Page 16 - aprl 2017 Voices

JOURNEYS

From Silent to Not—Ruth Geislinger

by Brinn Hemmingson, ACG, CL

When Ruth first visited a Toastmasters group voice to discuss concerns the disabled have over
(Columbia Center, now Moser Community) it transit, housing, and other issues. She assists
was roughly 15 years ago. And it took about 3 other people in the disabled community to access
meetings before she could even tell Dick Moser assistance that is available.
her name. Having a disability was bad enough— Ruth would say to people, “Toastmasters
but in her family, she was physically struck is like family. The friendships we make are
repeatedly, to encourage her to stay quiet. Abuse enduring. We open up and share of ourselves in
and disabilities coupled to make for a silence our clubs, and in many ways we are vulnerable.
she could hardly overcome. Yet, overcome it she But our clubs provide safe havens for us.”
did, thanks in large part to the late Dick Moser. The opportunities for growth are huge.
From saying her name to giving her Anyone who knew Ruth when she first joined
icebreaker, Ruth began to find herself—and a Toastmasters compared to now would be
new family, too. Toastmasters was a safe place to amazed. Once silent, she is far more confident.
grow, to speak, and to cry. Friendships were and She contributes. Now, Ruth has a vision for
are a huge part of what Toastmasters is for Ruth. herself and others.
Ruth has been a member of one Toastmasters
group, but she has been the Sergeant-at-Arms
many times. One day, she asked to be . .
President! She was the Club President for one
term. Over time she began to participate more
and more, volunteering at the conferences and
even competing. She served as Area Governor
(with some assistance since Ruth does not drive).
Two years ago Ruth decided to set her sights
on earning her DTM. She hoped to work with
Special Olympics to bring Toastmasters to them.
While that goal did not come to pass, Ruth did
earn her DTM! I was on her team. I was one of
those fortunate enough to see her get her award.
Ruth uses her Toastmasters skills to encourage
others and to broaden the lives of many people.
She currently goes to Salem to see Governor
Kate Brown. Ruth is on the Budget Committee
and Housing Committee, and she brings her
Ruth Geislinger, DTM

It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now

that I have it, I am not going to be silent.

Madeleine Albright

16 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 10 APRIL, 2017