realized that the sky was the limit for Georgia Toastmasters. We soared into the coveted ranking of Number 6 in the world that year. In 2007-2008, District Governor Joy Lewis taught me the true meaning of servant leadership. I learned that “Excellence in Action” was not just about world rankings but more about the quality of our actions, respect for the individual and servant leadership. Last year, our 2008-2009 District Governor, Cindy Cannon motivated us to “Dream, Believe, Achieve”. Cindy helped me affirm that “if you can conceive it, you can achieve it”. She also helped us to realize that dreams do come true!

As your 2009-2010 District Governor, I remind each of you that you already are “Empowered to Succeed”. You have the power to soar! You have the power to succeed. You have the power to make your good your better and your better your BEST! I encourage you to focus on helping make your club the BEST this year by becoming a Distinguished Club! You can do it! Engage your Area Governors and Division Governors to support your success. Let me know how we may support you.

Here are the requirements to become a Distinguished Club:

Distinguished Club Program Goals

1. Two CCs

2. Two more CCs

3. One AC Bronze, Silver or Gold

4. One more AC Bronze, Silver or Gold

5. One CL, AL Bronze, AL Silver or DTM

6. One more CL, AL Bronze, AL Silver or DTM

7. Four new members

8. Four more new members

9. Minimum of four club officers trained during each of two training periods

10. One membership renewal report and one club officer list submitted on time

5 5 goals achieved: Distinguished Club

7 goals achieved: Select Distinguished Club

9 goals achieved: President’s Distinguished Club

Membership Requirement: At year-end (June 30), the club must have at least 20 members or a net growth of at least five members to qualify for Distinguished Club Program.

Verify your progress at members.

Fellow Toastmasters, thank you for leading, learning and loving Toastmasters! Let us stay vigilant in our efforts to become at a minimum, a Distinguished Club, a Distinguished Area, a Distinguished Division, a Distinguished District and Outstanding Members. A special thanks for being “Empowered to Succeed”.