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Beyond the Classroom. . .

Phyllis Harmon, DTM, PDG - Publisher/Editor

The end of the Toastmasters year is upon us . . . again. What have you learned,
taught, or shared this past year? Have you been a voice in your community?
I think there comes a time when the student must step outside the classroom

and put to use all they have learned. We live in tumultuous times and our voices
are sorely needed. It doesn’t matter the cause you are passionate about, you
can make a difference in its outcome. We may have differing social mores and
values, but our common Toastmasters training affords us to be more than who

we are today.
Pathways prepares us with opportunities to facilitiate discussions or create
blogs as well as many other projects that can help hone our skills. There are free
platforms where we can develop our brands, share our thoughts, and develop

virtual communities. All it takes is the courage to do so. Consider responding
respectfully to blogs with alternate points of view. The discussion might be
invigorating and give you an opportunity to add depth and width to someone
else’s point of view (or your own). You might also discover that you are not

alone—others may be fellow travelers on your road to enlightenment. EDITORIAL
I am often reminded that Ralph Smedley, the founder of Toastmasters,
started the organization to help young men develop communication skills to
become leaders in business, community, and politics. How can we do any less

than employ the skills we have learned to do the same?
There is no time like the present to step out of the classroom. Take what you
have learned and use it to support your cause and
community.

Volume 8 Issue 12 June 2022 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
Harvey Schowe, DTM Public Relations Manager
Senior Editor Jennifer Schmidt, EH2 Program Quality Director Stephana Johnson, DL3
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Jim Robison, DTM 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

Cover Photo: Langstone Quay near Havant, Hampshire, England
VOICES! | JUNE 2022 3