Page 34 - January 2021 Voices

GLEANINGS FROM THE GROVE
a key to turn in the lock, these experiences may
be lessened or disappear entirely without you-the
human key.
Toastmasters is a volunteer run, volunteer
delivered, and volunteer staffed program—
recently hailed and praised as one of the best
leadership development programs in the world.
You can be part of that beyond what you may
be currently doing, a club member and/or club
officer of your local organization. There are
around one hundred positions needed each year
for this District to support Clubs in their mission.
It is not too early to seek out what you may feel
you are best at, have the skills for, and the heart
to perform for us all. District Leadership offers
training seminars, webinars, opportunitites to
work one-on-one with Clubs as Club Coaches or
Area Directors, and many other roles that need
34 ONE COMMUNITY
to be filled.
What is it that you may want to do this
program year? What in your personal “toolbox”
of being a Toastmaster can you offer to the
District as a whole? Perhaps it is as simple as
being a good listener, honing your evaluation
skills, mastering your Path—all of this requires
a key to do so. You, fellow Toastmaster, could be
that very “key”!
Areas and Divisions are hosting the
International Speech and Speech Evaluation
contests. A myriad of volunteers are needed
including ballot counters, sergeant-at-arms,
judges. You may be the “key” to one of these
contests!
Here is what I am asking you to do in the
opening weeks of 2021. Look at yourself closely.
Examine yourself for time, commitment,
dedication, and abilities. Look around your Club,
Area, Division and even the District and see if
there is a “locked vault door” that you can be the
“key” to. Above all, remember that “leadership
is service, not position” and that “it’s never too
late for beginning in your life.”
Spray on the WD-40 if you need to. Take
your time and see if you are a “good” fit. Turn
and wait for the click. The door is now open to
you. . . and you are the key!
2020-2021 District Leadership Nominations Now Open