Best Practices
Not everyone has the chance to attend college; some do not even finish high school. The Orange County Conservation Corps offers an exceptional opportunity for some to receive the coveted high school certificate. The facility offers a variety of programs to “at-risk youths” to guide them to become part of society and good citizens.
Two years ago, a visionary leader at the Corps, Carlos King, decided to extend the education to include better communication. That decision led to the creation of the Orange County Conservation Corps Club 430. I was one of the lucky ones to attend a few of the first meetings. You may ask, “Why lucky?” It is rather simple; the priceless stories you hear on television describe it well.
I remember my first visit. At first, the climate was rather tense. One gentleman, who was asked a question, wanted so much to tell his stories and speak at length. I wanted to listen and absorb his message, and I felt his misfortune. Then, another was very shy; yet, he spoke eloquently. His story was different—maybe a bump in the road is what Dave Gardner, DTM, PDG, Founder’s District Demo Meeting Coordinator, would call it. Yes, Dave was there for the demonstration meeting, and he certainly had an emotional experience as well.
More meetings opened more surprises. Soon, each one took a turn at answering the Table Topics questions in a fashion I had never experienced before. There was an ambience of hope and respect, yet the themes opened up a new vision of the goals I found in other meetings.
The speeches were absorbing and informative—and often humorous. One member entered the Humorous Speech contest and won all the way to the District. Since the length of the stay at the Corps is only two years, the winner had not had the long years of experience of some of our humorous speakers. Yet, he was good enough to win. What an accomplishment! And what a feather in Carlos King’s hat!
Officers come and go, but leadership is another experience for the personnel and the youths. Immediate Past President John Drom is pleased with what Toastmasters offers. He notes that, already, the OCCC Club 430 has two CTMs: Mario Galindo, the new president, and, of course, the initiator, Carlos King.
Toastmasters opens doors of all kinds. I’m proud to be a member.