CHRIS' CORNER

Volume 2, Issue 7

February 14, 2007

Here is the 7th issue of Volume 2 of Chris’ Corner, covering the activities of January 07, and of course anything else of importance, or that I want to say.  Items to be covered:

• Training
• Educational Goals
• Contests / Conferences
• Next Year’s Officers
• Chris’ Clinic
• Training:  Many Divisions have conducted Officer Training.  I have entered all the officers trained thus far (except ½ of Division A as I do not as of yet have the list).  This includes training done by the District, Division A (partial), Division B, Division D, Division E, Division F, Division G, and a few Area sessions.  Please look at the list on line and let me know if there are discrepancies.  All training must be completed by February 28.  Division C has a make up training next Thursday (02/22) at 5:30 at IBX.  Please let Dannielle Frierson know if you wish to attend.
• Educational Goals:  The district recently sent out a letter and list to Presidents and VPEs of those who have been members for several years and not achieved a CC (old CTM), or an AC (old ATM).  The list from TI is imperfect, as some members awards are not listed.  People that have left and come back, changed names, clubs or got ancient awards may have bee erroneously flagged.  Also, we neglected to remove Old CLs from the list – they obviously had achieved a CTM.  The purpose is NOT to point fingers or bully clubs into getting awards, but to help clubs help their members achieve and get credit for their work.  Thank you to the many officers who responded, and also gave us some valuable hints on how to conduct this exercise in the future.
  
  As of February 13 we have 78 CCs (June 30 goal 203) and 22 ACs (Goal 58).  Thank you all, your achievements are beginning to pile up.  Lets keep getting credit for the work we are doing.
• Contests / Conferences:  Please check the website to see when your contest is - and please list your Area and Division Contests on the website.  The spring cycle is International Speech and Evaluation.  Any member is eligible to compete in the evaluation contest.  A member must have completed 6 speeches to be eligible for the International Speech Contest.  Clubs Chartered After June 30, 2006 are exempt from the 6 speech rule.
  
  A few reminders:  Clubs in Areas that have 4 or clubs or less, may send a 2 contestants to each contest.  A club can select contestants any way they wish – but if it is by contest, must follow the rules.  Remember that an evaluation contest needs a model speaker – please give him/her some time to prepare.  I have ordered trophies (not engraved) for all Area and Division Contests. 
  

The District Level Contests will be on Saturday April 28 at the District Conference in Grantville, PA.  The Region Level Contest will be on Saturday June 23 at the Region VII Conference in Philadelphia, PA.

Participating in contests, whether as a contestant, judge, model speaker, contest chair, toastmaster of the day, Interviewer or even spectator is a great learning experience.  Please support your club, area, division by attending and participating.  You will also have a good time.

• Next Year’s Officers:  Division Governors and Lt Governors and the District Governor will be elected at the District 38 Business meeting on Saturday April 28 at the Contest.  There are forms on the District Website if you wish to run or nominate someone.
  
  The incoming District Governor (you still have time to run against me) will be appointing Area Governors and the rest of the District Staff.  Please let me know if you are interested or have recommendations.  Start looking for Club Officers now.  It is not to early.
• Chris’ Clinic:  The last calls were on SUNDAY January 7th and February 11th at 8:01 pm.  and February 11. The February 11 call would have been about how quality meetings boost membership – but no one called in until after 8:30 and I was not on the line.  However, the  January 7 call was well attended and we talked about the HPLP and rules of the new educational program.  I was a little off as the Giants had just lost their play off game, but the call was useful to those who called in.
  
  We will try again on Sunday March 11 for Quality Meetings = Membership Growth.  Please remember, these calls are for you, and there is Q&A at the end.

What I would like to see happen – still.

• Sunday Night Toastmasters, Chris’ Clinic, You Make the Call:  My vision – a few people call in on time.
• Educational Awards:  My vision – people will get their books signed and turn in their awards.  Maybe even use the CL book too.  If you help with a contest, a membership drive, a PR campaign, or even take part in a meeting – get credit!  It’s easy.
• Area Governor Visits:  My vision – Area Governors will visit each club, give a manual speech, and complete one assignment in the new CL book at each visit.
• Training: My vision – every club will make an effort to get their officers trained and the Area and Division Governors will call each club and encourage them
• Contests:  My vision – Each club and area will have a contest and there will be at least 4 contestants in each.  Also, the contests will be well attended and run properly.

• Websites, www.toastmasters.org (check your information) & www.tmdistrict38.org
   
  So long ‘til next time, Chris

NEXT CHRIS’ CLINIC, March 11, 8:01pm
Subjects:  Quality Meetings = Membership Growth, Q&A
605-772-3200 code 354724#

chris.rio@verizon.net
609-390-2326 (h)
609-485-6421(w)
609-425-5472 (c)