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And Because of That . . .

Phyllis Harmon, DTM, PDG - Publisher/Editor

Having been in District leadership eons ago, I am taken aback when
I hear members talk about themselves as “we” and District leaders as
“they.” I am not sure when I began to notice that trend, but it seems to

have become more prevalent during the past couple of Covid years.
I think we are experiencing a breach in our connectedness with each other.
Instead of breathing the same air at Club meetings and larger events, connecting
through touch and proximity, we have become animated postage stamps—
siloed. . .alone. . .shuttered in our own spaces.

And because of that, we no longer take the time or effort to get to know each
other at a more meaningful level. And because of that, we have lost patience
with others who don’t rise to meet our expectations.

It seems to me that we need to develop an attitude of seeking to understand
rather than making assumptions about others that may be way off the mark.
There is no “we” and “they.” There is only “us.” Each member is part of what
makes up the whole. In ever widening circles, we coelesce into this artificial
entity known as “District.”

Each year we identify and elevate members to lead us through another year. EDITORIAL
They step forward taking on roles for which they are unprepared. I guarantee
you that being a Club President does not prepare you for being a Director or

member of the Trio. Leadership is an on-the-job training program supported
by those who went before. And because of that, our leaders muddle through—
sometimes spectacularly, other times not so much. But at the end of the year,
each will have learned valuable management lessons. Which once again proves
that Toastmasters is the place to fall flat, get up, and try again.

So the next time you decide that “they” are not performing to your
expectations, reach out and give them some help. After all,
isn’t that what you would want when you become a “they?”

Volume 8 Issue 03 September 2021 Monthly Columnists 2021-22 Officers Administrative Manager
Publisher David Freedman, IP3 District Director Graham Smith, PM2
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Eldred Brown, DTM Eldred Brown, DTM
Emilie Taylor, DTM Public Relations Manager
Senior Editor Harvey Schowe, DTM Program Quality Director
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Jennifer Schmidt, EH2 Lorri Andersen, DTM
Lee Coyne, ATMS Club Growth Director
Associate Editor Lorri Andersen, DTM Jim Robison, DTM Voices! is published monthly by District 7
Leanna Lindquist, DTM Paul Fanning, DTM Toastmasters. First issue published August
PJ Kleffner, DTM Finance Manager 2014. Submit articles or contact us at
Jamie Gould, CC voices@d7toastmasters.org

VOICES! | SEPTEMBER 2021 3