Calgary Pace Setters March 2024 Newsletter

CORE VALUES AND PROMISES

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL CORE VALUES

RESPECT

INTEGRITY

SERVICE

EXCELENCE

CLUB OFFICERS

2023 - 2024

PRESIDENT-AlisenDopf

VPEDUCATION-TzonkaBouklieva

VPMEMBERSHIP-TwilaTayfel

VPPUBLICRELATIONS-VesnaIvkovic

SECRETARY-PatrickChagonda

TREASURER-VeronikaPribytova

SERGEANTATARMS-PaulDixon

IMMEDIATEPASTPRESIDENT-JovanaIvkovic

MENTORSHIPCOORDINATOR-AlexCampbell

A TOASTMASTER’S PROMISE AS A MEMBER OF TOASTMASTERS

INTERNATIONAL AND MY CLUB, I PROMISE:

To attend club meetings regularly

To prepare all of my projects to the best of my ability, basing them on the Toastmasters education program

To prepare for and fulfill meeting assignments

To provide fellow members with helpful, constructive evaluations

To help the club maintain the positive, friendly environment necessary for all members to learn and grow

To serve my club as an officer when called upon to do so

To treat my fellow club members and our guests with respect and courtesy

To bring guests to club meetings so they can see the benefits Toastmasters membership offers

To adhere to the guidelines and rules for all Toastmasters education and recognition programs

To act within Toastmasters’ core values of integrity, respect, service and excellence during the conduct of all Toastmasters activities

calgarypacesettersTI@gmail.com

FROM THE EDITOR‘S DESK

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSION

We empower individuals

to become more effective communicators and leaders.

DISTRICT MISSION

We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.

CLUB MISSION

We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater selfconfidence and personal growth.

Welcome to the latest issue of our club newsletter! As we step into the new year, there's much to celebrate and anticipate in our club.

Exciting Updates:

Our very own Leena Alex, as Division C Director, Jovana Ivkovic, our Area D8 Director, and Vesna Ivkovic, District 42 Webmaster/Dispatch Designer, played pivotal roles in organizing the recent in-person D42 Leadership Training. Their commitment and leadership were truly commendable.

We are now located in the inspiring setting of the Future Serbian Heritage Library, promising to enhance our meetings and nurture stronger bonds among members.

Notable Workshops:

"In Person - How to Write an Ice Breaker," led by our President, Alisen Dopf, and her team.

"Online Evaluation Workshop," skillfully led by our VP Education, Tzonka Bouklieva, and her team, showcasing our club's dedication to member success.

Club Achievements:

Our club has achieved President Distinguished Club status , a testament to every member's hard work. We are just 1 point away from reaching the maximum 10 points or all the goals.

Let's embrace the year with continued support and encouragement, embodying the Toastmasters spirit Here's to another year of progress, learning, and triumph!

calgarypacesettersTI@gmail.com

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Vesna Ivkovic

Hello Pacesetters,

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Congratulations! Our club has once again reached President's Distinguished Club status. This is the highest honour a club can achieve in one year, and it is a reflection of the overall health of our club. We get points for achieving various goals, however, to achieve these goals, our club and Executive must work together as a well-oiled machine.

For example, we get points when members complete a Pathways Level. This means the VP PR has to attract potential members to our club. Our VP Membership and VP Mentorship must work together to ensure they will be successful in our club. The member is assigned a mentor, and the VP Education is entrusted with their overall training goals. Finally, the whole club must embrace and encourage this new member, so they can find the courage and confidence to be successful.

While it's the responsibility of the Executive to ensure all this happens seamlessly behind the scenes, everyone in our club has contributed to our success and can be proud of our President's Distinguished designation.

Pacesetters are NOT slowing down though! Kudos go to Patrick for challenging himself as our Club Contest Chair, with Twila taking on the Chief Judge role. Good luck to all our competitors.

Our VP Education Tzonka has again outdone herself, with an amazing Evaluations workshop. Heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Tzonka and her amazing team. We learned so much.

Lets keep the momentum going! Sign up for a speech or be an evaluator for someone else. You can do it!

calgarypacesettersTI@gmail.com

Alisen Dopf

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT

LEADING THE WAY IN LEGAL ADVOCACY AT TRU'S DEAN'S CUP MOOT

On February 2nd, 2024 Calgary Pace Setter Carson Puetz had the pleasure of capping off a major event at the Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law. As a member of the TRU Law’s Oral Advocacy Club, Carson assisted in the organization and execution of the Dean’s Cup Moot by the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia. The event’s purpose was to provide TRU law students the opportunity to gain experience in legal research, legal advocacy, and of course, public speaking. The event was a major success.

13 teams competed over the month of January, arguing a criminal law issue. Various lawyers, judges, and even the Chief Justice of British Columbia graciously volunteered their time to serve as mock judges throughout the event.

Carson made the closing remarks after the final round. He was nervous speaking in front of nearly a hundred students, lawyers, professors, and sponsors. Carson remembered the speaking fundamentals from his time in Toastmasters. Knowing when to pause, incorporating small quips of humour, and being comfortable with going off script can greatly enhance a speaker’s presence with the audience. He gave the Dean a proper introduction and waited for her to join him at the lectern before shaking her before stepping aside. After the sponsors spoke, Carson announced the winners of the event.

It was a memorable moment. Carson is grateful for Twila Tayfel’s feedback on his script and to Calgary Pace Setters for aiding his ongoing development as a young professional in the legal profession over the last several years.

calgarypacesettersTI@gmail.com

Carson Puetz

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT

EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH & PURPLE DAY: SHINING A LIGHT ON EPILEPSY

Having lived with epilepsy for most of my life, I've been fortunate to find relief through medication and surgery. Let's mark March 26 as the official day of awareness for the Epilepsy Association of Calgary. I encourage you all to show your support by wearing something purple on this day. Let's stand together to raise awareness and support those affected by epilepsy in our community.

Message from Epilepsy Association of Calgary

Epilepsy Awareness Month:

Every March, we unite to recognize Epilepsy Awareness Month, a dedicated time to shed light on a neurological condition affecting thousands. It's an opportunity to deepen understanding, challenge stigmas, and support those navigating the complexities of epilepsy

By raising awareness, we strive to create a more informed and empathetic community.

Purple Day (March 26):

Purple Day, observed on March 26th annually, serves as a global call to action This day encourages individuals worldwide to wear purple, illuminating landmarks in shades of violet, and engage in conversations to dispel myths about epilepsy. It's a moment to stand in solidarity with those affected, fostering a supportive environment and making strides towards a world where epilepsy is widely understood and accepted.

Together, during Epilepsy Awareness Month and on Purple Day, we amplify our voices, educate our communities, and work towards a more inclusive and compassionate society for everyone impacted by epilepsy.

Learn more at epilepsycalgary.com #postyourpurple

calgarypacesettersTI@gmail.com

Paul Dixon

CLUB HIGHLIGHT

“THE ART OF EVALUATION” WORKSHOP

On February 27th, 2024, the Calgary Pace Setters held their inaugural “The Art of Evaluation” workshop. This workshop was the brainchild of Vice President Education, Tzonka Bouklieva. After hearing many members remark that they didn’t take on the role of evaluator because they didn’t know what to do or say, Tzonka decided to change this fact. Thus, the “Art of Evaluation” workshop was born.

VP ED Tzonka recruited a team of experienced Toastmasters to help with the endeavor.

Division C Director Leena Alex, former President Eva Sefcova and past VP Education, Grace Nguyen shared their favourite techniques for evaluation while Mentorship coordinator Alex Campbell and VP Membership Twila Tayfel contributed their tips for handling the busy evaluator role.

Attendees of the Zoom meeting were able to put their newfound knowledge to the test by watching recordings of an International Speech contest speech and a Tall Tales contest speech 6 participants (3 for each speech) were selected to share their one-minute evaluation and talk about either what the speaker did well, a growth area for the speaker or what challenge the speaker could take on to do even better.

Following these mini-evaluations, Tzonka led those in attendance through a thought-provoking exercise on what qualities made a good speech an excellent speech. All 20 people on the zoom call shared their opinions on what takes a speech to the next level. We all learned something new from our fellow Toastmasters and came home with new strategies to help us in the role of evaluator

Our challenge now, is to take on the role of an evaluator at a Toastmasters meeting and put our skills to the test. Well done Tzonka and team.

If you are interested in viewing a recording of the meeting or getting a list of evaluation strategies, please contact the VP Public Relations for Calgary Pace Setters Vesna Ivkovic.

calgarypacesettersTI@gmail.com

Twila Tayfel

Jose Fernandez Michael G

Chris Mcdiarmid Ce

Jeff Nyentap

NEW MEMBER RESOURCES

QUICK TIPS

TABLE TOPICS MASTER ROLE

The Table Topics Master facilitates the Table Topics the portion of the meeting in which members deliver brief, impromptu speeches. The Topics Master prepares and introduces the topics and determines the speaking order. What skills will I develop by serving as the Table Topics Master?

Organization

Time management

Facilitation

Find more information about the role on the Table Topics Form

TABLE TOPICS EVALUATOR ROLE

Each evaluator observes a speaker’s presentation and completes a written evaluation along with providing constructive comments in a brief evaluation speech. What skills will I develop by serving as an evaluator?

Active listening

Critical thinking

Positive feedback

For more information use Table Topics Evaluator Form

UPCOMING CALENDAR AND PHOTO GALLERY

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

MARCH 2 - JUDGES, CONTEST OFFICIALS AND VOLUNTEERS TRAINING

MARCH 5 - CLUB CONTEST (INTERNATIONAL SPEECH AND EVALUATION)

MARCH 16 - ROAD TO REGINA – PAVING THE WAY

MARCH 24 - AREA D23 CONTEST

MARCH 26 - DIVISION D CIRCLE OF GOLD

APRIL 6 - DIVISION D CONTEST

MAY 3-5 - D42 HYBRID CONFERENCE

PHOTO GALLERY