Page 34 - February 2021 Voices

FIELD NOTES

PATHWAYS? WHY NOT?

Cleon Cox, DTM

It was almost 27 years ago that a new friend At this same time I was continuing to
suggested I check out Toastmasters International. mature. Little by little I found my goal changed
He was a most sage person in my mind, and I to assisting others in attaining their goals and
wasn’t too sure why he made the suggestion. I encouraging them to reach for the stars.

mean, I took speech in college and had overcome Now we have Pathways. We have grown and
the fear part. Yet, something led me to check made changes before but this was a big change
them out. I picked up the phone book and for us all. Without growth and change, it is hard
found Toastmasters International. I called them, to adapt to the world around us. Those of us

sharing my area and address. Lou Webb sent that have been around for a long time have seen
me a printed sheet showing clubs in my area. solid, long-term businesses come and go (Sears,
You know what? There was a club several blocks Monkey Wards, REA, White Front, W.T. Grant,
from my home. Greyhound) and the list goes on. Toastmasters

That is how it all started. have worked long and hard to improve what we
I joined Wallmasters International a few were used to.
weeks later. Why wouldn’t I? The folks were Then along came Pathways! The new and
friendly, fun, and nice to me. improved Toastmasters program. Some folks,

From there it was about learning how the club I’ve heard, aren’t too interested in moving on and
meetings functioned, manuals for the education into Pathways. I also began wondering if I really
portion, and speech contests twice a year both wanted to convert to Pathways, even though I
in and beyond the club. I soon learned it wasn’t understood the distinct value in today’s world.

all about getting over the fear of presenting. For I’ve already attained my DTM and am really not
me, it was about learning to listen better, giving worried about attaining another.
better feedback, and becoming part of the group. Then it struck me that it’s not about me. There
The supportive environment seemed to assist is much more to learn. I had to ask myself, “do

members to grow faster and learn more, yet it I really want to go through a whole new way to
took a few years for me to recognize this feature. do what I’ve been doing for the past 26 years?”
I began to see how positive feedback, along with It’s all I can do to keep up with my passwords.
suggestions, worked pretty well. I began seeing and hearing less seasoned

34 ONE COMMUNITY