Leadership Spotlight – George Philip, DTM

A District 38 Member has Empowered Hundreds of Incarcerated Individuals through Toastmasters

George Philip, a longtime member of Princeton Toastmasters Club, has spearheaded the District’s Gavel Clubs for two decades.

Twenty-one years ago, George Philip, DTM, arrived at the Gavel Club Meeting at the New Jersey State Prison (formerly Trenton State Prison), marking the first step in a lifelong, life-changing journey.

“I agreed to attend my first Gavel Meeting out of sheer curiosity,” shared George. He had been invited to a meeting by Leonie Infantry, a member of the Princeton Toastmasters Club. She was instrumental in the development of a Gavel Club in the New Jersey State Prison many years prior.

George was surprised that Gavel Club and Toastmasters Club meetings were similar. They were attended by engaged and eager members and had structured agendas, inspirational speeches, and impromptu speaking.

Two decades later, George is just as invigorated as ever. He visits different New Jersey prisons each month, ready to share the value of Toastmasters with incarcerated persons.

Gavel Clubs Reach Multiple Prisons in New Jersey

George began volunteering at The New Jersey State Prison and expanded his outreach to East Jersey State Prison. Over time, he helped open clubs in three additional locations, including a juvenile youth facility.

Gavel Clubs are offered through Toastmasters International as a way to “provide the Toastmasters experience to a group who may be ineligible for regular membership due to age, or other circumstances.” Gavel Clubs are not only in prisons but can be found in schools, hospitals, or other community settings.

Armed with the knowledge that incarcerated persons greatly benefit from the educational and community-oriented model of Toastmasters, George has dedicated himself to keeping these programs alive, even after a nearly three-year hiatus resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

George’s Volunteer Experience

In many ways, George’s passion and vigor for Gavel Clubs have kept the clubs alive and vibrant in District 38. For the past two decades, he has been a constant presence in the clubs by attending meetings, recruiting volunteers, and coordinating with Toastmasters International to get materials and ensure participants’ accomplishments are recorded. He has even donated his own funds over the years to ensure that the clubs’ dues are paid.

He shares, “After an onboarding period, the clubs run similarly to traditional Toastmasters Clubs, with officer elections, agendas, functionary roles, and more. However, because of the inability to access computers, participants in the Gavel Clubs, through the prison system, use the former Competent Communicator program. When participants finish their tenth speech, I submit their application to Toastmasters International and they receive an official CC certificate and a member number.”

Although the program’s educational value is undoubtedly a motivator behind volunteering in Gavel Clubs, George shares that it’s really the people who have made his volunteer journey so fulfilling.

“Every time I walk in, I’m greeted with a smile. I’m always surprised when someone who may never be released can walk in with a positive attitude and share their love of Toastmasters. It’s changed my entire perspective on life,” shared George. “I’ve realized I have no reason to complain. The experience is very powerful.”

Benefits Beyond Personal Development

Like many Toastmasters, members of these Gavel Clubs are interested in improving their public speaking and leadership skills. But often, they’re also motivated to improve other areas of their lives.

It’s common for individuals to learn about the club through word of mouth. Once they visit a club for the first time, they are usually hooked. The meetings become an essential tool for them and allow them to improve conversational skills, stay productive, and learn other valuable life lessons. Participation also fosters a sense of mutual respect and trust among the members, which is uncommon in a prison setting.

“For some of the younger men, when they come in, they’re angry and resistant to take advantage of the services offered. But, over time, they realize that they want to be productive with their time and better themselves,” shares George.

George also shares that watching the individuals who join grow in self-confidence and self-esteem is endearing.

Thaine Shetter, DTM3, another long-term volunteer with Gavel Clubs and member of District 38, shares, “I find that the importance of self-confidence is demonstrated over and over. The ability to clearly communicate is essential for gaining many things in life. Several of the Gavel Club members have talked about how their Toastmasters experience has helped them successfully navigate meetings with their parole board.”

Wherever their motivation lies, George and Thaine shared the participants’ passion and vigor for participating in the program. Becoming an elected officer is seen as prestigious for these clubs, and multiple people vie for the coveted spot. Additionally, the members tap into their creativity to fully express themselves in speeches. George and Thaine say they have seen numerous talented speakers who could compete and even win District-level contests. “Even with limited resources, members have created bouquets of flowers from folded sheets of paper, a motorcycle constructed of pieces of cardboard, an elaborate rendering of our solar system drawn by hand,” shared Thaine.

Reciprocal Benefits for Volunteers and Participants

George believes that he has gained just as much, if not more, than he has given. When reflecting on his experiences, George can easily recall countless positive stories and testimonies from his volunteer history.

During one Table Topics session, a member asked, “On your first day of freedom, when you leave this facility, what will you do?”

George shared that the responses were touching and remain with him to this day.

“One member said he would swim in the ocean because that was his idea of total freedom. Another member said that he would walk a long distance in a straight line, something he was currently unable to do. Another described spending the day with his grandmother, who had always been there for him,” shared George.

Rhonda Young, DTM, currently serving as District Director for District 38, spent years volunteering at a New Jersey juvenile correction facility. Although some of the youths were resistant to embracing the program initially, she shares her fond memories of helping them break through their stubbornness.

“There were a handful of participants who truly embraced Toastmasters after much cajoling and consistency. Once I developed a rapport with the participants and showed up session after session, they began to trust me. I told them they were kings, and I was there to help straighten their crown. I shared this Ralph Waldo Emerson quote with them, ‘Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he could be, and he will become what he should be.’ I treated them as such. Many participants began to exhibit pride when they delivered a speech or Table Topic.”

Rhonda also shared that while she believes she was a positive influence in the lives of the youth and provided a catalyst for change, this was also a transforming experience for her.

A Call for Volunteers

Participation in Gavel Clubs is an excellent way for members of District 38 to take the next step in their leadership journey. It provides a meaningful way to take the skills learned in Toastmasters and use them to expand the District’s outreach.

For those who may be hesitant to enter this environment, Thaine shares how familiar the atmosphere truly is, “Attending a Gavel Club meeting is really no different than attending my own club meeting. There we’re all Toastmasters. I have found the members there to be incredibly supportive of one another.”

Rhonda echoes the benefits of volunteering for those who have the time, dedication, and flexibility in their schedule, “The small act of volunteering can have a positive impact on not only the participants’ lives, but that of their children, their community and society. I am forever changed by this experience and would encourage anyone with availability to volunteer.”

With additional volunteers, District 38 can reach even more individuals and facilities. To learn more, contact George Philip at georgephilip.ptm@gmail.com.