Page 3 - voices.may2018

Observations. . .

Phyllis A. Harmon, DTM - Editor/Publisher

Where did this Toastmasters year go? Wasn’t July last month? (Sometimes I
feel like Rip Van Winkle—who woke up years later after encountering the headless
horseman one fateful evening.)
As I review the year and what’s been accomplished, I’m happy to see that our
members are stepping into Pathways, a few at a time. Those who follow new idea
trends will recognize that, we as a District, are on track. The momentum towards full
adoption is beginning to ramp up as people hear about the benefits the new program
provides. Cate Arnold and James Wantz have been at the forefront of the movement
with the AAA award and Pathways Academy. Kudoes to them!
We seem less focused this year on participating in the Distinguished Club program,
which is too bad. I believe that members working together towards common goals
generate a magnetic energy that attracts visitors to our doors. With about 6 weeks
to go, there is still time to step up our game.
District leaders are recognizing the value of using TV and radio to market our
organization. I had another call from someone the other day who wanted to know
about Toastmasters. When I asked how she learned about us, she replied “Well, I
heard your ad on the radio, and . . .” Kudoes to both Leanna Lindquist, Immediate Past EDITORIAL
District Director, and Mitch Priestley, TV Toastmasters club president, for launching
the District into the world of media.
I’ve gotten great feedback on the new look of Voices! I’d planned a total revamp to
roll out in July, but that’s been set aside for another year. Changes that will continue
are bigger, brighter graphics. There is an ongoing, open invitation for writers to submit
material for publication. With our worldwide distribution model, writers from across
the globe are encouraged to submit their work. The caveat is that submissions must
tie back to Toastmasters in some tenuous fashion. Please contact me for more detail
at phyllis.harmon@d7toastmasters.org.
Final observation as this year winds to a close—it’s been a good year.
We continue to support each other, stretching and growing, and
keeping the mission and vision alive. Kudoes to all of us! Well done!

Volume 4 Issue 8 February 2018 Monthly Columnists 2017-18 Officers Administrative Manager
Publisher Donna Stark, DTM District Director Crystal Pugh, ACB, ALB
Phyllis Harmon, DTM John Rodke, DTM Donna Stark, DTM
Emilie Taylor, DTM Public Relations Manager
Associate Publisher Leanna Lindquist, DTM Program Quality Director James Wantz, DTM
Brenda Parsons, ACS, ALS Terry Beard John Rodke, DTM
Brinn Hemmingson, ACG, CL Voices! is published monthly by District 7
Senior Editor Club Growth Director Toastmasters. First issue published August
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Harvey Schowe, DTM Emilie Taylor, DTM 2014. Submit articles or contact us at
James Wantz, DTM voices@d7toastmasters.org
Associate Editor Future Stars Gavel Club Finance Manager
Leanna Lindquist, DTM Lee Coyne, ATMS Karen Sempervivo, DTM

VOICES! | MAY, 2018 3