D47 Sunshiner - July 2023

THE SUNSHINER

DISTRICT 47’S OFFICAL NEWSLETTER JULY 2023

ISSUE NUMBER 1

Meet the 2023 - 2024

The Joy of

Barbara Strasdas

Leadership Teams

Mentorship

Receives Recognition

Editor’s Note Dear Toastmasters Community ' Greetings and a warm welcome to the District 47 2023- 2024 year of our Toastmasters newsletter, The Sunshiner! I am thrilled to serve as the Editor and have the opportunity to share stories, insights, and updates from our vibrant community. As we embark on this exciting journey together, I am delighted to announce that the theme for this year's newsletter is "Fun + Recognition = Growth."

At Toastmasters, we believe that personal growth can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. It is not just about achieving milestones and attaining educational awards; it is about creating an environment where fun, recognition, and growth go hand in hand.

This year, our newsletter will explore how infusing joy, laughter, and celebration into our Toastmasters experience can fuel our individual and collective growth.

Through the power of storytelling, informative articles, and practical tips, we will explore the transformative impact that fun and recognition can have on our learning journey.

We will share stories of members who have experienced personal growth while embracing a spirit of enjoyment and celebration.

Our newsletter will also serve as a platform to recognize and appreciate the outstanding accomplishments of our fellow Toastmasters. We will feature articles highlighting remarkable speeches, project completions, educational awards, and milestones reached. By celebrating these achievements, we aim to inspire and motivate one another to reach new heights of success.

I encourage you all to actively participate in this newsletter by sharing your own stories, tips, and experiences. Let us come together as a community to celebrate our successes, learn from one another, and create a supportive environment that nurtures personal growth and development.

DECEMBER 2022 | ISSUE 10

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the contributors who have dedicated their time and expertise to make this newsletter a reality. Your passion and commitment are truly commendable.

I am confident that our shared exploration of Fun + Recognition = Growth will inspire us all to embrace the joyous aspects of Toastmasters and unlock our full potential.

Wishing you an enriching and enjoyable reading experience!

Warm regards.

Maurice M Fuller DTM, PDD Editor

Welcome to the New Toastmaster Year: Fun + Recognition = Growth.

As the calendar turns and a new Toastmaster year dawn upon us, it’s time to celebrate fresh beginnings, renewed aspirations and the unlimited potential that lies ahead.

Whether you are a seasoned Toastmaster or a curious newcomer, this is an exciting moment to embark on a journey of personal and professional growth while honing your communication and leadership skills.

The theme for this year is “Fun + Recognition = Growth”. A call to action for each member to have fun, for the clubs and District to provide recognition which in turn will inspire each of us to enhance our personal and professional growth.

As we embark on this new Toastmaster year, we will embrace the power of communication, recognizing its ability to foster understanding, bridge gaps and inspire change. I encourage you to join one of our 8 What’s App group. Yes, we created a group for each officer and one for the Immediate Past President. If you are on an executive board or want to learn about a particular role, then join the appropriate group. This is an opportunity for us to share ideas, success stories and ask questions. Stay tuned for an invite from the district.

Welcome to the new Toastmaster year! May our year be filled with fun, recognition, personal triumphs, shared successes, and a profound sense of fulfillment. Together we will embrace growth, empower communication, and make this an energetic year to remember!

Here’s to infinite possibilities.

Warm Regards, Lois Margolin, DTM District 47 Director

I am thrilled and honored to lead the Program Quality Team during this Toastmasters year. As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the power of exceptional leadership and strive for excellence. Our path to success starts with our commitment to growth, and that's why I strongly encourage all our officers to attend the Toastmasters Leadership Institutes (TLIs) and Club Officer Training sessions. These training session are invaluable opportunities that will equip us with the skills and knowledge we need to lead with confidence and make a lasting impact within our Toastmasters clubs.

I am delighted to announce that TLIs are back in person, and we have assembled a series of educational workshops where our Members will not only enhance our Toastmasters skills but also translate into practical benefits in our everyday lives. Our Pathways Team is dedicated to providing abundant opportunities for members and Base Camp Managers to further master the Pathways learning experience.

We understand the importance of contest training and support. Our dedicated team is committed to providing resources and guidance to help you deliver your best during the contest season. We are here to celebrate your achievements and recognize those who attain the distinguished status of Distinguished Toastmasters.

As we look ahead, our conference will be a grand celebration, a time to recognize and applaud the milestones we have achieved as a united District 47 family. Let us come together, share our stories, inspire one another, and revel in the joy of personal and collective growth.

I am truly excited about the year ahead, and I have complete faith that, as members of this incredible District 47 community, we will rise above challenges, seize opportunities, and leave a lasting impact. Together, let us make this year one of remarkable growth, learning, and unforgettable memories.

Greetings District 47!

It is my absolute pleasure and honor to serve as your Club Growth Director. Your commitment to self-improvement and fostering personal and professional growth within our clubs is truly inspiring.

We live in a world where communication is more important than ever. The power to express ourselves effectively, to listen attentively, and to lead with empathy are skills that can impact not only our personal lives but also our careers and relationships. Toastmasters have always been a platform that empowers individuals to hone these critical abilities and, in turn, bring about positive change in their lives and the lives of others.

In the past year, we have faced numerous challenges, from adapting to virtual meetings to the integration of new members. Yet, you have risen to the occasion and demonstrated resilience, creativity, and a deep sense of camaraderie. Your unwavering enthusiasm and dedication have been a driving force for the growth and success of our clubs.

As we continue this journey of self-discovery and development, let us remember the core values of Toastmasters: integrity, respect, service, and excellence. These are not just words; they are the foundation upon which we stand and the guiding principles that will lead us to even greater heights.

Embrace every opportunity to learn, whether it be through giving a speech, taking on a leadership role, or providing constructive feedback to your fellow Toastmasters. Remember that every challenge we face is an opportunity to grow, and every success is a testament to our collective efforts.

I urge you all to continue to support and uplift one another, to celebrate our achievements, and to learn from our setbacks. Together, we can create an environment that not only nurtures personal growth but also fosters a strong sense of unity and collaboration .

Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your dedication to the Toastmasters and the mission of our district. Your contributions, big and small, are valued.

Let us work together to obtain high levels of retention, and continued growth of our membership in our family of clubs as we shape a brighter future for ourselves and our communities!

Fellow Toastmasters, I’m pleased and honored to serve as the Public Relations Manager for 2023-2024. Welcome to the new year, and to a new way of doing public relations.

Working with me is a dynamic team of Toastmasters who also are specialists in several communications area. Some are hobbyists and many are professionals in their jobs. It’s wonderful when your passions combine: communications and public speaking. This year, the team will integrate public relations tactics across several platforms, so we capture the attention of all of our members, guests, potential funders, and others who we reach in a variety of ways.

We of course will utilize flyers, which have become a mainstay in District 47. We will add more videos, press/media releases, and greatly enhance and boost our social media presence. We will create slide decks for contests and conferences. We will reintroduce our own publication, The Sunshiner. We even will write scripts for the TRIO and others where appropriate.

Who are we? We are a small group of Toastmasters who possess skills in marketing, writing, videography, desktop publishing, social media and graphic design. Three of our members are former District Directors. We are being trained on the Toastmasters brand so that all our products fall within the guidelines.

District Director Lois Margolin gave us marching orders. We’re creating flyers to recognize significant days in the Toastmasters year, holidays, and fun occasions. Ideally, our clubs will see this and do the same with their members. This is about recognizing everyone, so they feel included in what we are about. We are beefing up our social media presence across all platforms so we can better engage with Millennials and Gen Z. You may not see us, but you will see our work. Stay tuned and get ready.

M EET THE DISTRICT 47 LEADERSHIP TEAM We are delighted to kick off the Toastmasters year 2023-2024 by extending a warm and heartfelt welcome to our esteemed leadership team. With great pleasure and admiration, we congratulate the individuals who have stepped up to lead and guide our district over the upcoming year. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to the Toastmasters community are truly inspiring.

Toastmasters District 47 has always been a hub of growth, learning, and transformation. It is through the collaborative efforts of our leadership team that we continue to foster an environment where members can develop their communication and leadership skills, gain confidence, and achieve personal and professional growth. The upcoming year promises to be an exceptional one, filled with opportunities for everyone to shine and succeed.

As we embark on this exciting journey, let us take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable individuals who will be at the helm of our district. Their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and expertise will undoubtedly shape and elevate our Toastmasters community. We express our heartfelt appreciation to each member of the leadership team for their willingness to serve and their unwavering commitment to excellence.

To our District Director, Program Quality Director, Club Growth Director, and all the Division and Area Directors, congratulations on your welldeserved appointments. We have full confidence that under your visionary leadership, District 47 will reach new heights and make a lasting impact on the lives of our members.

LET'S CELEBRATE

D-47 RECOGNITION NEWS Unlocking Potential: Barbara Strasdas , Receives Volunteer of the Year Recognition As a board member at the Max Fisher Boys & Girls Club in Riviera Beach, Barbara Strasdas, DTM, learned of the Youth of the Year Program. Each B&G teen club across the United States selected a candidate who they believed possessed exceptional skills in essay writing, community service, and speaking. She immediately recognized an opportunity for Toastmaster members to serve as mentors for each of the even local club candidates, helping them prepare and deliver the required 3-minute speech for the county competition.

For her work that started xx years ago, Barbara recently was named Volunteer of the Year by the Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County. It’s an award she greatly cherishes.

“I’ve gained far more than I have given” as a mentor, Barbara recently told the Sunshiner. She said in working with the teens, she came to understand their struggles and aspirations for the future.

“The trust they placed in me to assist in sharing their stories filled my heart with immense pride,” she said.

This mentorship initiative started a decade ago, and Barbara has had the privilege of mentoring 11 talented young adults. Through her guidance, four of them were honored as County Youth of the Year. One mentee even achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the county and state of Florida titles for two consecutive years in St. Lucie County. The experience allowed Barbara to witness these teenagers finding their voices, organizing their thoughts, and fearlessly presenting themselves in front of an audience, embracing their vulnerability, she said.

Barbara, a Past District Director, encourages Toastmasters to seize the opportunity to work with teenagers through Youth Leadership Programs or other youth organizations. She urges D47 Toastmasters to embrace the opportunity to become a mentor and open their hearts to the youth in their communities. By doing so, she said, “we not only help shape their futures but also experience the profound joy of making a positive impact.”

“By sharing knowledge, experiences, and support, we can guide and empower the next generation of leaders. Through this transformative journey, we not only make a difference in the lives of these young individuals but also find fulfillment and purpose in our own lives”.

Barbara is a member of Gold Coast Toastmasters, Hobe Sound Toasters, and Palm City Orators.

Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County Celebrating over 25 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County has been at the forefront of youth development, working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances. With 22 locations throughout the county, they are able to serve more than 8,000 youths annually with our after school, summer and outreach programming such as truancy.

THE JOY OF MENTORING: FOSTERING YOUR GROWTH IN TOASTMASTERS "A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you." — Bob Proctor

Mentorship in Toastmasters is a cornerstone for personal growth and development, offering guidance and support to help individuals flourish and reach personal as well as professional goals. I recall mentoring a member who joined toastmasters with a desire to overcome her fear of public speaking. Together we embarked on a transformative journey. Through regular meetings gradual progress was made. Her confidence soared, leading to remarkable achievements. I encouraged her to enter the club speech contest which helped her push past her comfort zone. won the speech contest and then placed second in the area contest. Resulting as a winner in her own right, with newfound confidence and belief in her own abilities.

Toastmasters is a vital catalyst for personal growth, offering guidance and support that empowers individuals to flourish and thrive. Some benefits of mentoring include: 1. Nurturing Growth through Guidance: Mentorship illuminates the path to success, providing guidance and strategies for mentees to achieve their goals.

Mentors create a nurturing environment through regular communication, constructive feedback, and personalized guidance, fostering personal growth, skill development, and self-confidence.

2. Inspiring Role Models: Mentors serve as inspiring role models, motivating mentees to strive for excellence. Sharing their own journey and success stories, mentors ignite aspirations, pushing mentees to embrace the transformative power of public speaking and leadership.

3. Tailored Support and Feedback: Mentors provide tailored support and feedback, addressing mentees' unique strengths, weaknesses, and goals. This individualized attention helps mentees identify areas for improvement, refine their skills, and overcome obstacles, accelerating their growth.

4. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem: Mentorship builds confidence and selfesteem by providing a safe space for mentees to practice and receive guidance.

Mentees gain reassurance and validation, witnessing their progress and empowering them to tackle new challenges with determination and grace.

5. Long-lasting Connections and Networking: Mentoring relationships foster deep connections and networking opportunities within the Toastmasters community.

Mentees gain access to a supportive network, opening doors for collaborations, mentorship beyond Toastmasters, and personal growth opportunities.

6. Mutual Growth and Fulfillment: Mentoring brings growth and fulfillment to both mentors and mentees. Mentors experience the joy of witnessing their mentees' progress while enhancing their own leadership and communication ills. The fulfillment derived from making a positive impact creates a cycle of growth benefiting both parties.

Mentorship programs in Toastmasters foster personal growth, skill development, and self-confidence. Through the guidance, support, and inspiration of mentors, mentees embark on a transformative journey towards excellence in public speaking and leadership. The joys of being a mentor are equally rewarding, creating a cycle of growth and fulfillment within the Toastmasters community.

If you are ready to take your personal development to the next level, I encourage you to seek out a mentor, whether it is within your Toastmasters club or outside of it. Embrace the journey of growth and let the guidance and support of a mentor propel you towards new heights of achievement.

Submitted by Florence Stewart, DTM Florence Stewart, DTM, a member of Universal and Universal Advanced Toastmasters, stands as a shining example of excellence in leadership and mentorship. With her remarkable track record as a past Division Director, Florence has played a pivotal role in guiding and inspiring Toastmasters and clubs within her Division to reach new heights. Her unwavering commitment and expertise have positively impacted the growth and development of countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on the Toastmasters community.

Toastmasters Triumph: Anastarcia Palacious Advances to World Championship Semifinals - A Story of Inspiration and Excellence Congratulations are in order for Anastarcia Palacious, the remarkable District 47 2023 International Speech Winner, who has achieved yet another incredible milestone by being selected to represent Region 8 at the Semi-Finals of the World Championship of Public Speaking. This is an extraordinary achievement that exemplifies Anastarcia's unwavering dedication and exceptional talent in the world of public speaking.

Anastarcia Palacious is a true force of inspiration in the realm of personal transformation. Her expertise as a Lisa Nichol's Certified Transformational Trainer, best-selling author, television host, transformational speaker, and media coach has made a significant impact on countless lives. With over 70,000 hours of public speaking experience, she has honed her skills to perfection and captivated audiences from all corners of the globe with her impactful delivery.

Notably, Anastarcia's influence extends well beyond the screen as a seasoned television personality, having hosted and filmed over 800 episodes of live TV in the past 9 years. However, her true passion lies in empowering others to find their voice and become confident communicators.

But there's more to Anastarcia's remarkable journey – she shares her life with her loving husband, Carlos Palacious, and together, they are blessed with two beautiful children. Balancing her family life with her professional pursuits is a testament to her dedication and determination to make a positive impact both on and off the stage.

As Anastarcia advances to the World Championship of Public Speaking, she stands on the precipice of greatness. This prestigious competition offers her a chance to become the 2023 World Champion of Public Speaking, a title that would solidify her position as one of the most exceptional speakers in the world. We have no doubt that Anastarcia will shine brilliantly during this competition, representing not only District 47 but also the entire Region 8 with grace and eloquence.

The 2023 International Speech Contest Semi-finals and World Championship of Public Speaking® will be conducted as hybrid contests hosted from the beautiful Nassau, Bahamas. This sets the stage for an exhilarating event, and we eagerly await Anastarcia's performance with bated breath.

Anastarcia's journey to success is deeply rooted in her membership with the Ernest T. Strachan Advanced Toastmasters Club. Her dedication to honing her craft and her commitment to continuous growth within the Toastmasters community have undoubtedly contributed to her remarkable achievements.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Anastarcia for her outstanding accomplishments. She serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the transformative power of effective communication and the heights we can reach with unwavering determination. Let us join together in supporting and cheering for Anastarcia as she takes on the world stage, representing District 47 and showcasing the brilliance of Toastmasters in Region 8. Here's to Anastarcia Palacious, a true beacon of light and an exceptional example of what Toastmasters can achieve!

To make the Sunshiner Newsletter a true reflection of our district, we need your contributions. We invite you to submit articles, stories, and pictures that highlight memorable moments, successful events, educational workshops, leadership achievements, and any other activities that have made an impact on your club or members.

Please ensure that all submissions are sent via email to: sunshiner@toastmastersd47.org. The newsletter will be published quarterly, so this is an ongoing call for contributions. We welcome submissions from all clubs within District 47 and look forward to featuring as many clubs and members as possible.

If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at mfuller@toastmastersd47.org. Your active participation in this endeavor will undoubtedly contribute to the success of our district and the growth of our Toastmasters community.

Thank you for your attention and support. Let's work together to make the Sunshiner Newsletter a true reflection of our district's vibrant Toastmasters community.