Page 34 - November 2020 Voices

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Why Distinguished Clubs Matter

Donna Stark, DTM, PDD

I work for an organization that’s big on acronyms. in the path they have chosen. The Club helps
There are BARFs (Budget Adjustment Request members succeed by providing encouragement,
Forms), and PEPIs (Privately Engineered Public support, and meaningful feedback to members

Improvements), and the last time I asked for as they work through projects. Each project a
computer support I was informed there was member completes contributes to the Club’s
a PEBKAC issue (Problem Exists Between success and a culture of excellence.
Keyboard and Chair). Apparently, I also work Goals 7 and 8, Membership – Dynamic Clubs

with comedians. have members with varying levels of experience.
Toastmasters has its share of acronyms, too. Turnover is inevitable. New members bring
EC1, DTM, DCP (you are familiar with the DCP, a fresh perspective. New members provide
aren’t you?). I’m a big fan of the Distinguished opportunities for more experienced members

Club Program. Used in conjunction with the to serve as mentors. I really enjoy Ice Breaker
Club Success Plan, it’s a guide to Club success presentations, and new members present Ice
and member success. The Club’s success is the Breakers! Seeing new Toasties improve their
member’s success. The member’s success is the skills, find their voice, and gain confidence is

Club’s success. You can’t have one without the one of the things that keeps me in Toastmasters!
other. Goal 9, Training – Club officers that attend
Paraphrasing the Club mission statement, training for their roles are better equipped to
the purpose of a Toastmasters Club is to provide perform successfully in those roles. A fully

an environment in which members develop trained officer team is a key indicator for Club
skills, self-confidence, and experience personal success, and a great motivator to other members
growth. We often hear about the DCP from a to step up and try an officer role. Everyone
Club perspective. Let’s take a look at the 10 DCP benefits! (Hint – TLI is scheduled for December

goals and why each is important to the member. 5th!)
Goals 1 through 6, Education – It’s true that Goal 10, Administration – also known as
Toastmasters is a learn by doing organization. submitting membership dues and the Club officer
Members improve their communication and list – A well-run Club takes care of business (if

leadership skills by working through the projects you went to high school when I did, Bachman

34 ONE COMMUNITY