Page 22 - Voices Feb 2018
P. 22
JOURNEYS
Addicted to
Toastmasters
Brinn Hemmingson, ACG, CL
Meet John Rodke, current District Program Conference Volunteer Coordinator, Presenter
Quality Director, who’s in four clubs! Why? for multiple Conferences and TLI’s, Club
“I figured it would be a great way to network Growth Director (1/2 term for the end of 2016-
at Los Alamos National Laboratories, where 2017 year) and the Program Quality Director
I worked after college. My Father had been (Current).
lighting a fire under me to join throughout Outside of leadership, John thinks he’s given
college. I finally listened. I am sure glad I did.” maybe 320 speeches? He has 27 educational
Clubs: The University of Oregon Toastmasters awards in book levels! There’s Pathways, and
– Roles: Club Coach formerly and now Resident almost DTM #3. John’s competed also (Table
DTM. This is his teaching club. Yawn Patrol – Topics, Evaluation, and the International
Roles: President, VPE, VPM, Secretary, Treasurer. Speech contest).
This is John’s “experimental laboratory! The club Rodke says, “This amazing organization
is open to new ideas, and encourages antics and has enabled me to help people transcend
flights of imagination disguised as creativity.” themselves by discovering their stories,
Gateway Toastmasters – Roles: Club Coach and overcoming their fears, and building tangible
VPM. Its a storytelling focused club Donna Stark depths of expertise and confidence. Through
and John are reviving with some amazing veteran helping others, I have exponentially improved
Toastmasters and new members in the Eugene/ my own leadership and communication
Springfield area. As We Speak Toastmasters abilities.
– Roles: Past VP PR. John is a virtual member “We are all story tellers. Toastmasters
of this powerhouse club based in Albuquerque, allows you to be aware of what you are telling
New Mexico. The club focuses on achieving the world, and provides a supportive network
Accredited Speaker Designation. Accredited of amazing mentors to help you hone your
Speakers are monthly guests, training members stories to be the ones you want to share. The
on how to grow while achieving this designation. look of ecstasy, awe, and rapture that flows
They meet via Zoom. This club inspired District across a person’s face as they break out of
7 to acquire the Zoom platform. their comfort zone, into their growth zone,
District roles: Area 31 Governor, Division B succeeding, is absolutely amazing. Developing
Director (1/2 term, jumped into Club Growth these opportunities for people is what drives
Director) District Realignment Committee, me.“
22 ONE COMMUNITY
