2012/13 under Anthony's guidance has been another great year for Division E - how do we top that?
My theme for 2013/14 is to add two more Es to Anthony's "E is for Excellent" - let's be Extremely, Extraordinarily Excellent!
I still believe that Toastmasters is too much of a well kept secret and we need to be out there spreading the word. We need to grow members and clubs.
Healthy clubs are said to be those with 30+ members and I challenge us all to approach more organisations in our communities, other professional organisations, the business and further education community. Tell them all about the benefits of Toastmasters and help grow the membership in all our clubs to 30+.
Let us also use our enthusiasm and leadership skills to start more new clubs. Every major town and city should have a club or two! Every University and College should have a club - the ability to communicate effectively and present on your feet is likely to be the major differentiator for getting a job today.
Every large business and organisation should have a club. How much business and staff motivation is lost through bad presentations? I've been there and probably delivered some of them!
I'd also like to encourage members to visit other clubs. In the USA they have an Ambassador programme where members can accumulate points by visiting and participating in other clubs. And points mean prizes! I'd like to introduce something similar this year so watch this space.
We can learn so much by visiting other clubs and bringing new ideas back to our own clubs.
My third challenge to us all is to take Toastmasters outside of our clubs.
Think about - no more than that - deliver a Youth Leadership Programme into one of your local schools. From my experience Independent Schools are an easier prospect. Talk to your local Rotary Clubs who run the Youth Speaks Contest and see if you can help them. Some Rotary Clubs already have a good relationship with their local schools. Go along to one of their meeting and offer to speak about the programme.
So not much to do then!
I'm a great believer in you get out what you put in. Toastmasters will open up lots of personal development opportunities to help you in your personal life, your business and your career - seize every opportunity it offers and enjoy it.
Last year's Olympics talked about being Faster, Higher and Stronger - let us use that as our motto for this year.
I look forward to seeing you.
John
Division E Governor 2013-14