Founders District Home > Founder Main > Spring 2005 Contents > Division A Report

Division A’s Achievements

By Norm Stein, DTM, Division Governor

Leadership Confidence Opportunities

The Toastmasters who serve our Founder’s District in leadership positions have been busy assuring that each of our more than 200 clubs have well-trained officers. The period for training has ended and now other tasks dominate our time. Along with April dues, member retention, contests and new Club building, is the realization that in four months the Toastmaster year will end and a new slate of District Officers needs to be recruited and in place to carry on the goals of our worldwide organization.

There are about 52 District leadership service opportunities. We have over 4,000 members in this District so it works out that about 1 to 2 percent of the members will be recruited to fill positions from District Governor to Area Governor and several interesting opportunities in-between. There are other leadership opportunities in addition to the 52, but I am considering only those positions that provide credit for members toward achieving their Advanced Leader Award.

At first glance, recruiting people desiring leadership opportunities seems an easy task. Toastmasters is the world’s largest public speaking and leadership training organization, and here is a perfect opportunity to gain experience in leadership. Given the way we are structured, the leadership experience is parallel to what a member would find useful in industry, education, military and other professional organizations. What authentic experience to add to one’s resume of professional accomplishments. What an opportunity!

Why, therefore, is there always a struggle to find Toastmasters eager to fill these relatively few positions in an organization of this size? I think the reluctance is primarily based on two reasons–time and confidence. Time, as they say, is relative. Yes, it does take time to be a Founder’s District Officer. I, and my colleagues in district leadership, will assure you that it is time well spent. Talk to a district officer about the rewards versus time and I know you will get a positive response about the rewards of their leadership office.

Confidence, I believe, is the biggest problem. In our quiet moments, we ask ourselves, “Can we successfully handle the tasks?” I can think of no other place than Toastmasters where the answer should be “Yes.” The support and training you will find in leadership is the same kind of support and training you have been given in your Communication Track progress.

The “mission” remains the same, “to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills.” Just as you have received support in your public speaking growth, you will receive even more support in your leadership growth. Don’t miss out on this vital and rewarding career building opportunity. When asked, say yes. Better yet, don’t wait to be asked. Talk to one of the current District Officers about leadership opportunities. They will be eager to get you started on the right track–the Toastmasters Leadership Track.

To be thrown upon one’s own resources
is to be cast into the very lap of fortune,
for our faculties then undergo a development