Page 46 - June 2020

ONLINE CONNECTIONS

From Rural Oregon to the World

Michelle Alba-Lim, DTM

When Roseburg Speakers and Storytellers held parts of the world. The club VPPR posted event
its inaugural meeting on March 30, you could announcements in various Facebook groups,
count the active club members on the fingers of including the Toastmasters International
one hand. The club’s move to the Myrtle Creek Members Only Group.

Public Library (from its former venue at Seven What happened on that fateful Monday
Feathers Casino Resort) and change of name to morning was totally unexpected. Guests started
Feather Communicators (from Feather Tongues) zooming in from all over the world, some an
had not resulted in the hoped-for prospects and hour before the meeting was scheduled to start!

members from the local community. Despite Energized, enthused, and encouraged by
numerous marketing and promotional efforts, the unexpected turnout, the handful of club
rural Oregonians did not seem interested in members quickly cobbled together a full meeting
Toastmasters, nor the Pathways education agenda - thanks to guests who jumped in to fill

program. open roles.
After considerable discussion, the club
decided to move from Myrtle Creek to Elmer’s Thus began the club’s incredible turnaround…
in Roseburg, and change its name to Roseburg

Speakers and Storytellers (RSS). With this move, From a few members at the end of March,
RSS hoped to attract early-birds in Roseburg Roseburg Speakers and Storytellers rapidly
and neighboring areas. RSS also hoped to attract increased membership. As this article goes to
prospects from across the USA as well as other press, the club has 18 paid members from over a

46 ONE COMMUNITY