Page 49 - July 2020

3 Ways to Engage With Your Area Director

Erik Bergman, DTM

Success Plan and set goals together.

As a former President of WE Toasted
Toastmasters in Lake Oswego, Kathleen notes that
Clubs committed to a Success Plan are more likely
to reach Distinguished or better status because
“they are inspiring each other and challenging

each other.” On the other hand, Clubs without
goals are unlikely to thrive. The Area Director will
want to see the Club Success Plan when visiting
a Club and can help by giving an inspirational
speech about the value of Pathways or facilitating
a goal-setting session.

Make It Fun Nadine Elbitar, LD5

No goal or plan will work without fun. Yes,
regularly to meetings and have them speak about
fun! So says Nadine Elbitar, LD5, who led Area 65
the importance of growing membership, giving
to Distinguished Area status in 2019-2020 and is
strong evaluations, or any topic that might benefit
serving as its Area Director again this year. She has
the Club. Hearing a speaker from outside the Club
twice been Club President for Mentors of Focus
is one way to keep meetings fun.
Toastmasters in Wilsonville. “It’s important for
Kathleen agrees, while adding, “Make it
the AD to explain to the newly elected team what
challenging. Only by challenging ourselves do
to expect,” Nadine says. “It’s about partnering
we grow.” She believes all Clubs can be better
together to make the club succeed and have a
served if we ask ourselves what are our personal
great, fun year.”
and professional goals, and how do those intersect
When members enjoy their Toastmasters
with our Toastmasters journey? What can each of
experience, they tend to stay engaged, renew their
us do today or at the next meeting to grow and
membership, and pursue educational awards.
to challenge club members?
Nadine aims to offer support, feedback and
To make it fun, celebrate progress, such as by
resources to her Area’s Clubs. Having the Area
honoring members who earn educational awards
Director install the new officers while thanking the
or recruit new members. Tokens of recognition
former officers helps start the new year off right.
build morale and encourage members to keep
She suggests that Clubs invite the Area Director

VOICES! | JULY 2020 49