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I would like to thank the members of District 73 for electing me as the District Governor for 2008-2009. It will be a privilege and honour to serve you over the next twelve months. Please know that if at any time you need to speak to me, I will always be available to listen.
The District theme for the year is: "The Passion to Succeed". This theme may take you down many roads. It could be the passion to succeed at home to make life better for your family. It could be to make this the year when you start the new course, or reach that goal in Toastmasters.
This year is going to be exciting and invigorating, filled with passion and enthusiasm, a year that will lead us to success. As we decide on our goals, list our priorities and begin the steps that will lead to success, let us embrace this year with energy and passion. To this end there are three areas that I would like the clubs to concentrate on:
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Club Atmosphere
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The Meeting
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The Distinguished Club Program
Club Atmosphere
I have been to many club meetings over the years and I have found that those clubs that are successful treat their visitors as if they are royalty. Where guests are made to feel at home and are encouraged to take part in the activities, they develop a sense of belonging and a desire to return. If they are given literature to take home are followed up with a phone call to thank them for coming to the meeting, and are then encouraged to come back again, visitors will feel more inclined to be part of your club; they will feel as if they are valued and wanted.
I would like the club executive to challenge established members who have been part of the club for a number of years to complete their speeches and to set new goals, to take on a mentoring role in the club and to assist the new members to grow.
We need to acknowledge the contribution of older members, learn from them, and aim to acquire their wisdom, skills and knowledge.
Our clubs should be a place of fun learning.
Club Meetings
The meeting should be well organised with agendas prepared before the meeting. Those members who have a major role should be contacted before the meeting to be encouraged to attend as they are a vital part of the night. All members display respect for the other members of the club by turning up prepared and ready to take on the role they have been assigned.
If the meeting is organised and well run, visitors will see this as a good environment to learn speaking skills and build self-confidence. They will want to return.
Distinguished Club Program (DCP)
Educational Awards: The Competent Communicator (CC) and Competent Leader (CL) programs
Membership: In order to properly conduct the educational programs a club needs at least 20 members. Membership turnover is unavoidable as members move, change jobs or encounter other situations that take them away from the club. Your club should continually strive to bring in new members to combat this natural turnover. This will provide a stronger leadership base and a flow of fresh, new ideas and personalities to the club.
Training:
Club officers are asked to attend two "Club Officer Training" (COT) programs in June and February. By doing this training the club executive learns the skills to run a successful club.
In 2008-2009 I urge each of you to prioritise your goals and develop your skills and together we will find the Passion that will lead us to Succeed. I know that 2008-2009 will be a time of learning and fun as we move towards our goals.
Bernard Marmion
DG Elect 2008-2009.
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