In this first issue of the 2005–2006 year, we focused on the voices of Founder’s District leaders. We wanted to begin the year by presenting messages from our new leaders of their vision for the next year and combine them with lessons learned by some of our most successful leaders from the last term. We also briefly introduced a new section, “Best Practices.”
In upcoming issues, we want to highlight Best Practices by clubs that are finding ways to solve nagging problems that other clubs also battle, such as turnover in corporate clubs resulting from layoffs, mergers, and reassignments. (Read how the Vons Club was finally able to turn their struggle with membership around.) Similarly, community clubs often face problems shared by other community clubs. If your club has found a way to slay these club killers, we want to hear about what you did. Let’s use these pages to share our problem-solving knowledge and help one another grow stronger; write articles detailing what you did.
High Performance Leadership projects offer opportunities for each of us to apply what we’re learning and craft our own special projects. If you have completed an HPL project that you think was unique or particularly interesting, write an article and tell us in depth what you did. Our aim is to help more members see just how much they can personalize the Toastmasters program to serve their own needs and interests, so please share your ideas and successes. (Read the article on HPL by Jean Andresen, DTM.)
Do you belong to a club that has a unique focus? We want to read all about it. Write an article telling readers what makes it unique and how it serves the needs of the members.
As we look for ways to take Toastmasters into the community, nowhere is sharing our communication and leadership skills more important than among our youths. If you have conducted or are conducting a Youth Leadership Program, write about it. Describe the how you set it up, unforeseen challenges, the victories, and the setbacks; tell us how the program affects the youths. Take our readers inside and let them see what coordinating a Youth Leadership Program is all about.
Other ideas for articles? We want to hear about them. This is your newsletter; these are your pages. We want to hear your voices, so start writing. You can send me your articles or write to discuss ideas at editor@lsharrison.com.