The

WestWord
Spring 2015

District 33
News & Events

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Governors Message
Lt Governors Messages
Calendar
District Conference Flyer
Remembrances
Website Consultant

New DTMs
10
District Spotlight
12
2015 International Convention 14
District Message
15
Technology/Education Corner 16
Ask Dana
16
Proxy Form
17
Division Governors Messages 7, 9, 11, 13, 14

District Governor Message to District 33 Members

Members of Impactful District 33 Toastmasters,

What a joy Toastmasters all around our District
are welcoming new members who become new
friends. We have over 1,000 new members, just
since July! As we roll out the red carpet, through
open houses, upgraded websites and personal
invitations, we RISE to the Opportunity to make a
difference in our community, one leader at a time.
This week I received a call from a former
Toastmaster, who is returning to continue his
journey of self-improvement and self-discovery.
Welcome back!
Our District also has a mission. We build
new clubs, and support all clubs in achieving
excellence. This mission first focuses the District
on expanding the opportunity for more companies
and communities to experience Toastmasters
through new clubs. All our members are invited to
help us fulfill this mission, by sharing ideas for a
new club (a Twinkle) with their President or Area
Governor.
To fulfill the second half of the District
Mission we focus on supporting our clubs, through
training, coaching, incentives and appreciation.
Club officers have completed their training, now is
the fun part implementing your ideas to improve
your club and website. Review the incentives listed
on the District Website, and win some prizes for
your club!
For more experienced members, looking beyond
your club, find out if stepping up as an Area
Director or Division Director (new titles!) is your
next step. Any of the current leaders would be
happy to discuss with you.
Here is an update on our District 33
numerical Goals. You can find our current status on
the
Toastmasters
International
websites
Dashboard.
1. Membership is on target to be 8% higher than
last year! Terrific! Your club meeting quality,
updated websites and enthusiastic inviting of
friends and coworkers have resulted in
expected Presidents Distinguished level
growth. Congratulations! Keep it fun and
renew your membership before the end of
March. greater than the 202 we started with.

1
2
3
4
5
8

2.

Our goal is to expand to 219 Clubs, which is 8%

Club growth is in two parts club renewals and
new clubs. Renewals are still coming in as
community members support the last few clubs
to rejoin the family (5 to go at this writing).
3. District 33 celebrates SEVEN new clubs: Sands
Expo
Toastmasters,
ZToasters,
Action
Toastmasters, Exeter Toastmasters, Aces of
Inspiration
Green,
Wyndham
Harradise
Toastmasters and CSA Crusaders Toastmasters.
Each one is a seed from which a rich culture of
support, enthusiasm, personal growth and
fellowship will grow. We have more
opportunities for new sponsors and mentors to
help a club go from Twinkle to Charter. Stretch
out of your comfort zone, and volunteer to
support a new club! Any of the experienced
members would love to coach you.
4. When we reach 101 Distinguished Clubs, we will
be at Presidents Distinguished level. Last year
we blew past the goal lets do it again! In
District 33, the District Governor calls the
President of each Distinguished Club. I am on the
edge of my seat, looking forward to our
conversations. A tip to our Educational Vice
Presidents now is the time to look over your
Distinguished Club Plan (DCP) progress & make it
happen for your club.
Through April, our clubs, areas and divisions will enjoy
the experience of Toastmaster Speech Contests. There
is room for everyone to participate, as a contestant,
judge, functionary or enthusiastic audience member.
The following step for the Tall Tales and International
Speech contestants will be at the District Conference
st
nd
in Modesto, CA on May 1 and 2 . We are moving
the opening ceremonies with our banner parade to
Friday evening come early and bring your banner!
Past International President Michael Notaro, DTM will
be our Keynote Speaker. He was impactful in
November and is back through popular demand.
International Director Ede Ferrari-DAngelo, DTM has
a wonderful message for us, when she recently
quoted Walt Disney. All our dreams can come true if
we are willing to pursue them!
May all your dreams come true, my friends.
In Service,
Katy Porter, DTM Where Leaders are Made

Katy Porter, DTM

District 33 Governor
2014-2015

Check out the District

33 website

D33.toastmasters
districts.org
District 33 PRO
Guy Dawson, DTM
Westword Newsletter Editor

Dana Wall-Oakley, DTM

Contributing Writers
District Officers
Guy Dawson, DTM
Tim Mullins, DTM
Dana Wall-Oakley, DTM

District 33 Lieutenant Governor of Education & Training

Deborah Baker, DTM

District 33 Toastmasters,
Wow just a few months ago we were anticipating the holiday season and a hopeful New Year.
The time goes by fast. In fact time is a precious commodity. Its the one and only thing you can
never regain once its spent. I couldnt be prouder of our District this year as we RISE to the
opportunity and redeem the time while achieving our goals.
Now is the time fellow Toastmasters to dust off those manuals and make sure you are taking
every opportunity offered to you to speak in your clubs and communities. There is no better
way to shine as a Toastmaster than making sure you are prepared on a moments notice.
Make your speaking time count by having your manual with you always. Be prepared to speak anytime the
club needs you to do so. Offer to deliver a training session on leadership at your workplace. Always
remember to bring a fellow Toastmaster along to evaluate your performance. This might entice coworkers to
join the Toastmasters program as a result. The sky is the limit. Our only limitations are the ones we place on
ourselves.
If you have thought about stepping up in a leadership role beyond your club experience, my friends, now is the
time to make that happen. We have many leadership opportunities in District 33 for someone like you.
Toastmasters is a perfect place to practice your leadership skills while preparing you for the future.
Lets work together to finish this year strong. Take advantage of this precious commodity we have been
afforded in time and spend the next three months forging our way towards becoming a Presidents
Distinguished District.

We can do this!!
Best regards,
Debby Baker, DTM
District 33 Lieutenant Governor of Marketing Jamuna Ramnath, DTM
Spring is in the Air! Lets us spring forward with new energy and enthusiasm!!
I see the exuberance in our district core leadership team. We are determined to walk on the
stage at the International Convention on our home turf and receive the prestigious award of
President Distinguished for the first time in 38 years! How incredible is that?
Welcome to the seven new clubs who have joined the District 33 family. Congratulations to the
leaders of Divisions C, D, F, G and H for their exceptional perseverance and commitment with
seven new charters. Kudos to Division A, for the incredible comeback of Dessert Candles a NASA
Armstrong Toastmasters Club.
We are eagerly waiting for six clubs to get back in good standing to become a Distinguished District by end of
March.
There are many opportunities for clubs to leverage the Member Retention & Membership Growth Initiative
2015 programs. The programs offer incentives to retain existing members and add new members to
continuously build and grow fail proof clubs. Retaining members builds strong leaders and brings competence
and value to the clubs. Adding new members refreshes and revitalizes the club atmosphere and club
performance.
Members that are half way through in their communication and leadership achievements can take the
opportunity to become a sponsor or mentor while chartering a new club or become a club coach. The benefits
are mutual. What can be more rewarding than helping yourself to achieve your personal goals while helping
the clubs achieve their goals as well?
I am positive that with our strong district leadership team, we can reach new heights and together we will
celebrate our grand success at the International Convention!
NE
W

District 33 Spring 2015

Contest Season
All Divisions International & Tall Tales Contest Information
Division

Date

Registration
Begins

4/11

10:00am

4/25

7:30am

4/25

7:30am

4/18

8:00am

4/11

10:00am

3/21

6:00pm

3/21

9:00am

4/25

1:00pm

4/25

6:00pm

Location

Link to Div Page

Holiday Inn
Palmdale, CA
Guthrie Hall Ventura College
4667 Telegraph Rd.
Ventura, CA
WildHorse Golf Club
2100 Warm Springs Rd.
Henderson, NV

Div A

Texas Station & Casino

Las Vegas, NV

Div D

St. Marks Church

2901 Nojoqui Ave
Los Olivas, CA
Covenant Village of Turlock @ Berg Hall
2125 N. Olive
Turlock, CA
Visalia Veterans Memorial Bldg
609 W. Center St
Visalia, CA
WildHorse Golf Club
2100 Warm Springs Rd.
Henderson, NV
Lundring Events Center
Cal Lutheran University
60 W. Olsen Rd #103a
Thousand Oaks, CA

Div B
Div C

Div E
Div F
Div G
Div H
Div J

District 33 Spring Conference

R.I.S.E. to Modesto, California
May 1-2, 2015
The Complete flyer is on the following page
If you are a President or Vice President of Education for your club and you will not be attending, please
see Page 17 of the Westword for a proxy form. Please give a signed proxy to the member of your club
that will be attending the business meeting to conduct club business on behalf of your club. There will
be business at this conference as the Spring Conference is when we elect our District Leaders for the
following year. Please plan on attending to have a say in your leadership for the coming year.

District 33 wishes to extend their condolences to the friends and family of Marilyn McClellan, Bruce Swasey
and Kay Doyle who passed away earlier this year. Following are remembrances of their lives. They all
contributed to their Toastmaster clubs and to their friends and family in a big way. They will be missed.
Daughter, wife, mother and friend to all she met, Marilyn passed away peacefully January 14, 2015 at the age of
88. She was married to Robert Brooks McClellan for 60 years who predeceased her June 9, 2014. They raised
four daughters: Marie Redeen Gardner, married to Roger Gardner of Santa Maria, CA, Roberta Ann McClellan,
married to David Atkinson of Auburn, CA, Kathleen Brooks Kelly, married to Gary Wood of Gardnerville, NV,
and Claudia Jo McClellan of Santa Barbara, CA who predeceased them in December, 2003. They have five
grandchildren: Kristen Cody Gardner, Caitlin Ann and Laurel Marie Brigham, Thomas James and Lauren Brooks
Kelly.
Marilyn was a learner. She was always trying something new or learning a new skill sewing, yoga, cake
decorating, flower arranging, poetry, memoir writing, public speaking. She passed this love of learning on to her
daughters. All four of her children went to college and now work for themselves, continuing their mother's legacy
of independence, love of family, and life. What a wonderful legacy she leaves, what an amazing woman she was.
Marilyn was a long-time member of the American Association of University Women. She was a Unitarian who attended the Unitarian
Universalist Church in San Luis Obispo. She was also a member of the Santa Maria Toastmasters Club and became an accomplished
public speaker. Marilyn was a member of the Santa Maria Association of Realtors, the Santa Maria Women's Network and The Santa
Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce where she volunteered on various committees and fundraisers

Bruce Swasey passed away on January 25, 2015. His Facebook page is peppered with comments
from friends and loved ones expressing their gratitude for him.
Words cannot express the loss and void felt with the departure of Toastmaster Bruce Swasey. Mr. Bruce made
such a big impact on the world around him. People were quietly drawn to him for his smile, laughter, stories,
speeches, life experiences and his passion for life and learning. Above all, the ladies loved his Spanish love
song serenades where ever he went! He encouraged and inspired, and sought to make people smile and feel
important. He was kind, generous and intelligent. An Angel on this earth. He was my sounding board, my
mentor, a part of our family, my adopted grandfather, the great grandfather my children never had, and
ultimately a dear friend. May you sing, dance, tend to your garden and spin tales in Heaven Mr. Bruce, with
your creator and those you love and have missed most. You will be truly missed but Never forgotten. Hope I
can be half the human being you were. We are so blessed to have known you and have you in our lives. We love you!!!!!! I know you
will be watching over us!!!!! Patricia Kipp Holland
With his booming voice, genuine smile, heartfelt laughter, sincere appreciation of
others, honest and loving spirit, and more wisdom than I could ever hope to
gain, Bruce Swasey lit a spark in my soul that will never be extinguished. I'm better
for knowing him, and grateful for the chance. The world brightened with his entry,
and things won't be the same with his exit. Bruce, you will be, and most definitely are,
missed.

Rachel Valez
Bruce, on Monday (Feb16th), Ventura East Toastmasters held a special gathering in
your honor, complete with some of your favorite music and food. Fern Vacca told the
story of your life (gleaned from your writings). There were plenty of stories from old
friends (some who drove down from Santa Barbara), and lots of laughs. I even made
a handout of your favorite sayings - because you always had a handout. We closed
singing "What a Wonderful World." I know you were there among us. Sue Davis
Dear Friends, Family and all who knew Kay Doyle.
It is with a heavy heart that we send out this email. Our mom, Kay Doyle has passed away. The Celebration of
Kays Life was held on Friday, 2/13/15 at 2:00 pm in the garden named after our mom at Encanto del Mar at the
corner of Thompson and Oak in downtown Ventura.
We have been overwhelmed with the love and support offered to us from many who knew and loved her. Thank
you to all who took such good care of her, our appreciation is endless. We are so proud of the rich, active life
my mother led, and the countless number of lives she touched through work, charities, travel and Toastmasters!!
Erin Doyle and Shea Doyle
Kay Doyle, DTM was a member of Toastmasters X-L Club and Ventura Sunrise
Toastmasters Club for many years. She joined Toastmasters in March, 1989.

PR POINTERS
By Guy Dawson, DTM
Participate in Free Community Events and Promote Your Club
We are fortunate to be members of one of the worlds most influential and
recognizable organizations. The Toastmasters International brand brings instant
credibility to the activities we participate in within our communities. Why not leverage
the Toastmasters brand to enhance the visibility of your club and increase membership
by setting up a free both at a community event?
Community events offer excellent opportunities to share the value of Toastmasters
with potential members. You can begin to cultivate relationships with people in a
friendly environment while using the power of the Toastmasters brand to support your
credibility. Participating in events can also create a front of mind awareness of your
club that will make it stand out among other groups.

Here is a list of essentials for setting up a free booth at a community event.

Search for local events that are seeking exhibitors. Contact the event
organizers and ask them if there are opportunities for free booths. Let them
know that Toastmasters is a 501 3 non-profit organization that serves the
community by helping people improve their speaking and leadership skills.
Present the look and have the attitude of a successful Toastmasters club with
your booth. Dont forget to bring your banner, marketing materials and
genuine, friendly dispositions. Everyone who is in the booth is a
representative of your club and Toastmasters. The image that your club
projects at the event will have a huge effect on potential visitors.
Share your positive experiences as a Toastmaster. Offer testimonials about
the ways that Toastmasters has improved your life and career.
Have potential visitors fill out a simple information sheet. Use a form to
collect names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of people who
stop by your booth and are interested in learning more about Toastmasters.
Dont forget to follow up with them before your next meeting.
Use a free expo booth as an opportunity for members of your club to bond.
Group activities are a great way to build friendships and working together in a
booth will inspire your club members to get to know one another better.
It has been said that the best things in life are free and booths at community
events are no exception. Share the wares of your club at an event and invite
those who visit your booth to learn more about Toastmasters by coming to
one of your meetings.

Division A Governor
Eric Riddle, DTM

Division B Governor
Martha Navarrette, ACG, ALB

Another Great Day in Division A!

Greetings from Division A! It is already Mid-March
2015 and Spring is in the air. Rainfall earlier this year
has given us a proliferation of California Poppies
throughout the High Desert, the perfect reminder of
another great day in Division A.

Division B is busy, busy, busy! We continue to be true to

the Districts mission by working diligently in improving
our Toastmasters members experience. Clubs are
growing through member lead activities and the use of
social media like meetup, FaceBook, and LinkedIn. Our
Divisions clubs recently received Districts recognition
for their membership growth and for their engaging
Open Houses.

There are lots of things happening this time of year with

Area Speech Contests and Area Governor visits under
way. Area A4 and Area A2 completed their contests;
Area A3 and Areas A1/A5 will be completed before
March is over. The Division A Speech Contest will be
held on Saturday April 11th at the Holiday Inn in
Palmdale from 10am until 1pm, come and join the fun
and support your fellow Toastmasters.
Division A offered two regional TLIs for the recent
round of Club Officer Training since our clubs are
spread out geographically from Palmdale to Ridgecrest,
to Bakersfield. The support from Area Governors
throughout the Division helped make each a success.
Thank you!
What does the A in Division A stand for? A is for
accountability, we are accountable to ourselves and our
clubs by doing what we say we are going to do when we
are supposed to do it. That means attending club
meetings regularly and completing manual speech
projects when promised.
What else does the A in Division A represent? A is for
action, talk is cheap, but action is king. What actions are
you taking as a member to improve your communication
and leadership skills? Do you volunteer for meeting
roles each week? Club officers and District officers are
here to help you succeed. We will take action on any
concerns expressed by the members.

Currently, through the month of March, members are

experiencing the excitement of our four Area Contests.
Areas winners will challenge their Toastmasters peers
at the Division B Spring Tall Tale and International
Contest on April 25th, 2015. The competitions
showcase the best and the most talented public
speakers in West Ventura County. All are very excited
that the International Contest will take place in our
District and are looking to play an important part in it!
Full clubs engagement during the Divisions activities is
proving to be a great and successful idea. Los Amigos
club members hosted a Mexican Breakfast during the
Makeup TLI on December. Now, Club 24 is planning a
German Breakfast to delight the upcoming Divisions
Contest participants.
We are also working in supporting the Districts growth
with a new club while not losing any club in our base
number.
Our website continues to grow with photos and videos
and members are kept informed of all the special
events taking place in the Division through regularly
sent newsletters. These newsletters are a direct line of
communication to the Divisions Governor in-box!

Division A is made up of people from all walks of life.

Because of them the A in Division A also equals
AWESOME! Many hands make light work. The help
and support I receive from people across District 33
make each day another great day in Division A!

Is Your Toastmaster Club Plugged In?

By Tim Mullins, DTM, DCWC
toastmaster.tim@gmail.com

District 33s leaders have Risen to the Opportunity

by introducing something different and unique this yearcalled the:
Distinguished Club Website Program (DCWP)
This DCWP has been established by District 33 Toastmasters Marketing and
Public Relations Team to recognize clubs that have designed and maintained
quality websites. The program consists of 10 points for various features
included on club websites.
Features such as:

A Welcome Message and Invitation to Attend

Contact and Meeting Information
Member Testimonials
Links to District 33 and Toastmaster International websites
Links to various Toastmaster Resources

Clubs that have Websites that achieve Presidents Distinguished; Select

Distinguished or Distinguished will
a Distinguished Club Website Program
(DCWP) Ribbon and a DCWP web badge that they may display
the club website. Your club will also receive recognition at the
Spring Conference.

receive
on
D33

This Program is concurrent with the Toastmaster year and will end on June 30th.
Many of District 33s clubs are already Distinguished, Select Distinguished or even
Presidents Distinguished. At this point in time we already have:

10 Clubs at Presidents Distinguished

16 Clubs at Select Distinguished

59 Clubs at Distinguished

To view your club website status, please visit the following link:
http://d33.toastmastersdistricts.org/D33_Distinguished_Club_Website_Program_Status.html
It is not that difficult to improve your clubs website in the DCWP.
Try it trust meyoull like it!
For more information concerning this District 33 Website Excellence program and how to implement it, please visit the
following web link:
http://d33.toastmastersdistricts.org/District_33_Distinguished_Club_Website_Program.html
If you do make improvements to your club website, based on the DCWP, please contact me (Tim Mullins, District 33
Club Website Consultant) at toastmaster.tim@gmail.com with information about your improvements so I can check it
out and give you and your club proper recognition. If you have any questions concerning this exciting and innovative
program please do not hesitate to contact me.

Division C Governor
Gene Dunford, DTM

Division D Governor
Tim Chedester, ACG/CL

Greetings from District 33s Division C Governor;

A favorite pastime in Southern Nevada is counting
clubs. We have about 70 clubs it could be 71 already.
The Area Governors are working together as a team
supporting each other in the tradition of Toastmasters.

Division D has experienced some challenges this year,

as such the leaders of our division have adopted the
belief that Adversity breeds opportunity. Leaders will
always run to the fire, and not away from it! They
become the water that puts out the fires, and then they
help to rebuild and restore the foundation of the
structure. I wish to acknowledge a few that have stepped
up. Valerie Harper as D-2 Governor, Guy Dawson DTM
to help with Area D-3, and Norma Tanner DTM to fill in
as the contest chair for D-5. I have also called upon a
veteran toastmaster to fill the shoes of our previous
judge. Bill Jacky DTM has been a lifelong contributor to
Toastmasters, and a personal mentor and teacher to me. I
am grateful to have him on board.
Mandalay Bays Aces of Inspiration Green is our newest
addition to the Division D family, with a second Aces
coming on board in the coming months. This club will
be named the same as Aces Green, except they are
adding a bit of bluesy to the name and will be Aces of
Inspiration Blue. Other possibilities will be to move
Coyote Toastmasters from one campus to another and
repopulate it. Sienna, and over 55 community is now in
the early process of forming a club as well. A very
exciting time indeed for Division D.
Again, I wish to thank and acknowledge all the members
who love Toastmasters, and have been willing to support
the Division, Areas, Clubs and myself to insure that all
members have the best experience possible. Their
dedication, and professionalism are wonderful examples
of leading by deed, not just by word. I am honored to be
allowed to be a part of that journey. It isnt clubs, areas,
divisions, or even districts that breathe life into
Toastmasters, but the members who yearn for learning
and growth through contribution. At Division D, we take
a bottom up approach to the Toastmaster experience
the members educational experiences will always come
first.

What is new in Division C? Club #4225109 Action

Toastmasters Area C-2 Sheryl Greenblatt ACS, ALB
chartered on 12/05/14: A videographers delight of
advanced Toastmasters gaining insights with their
concept
of
Video
Evaluations.
Club #4338404 Wyndham Harradise Area C-5 Greg
Bruce ACB, CL chartered on 01/30/15. Meeting
weekly, they are rapidly burning through their
Competent
Communicator
manuals.
Club #4386943 BDG Toastmasters Area C-3 Michael
Campbell ACS, ALB will charter in March: The
members are committed to develop a sense of family in
their meeting.
It is wonderful to see inspiring
commitment in building their corporate club. BDG
Toastmasters is seeking five new members to charter.
Area C-1 Governor Donna Thomas Rodgers ACG, ALB
is holding a kickoff meeting March 5 for the Urban
Chamber of Commerce. Other prospective clubs are in
the pipeline. We plan to have at least one new club in
every Area. All of the Division C Area Governors are
committed to being Presidents Distinguished by June 30.
While new clubs are organizing, other clubs are holding
contests. March is busy with contests on weeknights
and weekends. Division C is a hub of contests in March.
Being in close proximity to Division D and H there are
fifteen areas holding contests. The six Areas in Division
C come together at the Division Contest held at Wild
Horse Golf Course in concert with Division H on April
25. Come in the morning for the C contest, have lunch
and stay for the Division H contest. It is sure to be a
daylong party.

Gene Dunford DTM

Division C Governor

Tim Chedester, ACG/CL

Division D Governor

10

Aug 2014 Feb 2015

California

Aug 2014 Feb 2015

Nevada

Wilkerson, Gregg
09/26/2014
Bakersfield

Weinapple, Michael
12/8/2014
Riverbank

Colton, Bradford A.
10/8/2014
Las Vegas

Freed, Michael
11/21/2014
Las Vegas

Yim, William
12/9/2014
Ventura

Weiner, Kathy

Richardson, Ken
11/24/2014
Las Vegas

01/8/2015
Simi Valley

Swanson, Gidget

Woodward, Analisa

01/26/2015
Las Vegas

01/15/2015
Fresno

Lato, Leon
Hamon, Marjorie
02/8/2015
Templeton

02/3/2015
Las Vegas

11

Division E Governor
Julie Boyce, ACS, CL
Talk up Toastmasters!
What an Opportunity
I was in my local Wal-mart the other day minding my
own business when a woman approached me and
stated you would think they (Wal-Mart) would have
what I would want
I did not follow up with the question she had presented
to me, but took the opportunity to Talk up
Toastmasters.
I found out by listening to the woman that she was very
comfortably off, she had traveled extensively around
the world and both her, and her male partner, were
business people, currently dealing in real estate. She
also has a collection of yappy dogs, but was quick to
tell me that she has a German Shepherd watch dog,
that lives outside on their estate. (seriously, I thought
the yappy dogs would have been good watch dogs).
This woman decided to ask me what I did, such as work
etc. I told her my first name and that I was retired as an
Office Manager. The woman then asked what I did
for recreation.
I explained that I had been a
Toastmaster for the past 17 years. The woman seemed
intrigued. I gave her my Toastmasters business card
and stated we would love to see her at my local club.
Just listening to her I felt she would have so much
material for her speeches and also for the enjoyment of
her audience, as well as the camaraderie she would
enjoy being a club member, if eventually she decided to
join a toastmaster club.
Good luck on your journey with Toastmasters!
Julie Boyce, ACG/CL

Division F Governor
Monty Shindler, ACS, ALB
Strong Members Strong Leadership
Division F is flying high in the CSA Crusaders Balloon
scouting the land for the next opportunity to R.I.S.E.!
That opportunity will be on March 5th at the Turlock
Chamber of Commerce kick-off spearheaded by John
Rogers, DTM and Sharon Silva, CEO. Our second
chartered club lies just over the R.I.S.E.!
Officers training this round was a great success. We
held the primary TLI and only one make-up TLI.
A few officers were also trained one-on-one by our
supportive AGs. 19 of 22 clubs registered with at least
four officers trained and 4 clubs topped out with seven.
The final Area contest to be conducted is scheduled for
March 7th in Modesto to be followed by the Division
contest on the evening of March 20th in Turlock.
Ilene Worthington, DTM is District 33 Conference Chair
and preparations are well under way for a great
conference on May 1st and 2nd at the DoubleTree by
Hilton Modesto.
Plans are in the works to hold a collaborative Area F1
Toastmasters 90th Anniversary event to celebrate
Toastmasters and attract new members to the four
open clubs. The John Maxwell LeaderCast event to be
held in Modesto will be targeted to generate new
members and club leads for the not-so-far-off changing
of the guard.
Foundations are being laid and goals to have at least
two ready-to-go teams for Speechcrafts and club
charter support are in progress to develop stronger new
clubs.
Division F is committed to be Presidents Distinguished
this year, Rising to the Opportunity with Strong
Members and Strong Leadership!

12

2014 - 2015
New Toastmasters Clubs in District 33
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to The District 33 Family
Our District 33 Mission is to "Build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence."
Please welcome these new clubs for 2014-2015 to our District 33 family! It takes a team to
build a new club and District 33 wants to thank those who are "Rising to the Opportunity" by
chartering these new clubs and helping them build a foundation to be successful.
Congratulations!

CSA Crusaders Toastmasters #4439635

Division F, Area 2
Charter Date: February 17, 2015
Sponsors: Monty Shindler ACS, ALB Sondra
Ahlen ACB,ALB
Mentors: Michael John Kennedy ACB, ALB
Michael Weinapple DTM

Wyndham Harradise Toastmasters #4338404

Division C, Area 5
Charter Date: January 30, 2015
Sponsors: Greg Bruce ACB, CL Donna Thomas-Rodgers ACG, ALB
Mentor: Dana Wall-Oakley, DTM
Aces of Inspiration Green Toastmasters #4413717
Division D, Area 5
Charter Date: January 29, 2015
Sponsors: Amanda Marie Ayres CC, ALB Krista Lynn Clar CC
Mentors: Karintha Tervalon CC Kathi M. Kulesza
Exeter Toastmasters #4405971
Division G, Area 4
Charter Date: January 1, 2015
Sponsors: Analisa Woodward DTM
Monica Ruth Story CC
Mentors: Bob D. Chiurazzi ACS Melanie White CC
Action Toastmasters #4225109
Division C, Area 2
Charter Date: December 5, 2014
Sponsors: Gidget Swanson, Gene Puffer
Mentors: Melanie Bruehl, Betty Roberts
Z' Toasters #4188313
Division H, Area 4
Charter Date: Oct 31, 2014
Sponsors: Ken Richardson, Leon Lato
Mentor: Stany Larsen
Sands Expo Toastmasters #4138089
Division D, Area 3
Charter Date: September 29, 2014
Sponsors: Marjie North, Lorrie Dunford
Mentors: Sherrie Parker, Roland Thibodeau III

13

Division G Governor
Jose Salazar, ACS, CL
Closing the Door
As this year comes to a close with my role as Division Governor,
I wanted to reflect on a few things. One is, its been a journey to
say the least, in choosing to be a Division Governor. This
position offers many challenges involving various leadership
characters and styles. The challenge is finding a style that
motivates the different people you will be involved with possibly,
your Area Governors. However, it doesnt mean you need to
cater to their behaviors or practices of not being accountable. It
means explaining in a manner that the people want to support you
and your goals. This can be challenging if you dont pick the
right people who will foster and emphasize your goals. We see
this same process occur when a new President of a company
takes on that role or position.
Nevertheless, you will learn what stimulates, triggers, encourages
or motivates (S.T.E.M.) people to grow as a stem of a plant.
But, this process wont occur unless they choose to.
The second point I would like to make to anyone taking on the
role as a Division Governor should consider the implementation
of a Division Council. This Division Council should be made up
of people who are dedicated and inspired to make things happen
within the Division. They can be authorities in their designated
position, but their purpose is to support the goals of the Division
Governor. This is what I chose to do after speaking with another
Division Leader about this concept, which made sense. The only
draw back is these volunteers do not get any credit for their roles,
which I debated with our District Leaders and Representatives in
Toastmaster International directing my opinion about this. I
pointed out that one of our core values is SERVICE, which is
what people are doing at District and Division Levels in these
roles for the Governors. But, until changes occur within the
Toastmasters Constitution or other Governing Documents, we
must deal with this issue as it is for now.
As far as my accomplishments, I will say our Division TEAM
made some significant changes. (1.) We assisted in creating four
new Clubs with one being chartered on January 1, 2015. The
others are still pending. (2.) We created a Google account in
disseminating information to all the Club Presidents and Area
Governors. (3.) We created a process that involves creating a
training syllabus that takes into account the training aspects of
Toastmaster Learning Institute and the coordination with District
in sustaining an effective way of presenting training material such
as Club Officer Training. This involves using Toastmaster Club
members or Division Council members who are trained or
overseen by the Division Governor. These members are given a
letter for their efforts for educational credit. (4.) We fostered
teamwork in using the Division Council by working together and
understanding the concept that Together Everyone Achieves
More (TEAM)...So, I close this door for someone else to open
it.

Division H Governor
Ken Richardson, ACG, ALB
Division H at the Half
February, 2015
Time goes by fast when youre having fun. I cant
believe weve reached the half-way mark of the 20142015 fiscal year. What an amazing year, and, as a wellknown friend of mine says with some frequency, Its
not June 30th yet! His message is simple: Never give up
- we still have goals to meet.
At the beginning of the fiscal year we set out to add
seven new clubs to the Division. So far weve added
two clubs. We have one additional club almost ready
for its kick-off meeting and two twinkles waiting for
development. If all goes well we will meet our goal by
the end of the fiscal year. On the other hand, we have
two clubs in jeopardy. We are working to reorganize
and refocus those clubs to meet our members needs
and grow the organization.
All things considered, the Division has enjoyed a very
successful first half. We completed the fall area and
division contests and the Area Governors submitted
100% of their club visit reports on time. Along with our
colleagues from Divisions C and D, we implemented the
new TI officer training program. Approximately 73% of
the Divisions 161 club officers attended the training.
Over the next six months, the AGs and I plan to focus on
clubs with 12 or fewer members. We will offer
programs from the Successful Club Series, help develop
special recruitment programs and events, and provide a
club coach as needed or requested.
I am very proud of the hard work and effort put forth by
the Division H Area Governors; however, I am quite
certain that the best is yet to come. After all, its not
June 30th yet!

14

Division J Governor
Daniel Waldman, ACS, ALB
What an exciting time of year, Toastmasters Speech Contest Time! And it all starts small at the club level. When I first joined
Toastmasters in 2007 I thought this was ridiculous; after all, I could barely deliver my Competent Communicator speeches
without getting all queazy inside... Then I won Tall Tales at the club level and I was hooked; A STAR WAS BORN.
Next stop would be the Area contest and then Division contest and finally the District contest. Where would I put all those first
place trophies?
But then, just a few weeks before the area contest, I got hit by a Cadillac Escalade while crossing a street in the cross walk. Boy,
Toastmasters take this competition seriously!
The speech contest takes your Toastmaster journey to new levels. We tend to get comfortable speaking at our own club but the
contest takes us out of this comfort zone and safely lets us explore speaking to new audiences. As usual, youre in a safe and
mutual supportive environment. You are amongst your Toastmasters buddies.
And if competition isnt your cup of tea there are plenty of roles behind the scene that need people; from the Judges to the
Sergeant-at-Arms; ballot counters and raffle chairs. Food service and refreshments as the contest move up the rank. On stage
there is a need for a Toastmaster to introduce each contestant.
Finally, this can lead to the World Championship of Public Speaking. Last year the final competition was in Malaysia; this year
the world championship will be held in Las Vegas Nevada. To think it all starts at the club level, maybe at your club.

2015 International Convention

by International Convention District Host Chairs Jesse Oakley III, DTM,PDG & Dana Wall-Oakley, DTM

District 33 to host next International Convention in Fabulous Las Vegas

On behalf of Toastmasters international President, Mohammed Murad, DTM, we cordially invite you to the
2015 Toastmasters International Convention. It will take place August 12-15, 2015 at Caesars Palace in the
heart of the Las Vegas strip. As the Host District, it is up to all the members of District 33 to make this
convention one of the best International Conventions ever! We are currently recruiting volunteers. If you
are interested in becoming a volunteer for one or more of the events, please contact us at
oakleyj3@juno.com or penguinlady1@cox.net. Feel free to visit the District 33 Convention website at
http://d33.toastmastersdistricts.org/2015_Toastmasters_International_Convention.html
If you have never been to a Toastmasters International Convention, this is your golden opportunity to be a
part of something big. We are looking forward to working with you and seeing you at Caesars Palace in
August 2015. Not only will you hobnob with Toastmasters from around the world, you will have a fantastic
and rewarding experience. Please volunteer, its worth it!

Members of District 33 - THERES STILL TIME!!

Would you like to grow leaps and bounds as a leader in ways you never dreamed possible?
Serve in District leadership as an Area or Division Director, right on up to District Director. It will open doors
of personal growth in ways you never knew existed.
Now is the time to declare your candidacy. Please contact me for the forms to fill in and return: District
Leaders Qualifications and Responsibilities; District Leader Nominating Form; and the Officer Agreement
and Release Form.
For more information and details on this wonderful growth opportunity, contact:
Kathy Choate, DTM, IPDG, Nominating Committee Chair.
Mobile : 805/907-5636
email: nolimit_one@msn.com
Thanks all.
You can also visit the District website at:
http://d33.toastmastersdistricts.org

15

By Dana Wall-Oakley, DTM

At the business meeting during the Spring Conference is when we elect our District Leaders for the next years term. This year
will see a lot of changes; the first of which is new names for our leadership. Toastmasters International is bringing the organization
into the future, and I thought that Toastmaster described it far more eloquently than I possibly could. Therefore, the following 2
paragraphs are copied from the Toastmasters Board Meeting Minutes and the web page at Toastmasters.org that explain the
reasoning behind the new names and a list of the new titles.
In August 2013, the Club and District Leader Competencies Committee evaluated the district governor, lt.
governor education and training and lt. governor marketing roles to set consistent expectations, measure
success and strengthen succession. The Committee developed a list of competencies and revised descriptions
for each role, and concluded that many of the current leadership titles are outdated. The Committee sought to
establish new titles that gave a more modern feel to the district positions, reflected a more strategic approach
by district leadership, were more identifiable to potential members, reflected the status of district leadership
in comparison with their counterparts in the corporate and voluntary sector, and recognized the experience of
district leaders as identifiable experience for future careers or community service. The Committee developed
a list of possible new titles and directed World Headquarters to conduct further research and evaluation. The
Board reviewed the results of the research and the communication timeline, and finalized the new Board of
Directors February 2014 district leader titles that will go into effect on July 1, 2015. The new titles will be
announced in April 2014.

District
Spotlight

From the Web Page announcing the new titles:

At its February meeting the Board of Directors decided (meeting minutes) on new district leader
titles that will take effect on July 1, 2015, when the incoming district leaders assume their new
leadership roles. They will be the first generation of leaders to carry the new and contemporary
district leader titles.
This decision to modernize the district leader titles was based on the findings of a Board of
Directors committee studying the competencies required for district leaders to successfully fulfill
their roles. As a result of this study, it became clear that titles needed to evolve to better reflect
their responsibilities and real-world practice.
The new titles:
Are more modern.
Accurately reflect the focus and
responsibility of each role.
Are more familiar to potential members.
Create a parallel between district leadership
and leadership in the corporate and
volunteer sectors.
Reflect the level of leadership required in
each position.
The Current Declared

Candidates for District 33 Leadership for the term 2015-2016 are listed below. Kathy Choate is

the nominating committee chair and states that anyone else interested in a District Leader position is welcome to run from the
floor. Contact her for details, see her information on the previous page.

16

Technology Corner

Education Corner
Resources from Toastmasters International

New Toastmasters International Website

more in-depth
by Dana Wall-Oakley, DTM

From the main page to the multitude of options within

the tabs, visiting Toastmasters.org has way more
power than ever before. Its also much easier to find
what youre looking for in the tabs available: About;
Membership;
Resources,
Publications,
Events,
Leadership Central, Shop & My Toastmasters.
There are fantastic resources for visitors (nonmembers) to the website, such as the ability to view
past issues of the Toastmasters Magazine under the
Publications link along , member testimonials under
the Membership tab and of course, Find a Club. The
About tab contains wonderful options for finding out
about the history of Toastmasters. There are also
many marvelous resources for members visiting the
website, such as the ability to buy Toastmaster
paraphernalia in the shop and use the Club Officer
Tools or District Officer Tools. If you are an officer of
your club, you have access to the business section for
your club.
Take another gander at Toastmasters.org, go ahead,
EXPLORE, youll be glad you did.

Ask Dana

There are a plethora of free resources available at

Toastmasters.org.
Visit this website and click
Resources. The links listed will help you find anything
you might be looking for from Toastmasters
International.
Many of these resources are
downloadable. Toastmasters International also has a
podcast.
If you are interested in starting a new club, this link will
help. Its the New Club E-toolkit:
http://www.toastmasters.org/Members/OfficerResour
ces/ClubOfficerResources/NewClubEtoolkit.aspx
This link will help your club with Membership Building:
http://www.toastmasters.org/Members/MembershipB
uilding.aspx
If you prefer to watch videos, this link will give you
video resources
http://www.toastmasters.org/MainMenuCategories/Fr
eeResources/ToastmastersTimeTestedCommunicationT
ipsonVideo.aspx
Many of the educational materials available in the shop
are downloadable, search for manuals, flyers, and other
pamphlets at this link
http://www.toastmasters.org/MainMenuCategories/Sh
op/ManualsBooksVideosCDs_1.aspx
Visit Toastmasters.org for resources - Educational
Materials, District & Division reports, Membership
Materials, etc. to help build membership and educate
your club members.

By Dana Wall-Oakley, DTM / CGW (Computer Guru/Webmaster)

Why do I want to log in to Toastmasters.org?

When you go to Toastmasters.org and login, you have access to your profile. Your profile is where you can
update personal information, such as your phone number or address if they have changed. You will also
see a listing of all the clubs of which you are a member. Clicking on the name of the club takes you the
information page for that club. The best feature for members is these buttons (shown below); Click
"Offices Held", you are able to see the entire listing of Offices you have held during your tenure as a
Toastmaster, in all your clubs. The Education Award button shows a list of ALL the educational awards you
have earned all the way back to your very first one; including, (and this is the most awesome part) the
speech titles and the date you gave the speech to achieve any awards you have earned after July 1, 2010 to
the present. I recommend logging in and looking around, the new Toastmasters.org website is excellent!!

District #33 in Region 2

Central California
Southern Nevada

17

18

19