Page 32 - 2019 February

FIELD NOTES

Givers and Receivers

A Discussion on Mentoring

Paul Fanning, DTM - Division F Director

It’s now 48 years old. The ribbon is a little faded, of life is a life of purpose.” I benefitted from the
the silver a bit tarnished and the bronze palm a mentor-protégé process.

tad dull, but it is in a shadow box prominently When I joined Toastmasters, I wasn’t a spring
hanging on the wall. It represents one of the chicken (more of a “fall” one). I found a gentleman
proudest moments of my life—the night I who had the funny initials—“DTM”— after his
received my Eagle Scout Award. name who guided me through my Icebreaker
It was the culmination of my youth Scouting and first speech. Being a little older than the
career that had taken eight years of advancement majority of the club members, there were one or
from a mere Bobcat in the Cub Scouts until then. two younger members who I could assist in their
While tradition dictated that your mother progress through the program as I eventually
or father pin the actual silver eagle medal on earned my Competent Communicator award.

you, it was “Uncle Bob” Lambert, our District No one gave me a manual, or shared official
Executive, a professional Scouter, who did the material with me, and I hoped and prayed that
honor. Bob had been my mentor since the day I would “do no harm.”
he knocked on our door two years before and Being an avid science fiction reader, someone
would remain so for the next twelve years until gave me the book The Giver by Lois Lowry to
he retired. Yes, I learned many valuable lessons read and comment on (yes, I am opinionated!).
from my parents, teachers, and leaders, but being Briefly, the young adult novel is about a future

Mr. Lambert’s protégé was the icing on the cake Utopian society devoid of color (literally) whereby
and the cherry on the sundae of my life. everyone knows by age 12 what he or she will be
What I learned, practiced and perfected from doing for the state for the rest of their lives. Jonas
him was more than mere knots and lashings, is the last youth of his peers to be selected and
compass reading and wilderness camping. It was given the unique role “Receiver of Memories,”
an understanding of what was expected of me who would advise and guide the council of the
in the future—a life of leadership and service community.
to others. I have tried to live up to and emulate “The Giver” was the current holder of
those expectations my entire adult life. that role, and it was he who held all the

Bob was a Vietnam veteran, family man, memories, history and actions of the society.
and God-fearing individual who imparted his We in Toastmasters are in a unique position
wisdom, experience and the good, the bad and as well. In our local clubs, new members often
the ugly of the world. What I learned from Bob lack self-confidence in their ability to deliver
can be summed up in the saying “the purpose speeches, fulfill weekly club meeting roles and

32 ONE COMMUNITY