Page 24 - November 2017 Voices
P. 24
SUCCESSFUL CLUB
DOWNTOWN PUBLIC SPEAKERS
by Abraham Alfaro, CC
Every Thursday, something special use every role in the Leadership manual
happens in Eugene. to maximize member experience. We
Obviously, I’m biased. As the president include a Humorist at almost every meeting.
of Downtown Public Speakers (#595492), Everyone who participates receives applause.
promoting my club is my secondary duty. We celebrate the accomplishments of our
We have an eleven-year streak of Select/ members. We have themed meetings (I’ll
President’s Distinguished. We’ve been well- never forget Mary W.’s Backwards Meeting);
represented in all four contests throughout we have creative Table Topics (Donna’s Beach
those years, with members repeatedly Ball, Rachel’s Book Club). We invite guests
making it to the District stage. We have as to ask questions and speak with members
members three current District officers: two after the meeting; some members are able
to be available specifically so guests have this
Area Directors and the District Director. I can opportunity.
count on one hand the number of times over Fun can be work; half-empty agendas
the past forty-four months we haven’t filled minutes before the meeting opens are
every leadership role on our agenda; this can stressful. There are ongoing projects I will be
be a last-minute challenge as work conflicts following-up on after I finish writing this, and
arise. Of course I consider us a special group. I am planning another, very special project
My primary duty as club president, in January. I’ll be emailing some members
however, is to ensure our members have fun. we haven’t seen in a while, just to check in
Shaun McCrea (club president, 2013-2014) and say hi. Nonetheless, the knowledge that
declared the theme for her term was “to have the members of Downtown Public Speakers
fun at every meeting.” It has become our place so much value on our meetings makes
brand identity: “Downtown Public Speakers me proud to serve.
– the Fun Club.” We laugh at every meeting. *“Joybandits” is a reference to the D7 Fall
Members regularly speak about spending Conference where I hosted the Table Topics
Monday looking forward to Thursday, not contest—if you couldn’t attend, the word
Friday. They speak about coming to meetings means exactly what it seems.
feeling as if they have just been mugged
by joybandits* yet leaving with hearts
overflowing with positive energy. We’re a Fun is one of the most important
tidal wave club; the energy our meetings —and underrated—ingredients in
generate gets shared afterwards with our
otherwise-desolate, non-Toastmaster any successful venture. If you’re not
coworkers.
As president, my responsibilities include having fun, then it’s probably time
protecting the Downtown Public Speakers to call it quits and try something
brand, ensuring every meeting is fun, and
making every guest and new member feel else. —Richard Branson
welcome. How do we accomplish this? We
24 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 5 NOVEMBER, 2017
