CHRIS' CORNER

Volume 2, Issue 10

May 5, 2007

Normal Edition, the regular stuff again.

Fellow Toastmasters:  Like the last 12 Issues, this does not have much important information!
Reminder:  OLD CL NEWS – CHRIS WAS WRONG…CCs COUNT for OLD CL!

This 10th issue of Volume 2 of Chris’ Corner (non special edition), will cover:

• Spring Conference Recap:                   
• District Realignment Update:                
• Proxies                                    
• Transition Planning                               
• Incoming Officer Training                     
• Members Bill of Rights             

• Repeat from last month:  IMPORTANT OLD CL UPDATE.  ANYONE CAN GET AN OLD CL.  Verified with TI.  Irrespective of when someone joined or joins Toastmasters or when they got their CTM or CC – All you need do is complete the requirements using a CC or CTM before June 30, 2008.  No new CL is needed, but if you have a new CL you can get an Advanced Leader Bronze.  Either of those awards can be used for the new Advanced Leader Silver.

• Spring Conference:  A good time was had by all.  Thank you Conference Team, all who helped, and all who attended.  Our Immediate Past International President (Dr. Dilip), International Director (Val Albert),  Past World Speech Champion (Craig Valentine) and several of our own Toastmasters presented educational sessions.  Congratulations to:  John Bell, Evaluation Contest Winner; Shaun Doyle, International Speech Contest Winner; Charlie Tremendous Jones, C&L recipient, and Evelyn Easton, John Foster Award Winner.  Congratulations also to District Elected and Appointed Staff:

• District Governor:                     Chris Rio
• Lt.Gov of Ed&Trng:                 Veronica Laino
• Lt.Gov of Marketing:                Lauren Kuik
• Div A Governor:                       Ash Bhargave
• Div B Governor:                       Reggie Waller
• Div C Governor:                       Kyle Zieba
• Div D Governor:                       Janice Swierczek
• Div E Governor:                       Terrance McMann
• Div F Governor:                       Pat Lehnert
• Public Relations Officer Paula Tomko
• Treasurer:                                 Rei Fuller
• Secretary:                                 Holly Cyrus

Appointments for remaining staff &Area Governors will be announced shortly.  Please let me know if you have confusion as to whether or not you have been selected as an Area Governor.  Also incoming staff will need to sign an officer release form for Toastmasters International to keep on file.

District Realignment:  It passed (a slightly modified version) at the Conference.  Relax, its only Toastmasters.  All realignment does is affect what Area and Division you compete in.  You can do all your other business the same way you always did, you can even have your joint contests the same way, etc.  The details are on the District Website.  It takes effect on July 1 – DOES NOT AFFECT this years Distinguished Club, Area Division Program.  The main changes were:  Area A13 went do E13 and A and G were combined.  The areas in C were realigned.  D5 split into 2 Areas (5&14).  D19 and D20 became F19 and F20.  F14 is no more and B&F areas realigned geographically.

• Proxies:  Regional & International Proxies:  Club Presidents should have received them in the mail.  Your club can 1)  Attend and vote,  Assign another Toastmaster to vote for your club, or 2) return a proxy to the District Governor (Stephen Fingerman) who will cast your vote at Regional, and give to the incoming DG for the International Conference.  If you are not attending please either assign another Toastmaster or Mail your proxy(ies) to the return address - Bill Zdankiewicz.  His name/address is on the form. He will ensure your proxy gets forwarded to Stephen or the incoming DG.

• Transition Planning:  This will be the subject of the Chris’ Clinic call on May 13.  The focus will be on wrapping up this Toastmaster Year’s paper work, and handing the baton to next year’s team.

• Incoming Officer Training:  This will be from 9:00-1:00 on June 16 (somewhere in the greater Philly Area).  It is important for Area and Division Governors to attend.  Club Officers may also attend, but will have other opportunities for Division Sponsored Training. 

• Members Bill of Rights:  The District theme for 2007-2008 will be “It’s the Member – not the Number”.  I feel we will be even more effective if the focus on serving individual Toastmaster rather than Club, Area, Division or District Goals.  The goals are still important, but should be used, as a tool, to help us meet the members needs.  I have developed a Members Bill of Rights (attached) that I ask each club to adopt.

Things that need doing:

• Educational Awards:  Please turn in awards for your members so they can get credit for their achievements, and those wonderful certificates and letters from TI and our recognition committee.
• Lapsed Members:  Clubs should go over their roster and invite lapsed members back.  Many do not even know they are lapsed..
• Training:  My vision – Please attend the June 16th District Sponsored Training.

So long ‘til next time,

Chris, NDG (Next District Governor or No Darn Good – depending on your perspective)
NEXT CHRIS’ CLINIC, Sunday May 13, 8:01pm
Subjects:  Transition Planning
605-772-3200 code 354724#

chris.rio@verizon.net
609-390-2326 (h)
609-485-6421(w)
609-425-5472 (c)