DISTRICT 14 TOASTMASTERS

February 2018, Volume 1, Issue 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Messages from the Trio ......... 2

Youth Leadership .................. 5

Spring Conference 2018 ........ 5

Fall Contest Winners ............. 8

District Highlights ................... 12

DISTRICT MISSION

We build new clubs and support

all clubs in achieving excellence.

2018 SPRING CONFERENCE

THEME

“BREAKTHROUGH TO SUCCESS”

2017 FALL BUSINESS

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

JOIN US !

April 27 - 28, 2018

Hilton Atlanta Airport

1031 Virginia Avenue

Atlanta, GA 30354

The Theme of the Fall Business meeting was

“DARE”

“L3 = Leading Inward, Outward & Onward”

I am truly humbled to be serving as your District Director. You have whole-

heartedly responded to our vision of inclusion and involvement… a vision to dig

deep within ourselves, discover and develop our GIFTS and become GREAT.

Then help others do the same. By doing this, each one of our members, clubs,

areas and our District ultimately become GREATER!

And through our vision of inclusion and involvement, a cycle evolves and

GREATNESS becomes evident… a “Tipping Point,” so to speak.

Let’s continue to make a conscious effort to participate in this wonderful vision.

Let’s continue to practice our vision statement of: “L3 = Leading Inward, Out-

ward & Onward.” A vision which emphasizes continuous, inward introspection.

Together, we will develop our GIFTS more and become even GREATER.

Together, we will individually and collectively ACHIEVE and exceed EXCEL-

LENCE.

Together, let’s continue to reach out and include ALL of our members and have

FUN! And the second half of the year will be even GREATER.

Graciously,

John Simmons, DTM

District Director, District 14

Toastmasters International… ‘Where Leaders Are Made”

678-508-1965

“L3 = Leading Inward, Outward & Onward”

2018 SPRING CONFERENCE

A MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT DIRECTOR, JOHN SIMMONS, DTM

This year’s 2018 Spring Conference will be held at the Hilton Atlanta Airport on 1031 Virginia

Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30354. The conference will span two days; April 27 - 28, 2018. The con-

ference will feature recognitions for District members and our Toastmasters Club along with

several exciting educational sessions led by our own District members. We will have a key-

note address on Saturday and we will recognize our DTM recipients during a special ceremo-

ny called the DTM walk. The registration is NOW open with special rates for Early Bird Regis-

tration. The details can be found on the conference homepage.

For more information about the conference and to volunteer to serve on one of the planning

committees, visit the 2018 Conference Homepage at

www.d14toastmasters.org/2018-district-14-conference-home-page/

JOHN SIMMONS, DTM

“A GRAND THANK

YOU… DISTRICT 14

GRACIOUS,

GREAT, GIFTED

MEMBERS FOR

YOUR

CONFIDENCE THE

1ST HALF OF THIS

YEAR!”

2

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY CHARTERED CLUBS

DIVISION D

EATON PTC TOASTMASTERS

Shirley Arvey, Division Director

Mark Gelhardt, Area 41 Director

DIVISION D

VITAL VOICES TOASTMASTERS

Shirley Arvey, Division Director

Tewana Williams, Area 42 Director

GREG PALMER, DTM

“HELLO FELLOW

DISTRICT 14

TOASTMASTERS, IT'S

THAT TIME OF YEAR

FOR WINTER TLIs”

THE FINAL DISTRICT TLI

WILL BE HELD ON

FEBRUARY 10, 2018

3

A MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT PROGRAM QUALITY DIRECTOR, GREG PALMER, DTM

Providing effective training at TLI for club leaders is critical in creating a suc-

cessful district! When club officers are well-trained to perform their duties, club

members are better served. This makes the member experience more positive,

which leads to a quality club experience and increased member retention. With-

out properly trained leaders at every level, districts and clubs cannot meet

members' needs or introduce the benefits of Toastmasters to others.

Our District is still No. 1 in our Region and it's because of you, our Leaders!

We are confident that attending the upcoming TLIs around the District will be

interesting, encouraging and enlightening to all who attend.

Please remember that TLIs are offered to everyone, not just Club Officers. Any-

one can attend!

Here's to our success in 2018!

Gregory R Palmer, DTM

District 14 Program Quality Director 2017-2018

District 14 Ambassador

L3 Leading Inward, Outward & Onward

https://www.d14toastmasters.org

“We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence”

DIVISION F

EATON PTC TOASTMASTERS

Pam Koon, Division Director

Craig Boaz, Area 62 Director

DIVISION C

ROCKIN ROCKDALE TOASTMASTERS

Al Wiseman, Division Director

Randy Leon Brown, Area 31 Director

A MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT CLUB GROWTH DIRECTOR, BRENDA BENJAMIN, DTM

4

I am thrilled to serve as your 2017-18 Club Growth Director! It is my pleasure to

welcome you into this New Year of opportunities and growth. Each and every

one of you should be extremely proud of the dedication you have demonstrated

towards helping others fine-tune their communication and leadership skills.

The first half of our year has been amazingly successful to the tune of our Dis-

trict 14 being the #1 District in Region 8 for paid membership and paid clubs!

(Region 8 stretches from South Carolina and the southeastern United States,

through Central and South America). Congratulations on a job well done! Now,

the real work begins, the battle to STAY #1.

With opportunity comes responsibility; the responsibility to share your

knowledge and expertise with someone who may need extra guidance. The

responsibility to “Lead inwardly, enhancing your own leadership skills; Lead

outwardly, helping your club members, co-workers, and loved ones grow; and

Lead onward, leading into the future to ensure you have participated in some-

one else’s future growth!” YOU are the cornerstone of this District, and only

YOU can reach others in your club who may not be as active as they could be,

but wish that someone would reach out to them. Only YOU can reach out to

your community, your neighbors, your co-workers, and your place of worship

and offer them the chance of a lifetime… to become more confident and effec-

tive leaders and communicators.

But you are not alone in this endeavor. This year, my Club Growth Teams

have demonstrated a high level of assiduity. Their dedication, focus, and

commitment have resulted in outstanding results. We’ve expanded our educa-

tional reach with the Sponsor, New Club Mentor, and Club Coach training webi-

nars which are being offered (look for invitations via email). All that’s needed is

your attendance to gain the additional knowledge to empower you with suc-

cess!

And, we’ve empowered our Division Directors and Area Directors to strive for

new heights and to know they have the tools needed to remain #1 in our re-

gion.

Our Fall Business Meeting theme was “Dare” and our 2018 Spring Conference

theme is “Breakthrough to Success!” I encourage you to “DARE to BREAK-

TROUGH TO SUCCESS” by helping past members, inactive current members,

new members and new clubs to reap the many benefits of a Toastmasters

membership!

I implore you to discover the many possibilities for your own personal growth

while bolstering the self-confidence of someone new. My wish is for you to

hold on to the precious memories of your Toastmasters journey and engage

others in future Club and District educational and empowering ventures!

Here’s to working towards remaining #1 in Region 8!!!

Brenda Benjamin, DTM

BRENDA BENJAMIN, DTM

“HERE’S TO

WORKING TOWARDS

REMAINING #1

IN REGION 8!!!”

www.d14toastmasters.org/2018-district-14-conference-home-page

We are looking for Toastmasters to join our team. Working on the conference

provides great team-building and networking opportunities. Volunteer positions

are available on the following teams:

VOLUNTEERING: 2018 SPRING CONFERENCE

DISTRICT 14 YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

5

Advertising/Sponsorship

Audio-Visual

Bookstore

Credentials

Decorations

Door Prizes

DTM Recognition

Education / Education Facilities

Entertainment

Facilities

First Aid

First-Timers

Hospitality

Information

Parade of Banners/Parade of Dignitaries

Publicity

Registration

Speech Contest

Vendor

Volunteers

For details on descriptions of each volunteer opportunity and a chance to join

one of the committees, please visit the District 14 Conference Homepage

“BREAKTHROUGH

TO SUCCESS”

HILTON ATLANTA AIRPORT

1031 VIRGINIA AVE.

ATLANTA, GA 30354

FRIDAY, APRIL 27 -

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2018

3 WAYS

TO HELP

OUR

PROGRAM

1) Coordinate existing Youth

Leadership Programs and

Gavel Clubs

2) Assist in Chartering new

Youth Leadership Pro-

grams and Gavel Clubs

3) Plan and participate in the

Inaugural Youth Showcase

for 2018 District Spring

Conference

ALSTENIA SMITH-SELLERS, DTM

DISTRICT 14 YOUTH

DEVELOPMENT AND

LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

MANAGER

A Youth Gavel Club at Beulah Baptist

HELPING WITH THE PROGRAM

Gavel clubs are a way of providing the Toastmasters

experience to groups who may be ineligible for regu-

lar membership due to member age, inability to pay

dues or other circumstances. Following similar Toast-

masters club meeting protocols, they use club officer

titles and education manuals.

Gavel Club members are called “Gaveliers.” The age requirement can be deter-

mined by the individual club. Gavel clubs also provide Toastmasters members

and clubs with an excellent opportunity for community service.

You can help if you...

• Are a member of a Youth Lead-

ership Program or Gavel Club? Then, we want to get you in-

volved in the District program.

• Are interested in chartering a

Youth Leadership Program or Gavel Club. Then we can help you make that happen.

• Do you want to serve on a com-

mittee to help coordinate the inaugural Youth Showcase? We need your help.

THE TIME IS NOW!

All interested Toastmasters

contact the Youth Leadership and

Development Program Manager

Alstenia Smith-Sellers, DTM

District 14 Youth Leadership and

Development Program Manager

alstenia@gmail.com

404-944-5243

TOGETHER WE WILL MAKE

IT HAPPEN

WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE CHILDREN?

WHAT IS A GAVEL CLUB?

They will improve their interaction with others, learn to listen more effectively,

and become confident leaders and public speakers. The environment is friendly

and supportive. We encourage our young people to set their goals to being a

notch above excellence.

6

DISTRICT 14

YOUTH

LEADERSHIP AND

DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM

OUR YOUTH

ARE #1

GREAT NEWS!

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY

FOR OUR YOUTH!

SPREAD THE

WORD!

“Toastmasters no longer organizes Fall Conferences. Instead, they now use the Fall Business Meeting format.”

Beulah Rising Stars Gavel Club

Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, Community Family Life Center

2340 Clifton Springs Road Decatur, GA

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

You’re invited to enroll your children, ages 8-18 years old,

for a nominal fee of $10 and watch their confidence grow!

The 2017 Fall Business Meeting occurred on November 11, 2017 in Macon,

Georgia. This was the first time the District chose to use this Business Meeting

and Contest format. In previous years, the District held a two-day conference

that included elements similar to what you will experience at the 2018 Spring

Conference.

The 2017 Fall Business Meeting

was open to all District members.

The District’s senior leadership pro-

vided updates on the health and

strength of the District. Two amend-

ments were proposed to the voting

body: Club Alignment changes and

the 2017-2018 Budget. Both amend-

ments were accepted.

Immediately following the Business

Meeting, we hosted the Finals for

our Humorous Speech and Evaluations Contests. The contests featured semi-

finalists from each of the eight Divisions and a special presentation by Ms. Pol-

lie Massey during lunch. Her topic coincided with the theme of the Business

Meeting event - “Dare.”

GAVEL CLUBS IN ACTION

FALL BUSINESS MEETING 2018

7

Beulah Rising Stars

Gavel Club

Dawn-Breakers

Toastmasters Club

partners with Beulah

Missionary Baptist Church to

provide public speaking and

leadership training for youth.

EVAULATION CONTEST WINNERS

1ST PLACE

CYNTHIA WHEELER

Club: SoCo Toastmasters

Forest Park #1028729

Question: What is your number one

Toastmaster Tip?

Answer: If you want to develop into a

leader and confident communicator, work

the program one speech and one leader-

ship role at a time.

Cynthia Wheeler is a Distinguished Toastmaster and has been an active mem-

ber of Southern Company Toastmasters for 21 years. She is currently focusing

on being a dynamic member and mentor to club officers and new members.

She served as Southern Company Toastmasters – Atlanta Club President in

2003 and successfully led the club to achieving the 1st of 14 consecutive Presi-

dent’s Distinguished Club designation. Cynthia achieved her vision of charter-

ing a club. In 2007, the Southern Company Toastmasters – Forest Park Club

was chartered. As club president, she led the club to achieving international

recognition by being a President’s Distinguished Club in its first year. In addi-

tion to club leadership and Mentoring Lead, Cynthia has competed in the Eval-

uation Contest five times, reaching the District level. She placed 3rd in 2013,

2nd in 2015 and 1st in 2017.

8

DISTRICT 14

TOASTMASTERS EVALUATION

CONTEST 2017

“District 14 Toastmasters host their Evaluation Contest each year in the Fall. The contest is held after the business meetings”

Photo: Evaluation Contest winners pictured with the 2017-2018 District Trio

2ND PLACE

FRANK COBB

Club: NBBA (Not By Bread Alone).

Question: How long have you been in the Toast-masters organization? Answer: Two years.

Question: What roles have you served?

Answer: I served as Treasurer for my club for two

consecutive years.

Question: Your number one Toastmaster Tip:

Answer: Have fun!! With every task, ensure that

you are having fun.

Frank Cobb is a Project Manager but acting is his passion, and soon will be his

main job. He is originally from Jacksonville, FL but moved to ATL in 2012. He

joined Toastmasters so that he could improve his impromptu speaking skills.

He never expected he would fall in love with being a member of Toastmasters,

but he did. He plans to someday compete and win the International Speech

Contest.

In April, the District will host their next round of contests called the Table Topics ® and the International Speech Contest

3RD PLACE

KENNETH JOHNSON

Club: Charlie Norwood VA Medical

Center, Club 2046783, Augusta, GA

Question: What roles have you served?

Answer: I currently serve as the President and

I’ve also served as Sergeant-At-Arms.

Question: How long have you been a member of a Toastmaster club?

Answer: I have been a Toastmaster since January of 2015, for two years.

Question: What is your number one Toastmaster Tip?

Answer: Be Faithful, Be Focused, and Be Firm in your personal aspirations!

Kenneth is married to Dr. Ardena S. Johnson, 36 years (July 11th) and they have

two children, Kenneth Jr. and Kenitra. Also, one Daughter in love - Chiquita, one

Son in love - Jerold Mason, and 4 grandchildren: Christian, Robert, Kenneth III,

and Kennedy. He has 34 years of Information Technology experience from Au-

gusta University, Savannah River Site, H&R Block, and Southern Company Ser-

vices at Plant Vogtle. Kenneth retired with 15 years of service as an IT Analyst

from Plant Vogtle. He has served 24 years as senior pastor of Emmanuel Cove-

nant Life Center of Hephzibah, Georgia. Kenneth‘s Life goal is to coach youths

and adults to become positive, productive, and prosperous persons in their com-

munities.

EVALUATION CONTEST WINNERS (CONTINUED)

9

DISTRICT 14 EVALUATION

SPEECH CONTEST

2017

HUMOROUS CONTEST WINNERS

FIRST PLACE

KIP DOBBS

Club: The Real Toastmasters of

Tucker

Kip humbly states that he is just “an ole coun-

try boy from Oklahoma.” He has two grown-

up children with his wife of 30 years and he is

passionate about two things: Hot Sauce and

Homeless People.

Question: What roles have you served?

Answer: No leadership roles yet.

Question: How long have you been a Toastmaster?

Answer: One year and one month in Toastmasters.

Question: Your number one Toastmaster Tip?

Answer: To be passionate. How you say something is almost as important as

what you say.

10

DISTRICT 14

TOASTMASTERS HUMOROUS

SPEECH CONTEST

2017

In a Humorous Contest, contestants present a humorous speech that must be thematic in nature (opening, body, and closing), not a mono-logue (series of one-liners).

Photo: 2017 Evaluation and Humorous Contest program and Agenda

2ND PLACE

VANESSA (V.J.) ROBERTS

Club: The Totalmasters #8661

This was her second year in a row receiving

2nd place in the Humorous Speech con-

test. Her speech was entitled "The Heavenly

Choir." Vanessa “V. J.” Roberts – is the Co-

host of RUVA – Raising Understanding Via Art

which is a community-based talk show on

Sundays from 9:30 – 10 AM on Magic 101.3 in

Columbus, GA. She holds a BFA from the

University of Georgia in Acting and Writing.

Question: How long have you been a member of a Toastmasters club?

Answer: 17 Years

Question: Have you served in any leadership roles in your club?

Answer: I'm a DTM and have served in all club level roles except Sgt at

Arms. Most recently I was the club Secretary.

Question: What is your number one Toastmasters Tip?

Answer: Put the focus on my audience instead of myself. Put the focus on

what I am trying to achieve [for the audience] and it takes away nervousness.

3RD PLACE

RAVI GONDALIYA

Club: Westside Toastmasters Club

Ravi is a Materials and Process Engineer at

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation located in

Savannah, GA. He is an aspiring entrepre-

neur and a motivated investor. In his free

time, Ravi enjoys running and reading books.

He joined Toastmasters to improve his self-

confidence while delivering articulate presen-

tations. Ravi hopes to earn his DTM title

someday.

Question: Any leadership roles in your club? Answer: Secretary Question: How long have you been a Toastmaster? Answer: Seven months Question: What is your number one Toastmaster Tip: Answer: Always fulfill at least one role/task from Communication or Leadership

HUMOROUS CONTEST WINNERS (CONTINUED)

11

DISTRICT 14

TOASTMASTERS HUMOROUS

SPEECH CONTEST

2017

DIVISION B: NETWORKING NIGHT

12

DISTRICT 14 HIGHLIGHTS

2017

“Celebrating 50 Years; Columbus Uptown Toastmasters”

In September, Columbus Uptown Toastmasters Club #2037 celebrated their 50th anniversary! Bill Rucker, a 50 year

Toastmaster himself, was the Toastmaster of the Day & many former members & guests were in attendance. It was a

wonderful meeting & everyone had a great time!

Photo Released by the Division F Director Pam Koon

On Thursday November 2nd, Division B had an outstanding social and network-

ing night. Fun, laughter, food, raffles, Table Topics, club spotlight, great view,

we had everything!!! What’s more???? Dwayne G. Smith gave an outstanding

speech and shared his wealth of experience with us.

Photo Released: From Division B, Anwesha Banerjee

TOASTMASTERS CLUB ANNIVERSARY

13

DISTRICT 14 HIGHLIGHTS

2017

“Celebrating 73 Years; Alpha 289 Toastmasters”

Alpha 289 Toastmasters celebrated their 73rd Anniversary! The theme for the evening was “Remembering the Past and

Celebrating the Future” and featured a keynote address by Dwayne G. Smith, World Champion of Public Speaking.

Photo Released by the Club VPPR, La'Darius Jackson

DISTRICT 14 MISSION

STATEMENT

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS EDITON OF

THE DISTRICT 14 TOASTMASTERS GAVEL

NEWSLETTER. WE HOPE THAT YOU ENJOYED

THIS EDITION. ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS CAN BE

SENT TO THE FOLLOWING:

ATTENTION: GAVEL, EDITOR

D14TOASTMASTERS@GMAIL.COM

DISTRICT 14 TOASTMASTERS Proudly Serving Georgia Toastmasters East of Interstate 85

For Archived Electronic copies visit

www.d14toastmasters.org/the-gavel/

or scan the QR code

John Simmons, DTM2

District Director, District 14, 2017-2018

Toastmasters International

"Where Leaders Are Made"

L3 = Leading Inward, Outward & Onward

Ira Thompson, Jr, DTM

District 14 Public Relations Manager

Jennifer Green ACS, ALB

The Gavel, Editor

D14toastmasters@gmail.com

WE BUILD NEW

CLUBS AND

SUPPORT ALL

CLUBS IN

ACHIEVING

EXCELLENCE.