Page 50 - July 2020
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working the program. For instance, Kathleen says rather than demanding a certain action. She aims
that WE Toasted Toastmasters gives Ice Breaker to get at the underlying attitudes and change the
mints to every member who delivers an Ice dynamic by offering support and encouragement
Breaker speech. (In these COVID-19 times, such to follow the Toastmasters way.
presents are sent by mail.) Part of an Area Director’s follow through is
to make their visits valuable for Clubs. For this
Follow Through Kathleen says to visit at least four times a year, or
With a plan, and with fun on the agenda, it’s twice the minimum. Schedule visits as early as
time to follow through. Kathleen advises that possible in July and August, even if just to say hello.
Clubs revisit their Club Success Plan quarterly Attend an officers meeting and get them thinking
and revise it as needed for best results. about building membership for September
Nadine recommends regular conversations, renewals. Ask if they need help with an open
starting right away, between Club officers and house. After the winter holidays, get them going
the Area Director. “Since Zoom meetings are on a membership drive for March renewals. They
convenient, the Area Director should really can also encourage officer training and webinar
introduce themselves to their Clubs at the attendance throughout the year.
beginning and start to engage with them. Check in
once a month. I think that the Area Director needs Final Thoughts
to have an open conversation at the beginning As Nadine looks forward to another term
of the year with the officers to see what their as Area 65 Director, she says, “There is a lot to
objectives are, listen to their concerns, and offer do this year. I would like to be sure everyone
help.” Both parties should “ask, ask, ask questions, is on Pathways and Clubs are growing their
especially now that we are going through lots of membership online.”
changes.” Kathleen adds, “The Toastmasters experience
While some high-performing Clubs may should be lifting you up. It is a tool, not an anchor.
sail through the year with less need for an Area Think about the benefit, not the amount of work
Director’s help, Kathleen says that Clubs facing to be done,” for an enjoyable and productive year.
challenges such as low membership need extra If you haven’t heard from your Area Director
support. In such cases, “the more engaged you can yet, search for them here. And when your Area
get the Area Director to be with your Club, the Director calls, roll out the welcome mat.
better.” She recommends Area Directors “come Erik Bergman, DTM, is president of WE Toasted
with a ‘how can I help you?’ attitude. They should Toastmasters in Lake Oswego and Vice President of
experience the Club, get to know it, and assess Education of TV Toastmasters in Beaverton.
the situation.” By using listening skills, asking
questions, and establishing rapport, they will
build trust and mutual respect.
When a Club faces a challenge such as
resistance to Pathways, Kathleen suggests the Area
Director ask if they would like Pathways training
50 ONE COMMUNITY
