By Randy Norman
Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development.
Our membership is 313,000 strong. Members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 14,650 clubs in 126 countries that make up our global network of meeting locations.
Toastmasters International is celebrating 90 years of providing the opportunity for members to enhance their leadership and communications skills.
And this year, the adding of BC ‘s District 96 the newest district in Toastmasters International in Canada.
And we celebrate February as Toastmasters Month.
I am proud to have the privilege to be a part of an organization that enhances the lives of people who desire to be the best they can be. People who choose or by a need have become leaders in the community, in the workplace, in service clubs and the list goes on.
And even more importantly it is an organization that friendships are built that last for a lifetime. Relationships where mentoring is ongoing and well received, encouraging one another to better themselves in the skill set they are developing. Being there to support when the challenges arise, sharing tools of the trade to meet those challenges and more.
It’s about developing the servant leader; a leader is no leader if they have not walked in the steps of those they are leading. A leader is one who has the skills they have developed to coach, mentor and motivate their team. A leader realizes that without that team they would not be successful.
I have had the privilege of being awarded the Area Governor of the Year in District 21 during the year of 2011. I received this award with pride, not only because of my accomplishment, but because of the District Leaders who supported me, the Club executives who walked alongside and were successful in their roles. It was a team effort that allowed me to be blessed with an award that I share with all today.
I ask you today:
Do you want to become a better leader in your service club, a better supervisor, a better professional or business person?
Do you want to overcome the fear of standing up in front of a group to share your vision, your dream or chairing a meeting?
Are you filling a position that has been assigned to you that you would not necessarily have chosen, do you want to be the best you can be in that position?
I invite you to check out our local Toastmasters Clubs, clubs in Area 45 are:
Terrace Toastmasters (Terrace)
Nechako Toastmasters (Kitimat)
Bulkley Valley Toastmasters (Smithers)
Prince Rupert Toastmasters (Prince Rupert)
For more information you can go to www.toastmastersinternational.org, find a club.
You can also contact me at mrnorman@citywest.ca or 250-635-2151.