Page 48 - July 2020
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BACK TO BASICS
3 Ways to Engage With Your Area Director
Erik Bergman, DTM
One of the first questions a newly elected officer can best support the Club. A copy of the report
team might ask is, “Why does our Area Director goes to District leaders and the Club President.
need to visit our club—and what does she want For tips on how club officers can best interact
from us?” with their Area Director, Voices! asked two
Don’t panic, it’s not an IRS audit! Rather, an Toastmasters who have served as both Club
Area Director’s visit is a chance for your club to President and Area Director. Their answers can
connect with key resources and stay informed help your Club throughout the year. They say
about District 7 contests, incentives, and events. three actions matter: Make a plan, make it fun,
The Toastmasters District Leadership Handbook says and follow through.
the Area Director is “the direct liaison between
the district and the clubs.” They conduct visits at Make a Plan
least twice a year within their area to understand Kathleen Tully, DTM and 2018-2019 District
and support club needs. They also gather Club 7 Toastmaster of the Year, says a President
Presidents for Area Council meetings. (especially one new to their Club) and the Area
Their Area Director’s Club Visit Report is the Director should know the Club’s history. She
tool they use to assess a Club’s overall quality. It’s recommends reviewing the Distinguished Club
valuable because it identifies how District leaders reports from the past three to five years. (Go to
Raffety Reports and type in your Club number for
results.) Then they can identify trends, see which
goals were met or not met, and assess strengths
and weaknesses. Honest self-appraisal is the first
step to improvement.
Kathleen then suggests the Club officer team
commit to a Club Success Plan, which outlines
how the Club will achieve the Distinguished
Club Program goals for education, training,
membership, and administration. She says, “If
the officer team commits to it, it has a domino
effect,” because when officers set goals, members
are encouraged to contribute as well. It’s important
Kathleen Tully, DTM for officers and members to buy into their Club
48 ONE COMMUNITY
