The Vox #32 by YAT Club

THE VOX YOUNG ADULT TOASTMASTERS CLUB NEWSLETTER AREA 2, DIVISION C, DISTRICT 20, REGION 11

WE ARE

ISSUE 32 - TERM 2020-2021 - RELEASE:

16TH JUNE 2021

YAT.

WE ARE

SPEAKERS.

WE ARE

LEADERS.

WE ARE

TOASTMASTERS.

WHAT IS TOASTMASTERS? The Toastmasters International (TMI) program is a massive non-profit educational organisation that focuses on developing key traits of an individual. Joining the program will help develop the following: The ability to speak effectively and efficiently The ability to take on responsibility and become a leader This is done through the Pathways learning experience, which is an exciting, flexible and interactive program which offers: The opportunity to build up to 300 unique competencies 11 specialised learning paths to choose from Online content, so that you can learn anytime and anywhere Real-world, transferable skills

WHAT IS TOASTMASTERS BENEFICIAL FOR? To improve their speaking skills, basic and advanced. This is key in career fields where speaking is a must (i.e. – Retail & Marketing) To build confidence while they speak or make decisions To learn and grow as leaders (ideal for managers, consultants, etc.) To learn evaluation and analytical skills

BUT WHY YAT?

Our club was created for individuals who were interested in the program within the age group of 18 to 35. Our club members are a bunch of diverse odd balls who are vibrant, geeky, weird, funny, rowdy and all around eager to make new friends and have voices that need to be heard! We have a family type community within YAT, where our members treat each other like newly found siblings. We are extremely supportive of our YAT family members and try to help them with whatever their toastmaster related dreams are. But overall, it is our club’s atmosphere and attitude towards achieving the very best of the best, following the necessary discipline to become effective speakers and leaders, while maintaining the essence that is YAT, being young, fun and free.

WHAT A "MEETING" ENTAILS This is what a standard agenda of our meeting looks like! The meeting normally takes 2 hours, with 2-3 speakers plus an opportunity to speak across the board during the Table Topics session! What each role in the agenda means, follows on the next page!

CLUB MEETING ROLES EXPLAINED In Toastmasters, you learn by participating. There are many roles to fill and all meeting participants play an important role in in making the club experience educational and enjoyable. The roles and their descriptions are as follows:

MASTER OF CEREMONIES (MC) A leader who will take the responsibility of leading the meeting’s operations for the night as the Host. His/Her role includes introducing the theme of the meeting, introducing and welcoming all speakers, role-takers, etc. This is a prestigious role and requires training before the role must be taken on by members. Taking this role will encourage members to be overtly friendly, charismatic and motivating. All aspects needed to become a leader and speaker!

SPEAKER A leader who performs a speech of their own topic, ensuring to meet objectives based on their educational path, such as time management, voice modulation, body language and much more! Also serves as a role model to encourage members to learn from and speak!

EVALUATOR A leader who evaluates the speeches given during the meeting. The objective is to provide constructive feedback to ensure the speaker learns and improves at every level. There is always room for improvement!

TABLE TOPICS MASTER A leader who calls upon members of the audience (either club members or guests) to speak on the stage for 1 to 2 minutes on a topic provided by the Table Topics master. This role encourages members to gain confidence and the ability to think and speak on the spot.

CLUB MEETING ROLES EXPLAINED

AH COUNTER A designated leader who counts every pause filler and crutch words that are used within a speech, a role and the overall meeting. Pause or gap fillers are words that are used during our talks to prolong the topic, such as ‘erm’, ‘umm’ and ‘ah’, etc. Crutch words are words used while we speak that don’t necessarily have meaning to the context of our speech, however, are used to repeatedly, such as ‘and’, ‘basically’, ‘you know’, ‘yanni’, etc. The purpose of this role is to encourage members to reduce their pause fillers and improve their flow and efficiency of speech. The club charges BD 0.025 to any member using a pause filler. The collected funds will be deposited into the club’s account to help pay for small expenses. Don’t worry, guests are exempt from payment!

TIMER A leader who monitors the time for each speech, evaluation and the overall duration of the meeting. This helps members learn how to manage time and be adept at performing the best within a fixed time limit!

GRAMMARIAN A leader who monitors the grammar used within the meeting by each speaker. They note any misuse of words, and encourages members to be articulate and accentuate their speeches as well encourage the usage of quotes. The role leader also introduces the word of the day, of which when introduced to the club, must encourage the members to utilize the word of the day during the meeting.

GENERAL EVALUATOR (GE) A leader who evaluates the overall meeting and provides possible feedback on improvements that should or can be made.

CLUB OFFICERS ROLES EXPLAINED The Executive Committee (EXCOM) are a group of members that are elected every term by the members to oversee and manage the overall operations of the club. These are the members who make your club meetings happen . The roles of each position are as follows:

CLUB PRESIDENT The President’s role is to be the face and heart of the club. Every club meeting is opened and closed by the President. The role also consists of overseeing and providing the synergy between each executive committee member to ensure teamwork. This is vital to achieve the goals and standards that the club has to meet every term.

VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATION (VPE) In charge of organizing all club meetings, designation of roles and ensuring every member is progressing on their educational manuals. The VPE also handles the themes for the meetings and maintains the overall objective of the DCP (Distinguished Club Program).

VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP (VPM) In charge of bringing potential members to the join the club, handling all necessary paperwork and fees. The VPM is also in charge of heading every induction ceremony (when members are introduced to the club).

CLUB OFFICERS ROLES EXPLAINED

VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS (VPPR) In charge of organizing everything to the club’s image, which includes social media, the club website and the quarterly newsletter called the VOX (Latin for “the Voice”).

TREASURER In charge of club finances. The treasurer ensures that all members pay their necessary annual fees, and issues financial reports and budgets for use of the executive committee.

SECRETARY In charge of taking the minutes of each meeting and all records of the club during the term. The secretary is the official documenter and record keeper of the club.

SERGEANT AT ARMS (S@A OR SAA) In charge of preparing the club for each meeting and ensuring everything is properly closed after the meeting. Maintains the club inventory and refreshments roster for the club. The S@A ensures the club runs smoothly and on time.

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

PATHWAYS Pathways sets you on your journey of personal and professional development. It offers many different avenues for you to explore and achieve. Pathways is a journey of possibilities. As you progress through pathways, you will practice and improve your communication and leadership skills. By completing projects and giving speeches, you challenge yourself to build and refine skills in many different areas – Communication, leadership, management, strategic planning, service to others public speaking and more. You have the opportunity to complete projects that range in topics from speaking to motivating others to creating a podcast to leading a group in a difficult situation. Every project has an assignment that concludes with you giving a speech in your club.

LEVELS OF TOASTMASTERS You, Toastmaster (or potentially)

A group of Toastmasters make a Club! (YAT)

A group of clubs make an Area!

A group of Areas make a Division!

(Area 2)

(Division C)

A group of Divisions make a District! (District 20)

A group of Districts make a Region! (Region 11)

A group of Regions make up the entire Toastmaters Internaional Community

DETAILED BENEFITS

THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TM AKBAR KHAN To be President of Young Adult Toastmaster club was a dream and today serving as one is amazing and positive learning experience. Though this year is exceptionality different from the rest of the years. This pandemic has given us another way to live. From Physical meeting to virtual meeting where no one of thought of it. But we need to adapt the change and move accordingly. We at YAT is doing great where each member is putting their efforts. Each member has been enrolled to pathways. My message to the club and to all the reader is to make a radical change. Make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you may previously never have thought of doing or been too hesitant to attempt.

So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservation, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a anyone is living spirit is his/her passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. If you want to get more out of life, you must lose your inclination for monotonous security and adopt a helter-skelter style of life that will at first appear to you to be crazy.

THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TM AKBAR KHAN

But once you become accustomed to such a life you will see its full meaning and its incredible beauty. Keep this beauty and move ahead. Do not let this pandemic to feel you low or bad. You are unique, you are smart, you are beautiful, and you are ambitious. I want to say Thank you to Excom who supported me throughout this journey of one year. You guys are amazing and nice.

It’s time to say farewell and welcoming new blood to this Club to run the show. TM Rod President Elect for the term 2021-2021 is a great leader and friend. I’m 200% confidence on him who can lead the team from front. Wishing all the New Officers Elect all the very best. Every Ending has a new Beginning. Mike Drop!!!

ARTICLES HOW TO START MEDITATING BY DTM NADA QAMBER

A 5 MIN CREATIVE EXCERCISE

BY TM ESRA

HOME MADE RECEIPES WITH TM BEENA MANAYIL

WHAT DOES NAJ REALLY DO?

BY DTM KHALED ISMAEEL

SARA EATS!

BY TM SARA TAHER

YAT BYTE-SIZED SURVEY BY THE YATS

HOW TO START MEDITATING DTM NADA QAMBER

Meditation is changing my life! But first—

What is it? Based on Wikipedia, meditation is a practice of focus and awareness to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state of mind with the help of mindfulness or focusing on a particular object, thought, or activity. There are tons of ways you can meditate. A few of my favorite types are silent meditation, listening meditation, and candle gazing meditation. All of which involve sitting in stillness. Before I started meditating regularly, I would sit and listen to ocean waves or a fireplace crackling for about 3 minutes before I started to get fidgety and stop. It was tough for me to sit with myself and my thoughts. There was so much in my head that was coming through like; I need to get back to this person, I should add that item to my grocery list, Why is my neck so itchy? Is it a bug? Did the timer go off yet? Did I even set a timer?, etc. I remember the struggle of keeping it together when the emotions and scenarios started to play through of what happened in the past, with what could happen in the future. All of the what if’s. Oh goodness, it was a lot to deal with that I just stopped halfway through my 5 minute timer and went on with my day.

HOW TO START MEDITATING DTM NADA QAMBER

Benefits of meditation Oh hells, to put it straight with you all—meditation can change your life. Here are some of ways it changed my life since I started 2 months ago: It gave me patience Boosted my creativity Reduced stress levels

Helps relaxation Improved my sleep, and more!

What happens when you first start to meditate? You set your timer, sit down and close your eyes. You take a deep breath and begin. Your mind begins to flow like a waterfall. The waterfall is carrying all of your thoughts and emotions, and it just keeps going and going and going. Then, take an inhale in, exhale out. And focus on just that for a moment on how it feels to breathe. “Inhale. Exhale”, and that waterfall stops for a while and you’re present in this moment. Just being. Moments later, the waterfall of thoughts and emotions starts again and keeps flowing and flowing and flowing. But then you remember your breath. So you take an inhale and exhale for a few moments and you’re back to being in the present. Just being. Then again, the waterfall starts and the loop continues. And you’re so tempted to open your eyes to check if the timer went off but when you come back to your breath, you are still. This experience could look a bit different to yours and others. Maybe you stay in that waterfall and imagine scenarios for 5 minutes. Or you stop after just 30 seconds. All of which is completely alright.

HOW TO START MEDITATING DTM NADA QAMBER

How to make meditation easier?

Mantra’s, baby! Mantra is a sacred utterance that you repeat, and in meditation you repeat a short mantra along with your inhale and exhale. My ultimate favorite mantra to repeat is “So Hum”, which translates to “I am”. It is to remind us to be present in the moment and just be. Inhale - So / I Exhale - Hum / Am

When you’re feeling that waterfall in your mind, with your breath, repeat the mantra, So Hum or I Am. This will bring you back to the present awareness and focus. Focusing on your breath is the best way to anchor yourself back. And with practice, it will get easier before you even realize it. How long can you start with?

1 minute. Start with 1 minute a day. Close your eyes and focus on your breath for 1 minute. and with every day that passes, up your time by 30 seconds. When I first started my journey into mindfulness meditation. I started with 5 minutes and my teacher upped it by 30 seconds every day with sudden jumps of 1 minute every week for a month. Those jumps were a tough cookie because 1 minute can be either a short time or a long time depending on the kind of day it is. Don’t fret about how long you can go for, but rather just the act of sitting for 1 minute is enough. If you don’t feel like sitting for 1 minute, try focusing on your breath for 30 seconds and that’s more than enough to get started with.

HOW TO START MEDITATING DTM NADA QAMBER

If there’s one intention to take away from this article, let it be this; Everyone has a minute in their day to stop for a while. That 1 minute can make a difference in your day, so take your minute and just be. Sending love to you all, xo, Nada

A FIVE MINUTE CREATIVE EXCERCISE TM ESRA

Creativity is a powerful tool that can change every aspect of your life. It is a skill that timeless, future-proof and it is a great way of investing in yourself. But when it comes to being creative our brain often gets stuck in this default inefficiency centric mindset. Imagine your brain being a house with thousands of rooms in it, but by default it only goes into a tiny percentage of them. Why? Because our brain is trained to get the right answer as soon as possible, the answer that has been taught and given. But when your brain is thinking creatively, it is daring and courageous, it searches in the dark and dusty corridors, rediscovering areas you haven’t visited in ages, find secret passages that connects rooms together, prizes and busts open doors eager for new knowledge. This way of thinking can be trained and practiced. We need to consistently train our brains to discover, explore and play so that we can create a network of rooms full of interesting things. The more interconnected rooms you have and the faster it is to access these rooms, the more creative you will be.

A FIVE MINUTE CREATIVE EXCERCISE TM ESRA

That is where the creativity workouts fit in, they help us explore beyond the few rooms we always go into, they help us think of things we usually don’t think of, and they help our brain come up with ideas from a new different perspective. The technique of random words is one of these powerful creative practices that can spark our creativity. Let’s turn this practice into a game to make it more fun.

Imagine yourself trapped in a land to escape this land there is only one hidden way, however, the only way to find it is by connecting the scattered words. You can start the exercise by choosing five different words and write them in the blank below, make sure to be imaginative with the words you pick as that will help increase your creativity and make you end up with a surprising result. Rule: your way from one area (word) to another should take you no less than 30 seconds. You should also escape before the end of the five minutes from the moment you start, as by the end of the 5 minutes the night will come and you will be no longer able to find your way out. What are you waiting for prepare your timer and get started before it is too late. Write down 5 words of your choice:

BEENA'S KITCHEN HOMEMADE RECEIPES FOR NEXT RAMADAN

Ramadan is a month of spiritual rejuvenation, prayer and reflection.Its the time to reflect what matters most: quality time with family, friends and loved ones. Even better, when the its over a sumptuous meals as you exchange stories and laughs. Sharing some of my favorite recipes which can be prepared with just simple ingredients from your pantry.

BEENA M.C. HOMEMADE GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH

HOMEMADE GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH INGREDIENTS: FOR THE CHICKEN SANDWICH Chicken breast- 500gms Chilli powder- 1tsp Chilli flakes - 1tsp Garlic - 5-6 cloves finely chopped Peppercorns(crushed)- 1tsp Tabasco Sauce- 1Tsp Fresh cream- 2tbsp Mustard Paste - 3/4 tbsp Cheddar cheese (L/F)- 2 slices(Optional) juice of 1 lemon Olive Oil- 2tsp Butter(L/F) - 1tbsp or as required 1 large onion, sliced and layers separated Sliced button mushrooms - 1 cup Salt to taste Coriander leaves- finely chopped FOR THE SPICY MAYO - 2 Tbsp Chili Flakes - 1/2 Tsp Tabasco Sauce - 2 Tsp A Pinch Of Salt

HOMEMADE GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH METHOD 1. Make incisions on the chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt,crushed peppercorns, lemon juice, Chilly powder and chilly flakes on them. Add 1 tablespoon garlic and rub well. Set aside for 15-20 minutes. 2. Heat some butter and oil in a non-stick pan. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken on a plate and set aside. 3. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in the same pan. Add remaining garlic and sauté for a minute. 4. Add onion, mix and sauté till light brown. Add mushrooms, mix and cook for 2 minutes. 5. Add salt and crushed peppercorns, mix well and switch off heat. Cool. 6. Shred the cooked chicken with the help of a fork and transfer in a bowl. Add the sautéed mushroom mixture and mix. 7. Add cream, mustard paste,Tabasco sauce and mix well. Adjust salt and pepper. 8. Apply butter on bread slices, place the lettuce and top it with a portion of the chicken mixture onto 4 slices. Cover with remaining slices and apply some more butter on top. 9. Preheat a sandwich griller. Place the prepared sandwiches on it, cover and grill till grill marks appear on both sides. 10. Cut into halves and serve hot with Spicy Mayo! Enjoy!

BEENA M.C. FRUIT KATAYEF

FRUIT KATAYEF An

iconic

Middle

eastern

Pancakes

traditionally served during the holy month of Ramadan.These sweet kind of dumplings are stuffed with variety of fillings like cheese or nuts coated with rose water infused simple syrup. I’ll be sharing my version of Qatayef which is slightly different from the regular recipe. INGREDIENTS: FOR THE PANCAKES Flour- 1/2 cup Semolina- 1/2 cup Baking Powder - 1/2 tsp Yeast- 1/4 tsp Sugar- 1tbsp Salt- 1/8tsp Mix well the dry ingredients with 1/1/4 cup water to a batter. Cover and keep aside for 30 mins. Use 2tbsp of the batter. Cook on medium flame until the batter has no visible wet spots you will notice bubbles forming on the surface. Do not flip.The goal is to obtain pancakes and cook on one side only until they turn golden. Set aside.

FRUIT KATAYEF FOR THE CREAM 1 cup mascarpone 1½ cup heavy cream(chilled at least 5 hrs) 3tbsps orange blossom water or rose water 1/4 cup pistachios(chopped or crushed) 1/3 cup powdered sugar 2tsp corn starch In a chilled bowl,beat the heavy cream for 3mins,add the

powdered

sugar(or

adjust

the

sweetness

accordingly),corn starch , flavored water and beat well until stiff peaks are formed.Mix the mascarpone to it.Refrigerate it again to set well. FOR THE FRUIT MIX 1/2 cup mix fruits (finely choppedpineapple,pears,mangoes,apples) 1tsp lemon juice 3tbsp powdered sugar Mix the cut fruits with the lemon juice and keep aside for 15 mins.Drain the excess water from the fruits and mix it with the powdered sugar. Note- you can adjust the sweetness accordingly) Fruit Cream Filling: Mix the cream and fruits together.

FRUIT KATAYEF

NOW TO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER In the center of a small pancake, place a tablespoon of cream. Fold the crepe in half and pinch to seal the edges but only to two-thirds, in order to get a cone shape. Roll the top of the cone in the pistachios. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Drizzle with either simple syrup or honey while serving. This irresistible Arabian pancake filled with creamy fruit mix dipped in pistachios finishes the dish with a sweet crunch.

Enjoy!

WHAT DOES NAJLA QAMBER REALLY DO? DTM KHALED ISMAEEL

Often called, a sorceress by her peers. Najla Qamber has a unique job, not many can be proud of. In the eyes of the normal crowd, she's just a Graphics Designer. But within her 'industry' she's more than that. What 'industry' is that, you ask? The Publishing Industry. It's not JUST the 'Publishing Industry' but the 'Romance Fiction Industry' within it. Okay, okay! She doesn't just design for the Romance genre but for every genre - poetry, non-fiction, historical, textbooks, self-help, etc. But the Romance Genre is where the fun is! Have you guessed it yet? Her and her team, are Graphics Designers, sure. But specializing in book cover design. I know what you're thinking, 'Oh, she designs book covers, cool!'. Yep, it's pretty cool. But do you really know what goes into it? I investigated further and asked her "What do you really do, Naj? Like tell me to me in detail." And she simply started enumerating what really goes into it. And it was fascinating! See below why she is often called a 'magician' by her peers. "Well, Khaled, what I do really depends on the story of the book, so let me enumerate it for you per genre:

If the author writes about a hot Mafioso (think 365 dni) - you automatically think: Tattoos, smouldering stare, man in suits. So, I stitch those elements together to create a 'man' that fits the cover. If the author writes about a school filled with people studying magic - I have to get a girl in a uniform, with her textbook glowing with a gothic building behind her. If an author writes about space traveling humans, who fall in love with muscular alien men. I turn those men blue, add their abs, and voila! If an author writes about kickbutt vampire men, who find their human lovers. Then I put hot vampire men on the cover. If an author writes about a Duke avoiding marriage only to fake one (Think Bridgerton), you put a regency clad couple on the cover in front of a grand staircase. You get the picture! " I did ask her more questions but that conversation is much more suited for a different publication than this. So without further ado, swipe to see some samples of our club's resident digital plastic surgeon.

WHAT DOES NAJLA QAMBER REALLY DO? DTM KHALED ISMAEEL

GUYS HEAD

GUYS TATTOO

INSIDE TEXT

WHAT DOES NAJLA QAMBER REALLY DO? DTM KHALED ISMAEEL

UPPER BODY

HEAD

CREST

AND MANY MORE IMAGES...

WHAT DOES NAJLA QAMBER REALLY DO? DTM KHALED ISMAEEL

MAN OUTFIT

GUYS HEAD

COUPLE BODY

AND MANY MORE IMAGES...

Y KE N T DO HA

SARA EATS! WHAT & WHERE TO EAT (OBVI!)

O NO

M O N

MUC

OW!

ENGLISH BREAKFAST If you know Sara, then you know she is a morning person. And what is better than starting your day with a yummy delicious breakfast! A perfect breakfast for Sara is the one rich with both proteins AND carbs -because who does not love carbs!!-. The English Breakfast served at Arabella Café consist of eggs, beef bacon, sausages, turkey slices, beans, hash-brown, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and slices of white bread (phew! Did listing all that make you hungry? Because same!)

MUC

CLASSIC CHURROS People like to end with desserts, Sara likes to start everything with desserts. She is bringing to you all, the world’s greatest Classic Churros – According to her- served at Sash Café. It consists of four pieces of churros that are crispy from the outside and moist from the inside with a side dipping of Nutella. She says it’s the best, if you have doubts then try it and let us know!

OW!

Do you like spicy food? Do you like Nashville crispy chicken? If your answer to both of the questions is YES. Then you should definitely try Nashville Chicken Sandwich from OverHeat. It is the crispiest, spiciest Nashville chicken, Coslow salad, pickles and a layer of cheese in one bite. If you are up for a spicy food challenge, let me tell you it is served in mild-heat, midheat and OVER-heat!!!

MUC

NASHVILLE CRISPY CHICKEN

MUC

OW!

SALTED DARK HOT CHOCOLATE Are you a fan of hot chocolate but it’s too sweet for you? No worries! Sara got you!. Give Salted Dark Hot Chocolate from Caribou Café a try. It consists of melted dark chocolate with milk, topped by whipped cream, salted caramel sauce and some chocolate chips!

PEPPERONI PIZZA

OW W

Everyone is down for pizza! And Sara prefers who are down for pepperoni pizzas :) Her all-time favourite pizza is Pepperoni Pizza from Pizza Glory. What is so special about it you may ask? Well, it served on thin crust so you get to enjoy the loaded cheese and pepperoni that will take you to a whole new world, to a new fantastic point of view. By then the time you get back from the new world, you will for sure agree with Sara about this pizza!

YAT BYTE SIZED SURVEY

HOW DID YAT KEEP YOU MOTIVATED DURING COVID-19 TM SARA TAHER I was looking forward for the virtual meeting because its THE ONLY virtual meeting that makes me laugh ☹

TM NAJLA HAMEED Although I dearly missed the physical.meetings...YAT s online meetings were purely vibing and energizing and truly inspirational and organic, everyone was honest about the way they were missing each other and that connection is rare and precious.

TM MARAM ALARADI In a time dominated by daily reports of positive cases and death numbers, YAT members and their meetings provide a-two-hour you time filled with fun, enjoyment, laughter, a chance to relax and unwind,a chance to hear positive learning stories and experiences and a chance to be inspired, motivated and energized for a change. I love you YATers

♥

TM MUSTAFA ALKHADRAGI YAT provided a reliable source of social involvement and personal development in times where most opportunities were utterly crushed because of necessary measures taken due to this pandemic. Maybe this doesn’t have much to do with motivation, but there is no doubt that it facilitated my well-being during these alienating times and I cherish that with all my heart.

DTM NADA QAMBER By keeping the meetings consistent and just being there ❤

HOW DID YAT KEEP YOU MOTIVATED DURING COVID-19 TM MOHAMMED TARRADAH By doing what i do best and that is being myself

TM TM AKBAR KHAN YAT Keep motivating me to go extra miles in your profession world and personal life. YAT is the only club where there is no competition among members. I'm glad to be part of this club

TM NAJLA QAMBER It helped break the monotony of work/home - work/home routine. It was an amazing break from all of that. And a great source of social interaction I didn't know I needed.

DTM KHALED ISMAEEL Oh, it was the people. With being at home mostly, it was a great relief to see people I know and love, for those 2 hours of a meeting! Despite it being virtual, you can feel the warmth and the LIFE!

TM OSWIN FERNANDES YAT is merely not a club but also like a family, no amount of COVID SARS or Ebola, can stop us from meeting, thankfully we have online platforms. So learning, evolving and fun never stops with YAT ❤

GALLERY

PICNIC, OR JUST PICS?

OUR FIRST?

WE SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM

INDIAN FOOD AND COFFEE?

NAJLA HAMEED, HUNTING MEMBERS AROUND THE KINGDOM!

NOT SO GOOD FOOD, BUT OH SO GOOD MEMORIES

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAJLA HAMEED!

HOBBY HIGHLIGHT

DTM Kal started on his high-end figure collecting thanks to a gift from his wife many, many, years ago! He collects mainly from the Marvel and Star Wars lines, with sometimes shocking accuracy to the real thing! These days, he's stopped collecting...not that he's tired of it, but he has most of what's there to offer! Until the next phase in Marvel movies come out that is.....doh!

MEETING POSTERS FOR THE TERM 2020-2021

Meeting #248

Meeting #249

Meeting #250

Meeting #251

Meeting #252

Meeting #253

Meeting #254

Meeting #255

Meeting #256

MEETING POSTERS FOR THE TERM 2020-2021

Meeting #257

Meeting #258

Meeting #259

Meeting #260

Meeting #261

Meeting #262

Meeting #263

Meeting #264

Meeting #265

MEETING POSTERS FOR THE TERM 2020-2021

Meeting #266

Meeting #267

Meeting #269

Meeting #268

MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN I AM A TOASTMASTER

MEMBER EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENTS LEVEL 1 COMPLETED

TM Rod Kevin Ybardolaza

TM Mohd Ismaeel

TM Mustafa Alkhadragi

TM Oswin Fernandes

LEVEL 2 COMPLETED

TM Rod Kevin Ybardolaza

TM Sara Taher

TM Mohammed Tarradah

LEVEL 3 COMPLETED

TM Maram Al Aradi

TM Mohammed Tarradah

LEVEL 4 COMPLETED

TM Ahmed Al Basry

TM Akbar Khan

TM Najla Hameed

NOTED ACHEIVEMENTS FROM THE DISTRICT

7 TM NAJLA QAMBER Sargeant at Arms

TM NAJLA HAMEED Secretary

TM MARAM AL ARADI Treasurer

DTM KHALED ISMAEEL VP Public Relations

TM SARA TAHER VP Membership

TM ROD YBARDOLAZA VP Education

TM AKBAR KHAN Club President

OFFICERS REPORTS The Executive Committee (ex-com for short), is made up of the seven officers and the Immediate Past President, elected by the club every term, whom of which are dedicated to handle business on behalf of the club.

CLUB OFFICERS REPORTS

CLUB INVENTORY WHAT DO WE GOT?

TM NAJLA QAMBER Sergeant-at-Arms

YATs! The Sergeant-at-Arms role was a privilege for me to fill this year. We were one of the major roles that were affected by the online meeting. So, a lot of the things that come with the role were no longer done during the online meetings. But to end my term as SAA. I have these two tables I wanted to share. The first is the Inventory of the club and all the physical possessions we have as a club as well as the Ribbon Distribution list which will be handed over to you all in our next physical meet-up. I can't wait to see what Mustafa (our next SAA) will do with the role. All the best!

WE HAVE A NEW BANNER INCOMING, ALL THE WAY FROM THE USA!

CLUB OFFICERS REPORTS

TOASTMASTER OF THE YEAR POINT SUMMARY Toastmaster of the Year (TOY) is an annual competition between our members to award those who are most performing and determined!

TM NAJLA HAMEED Secretary

Taking up the role of a secretary was sure fun and exciting. As the role required me to make minutes of every memorable minutes spend in our virtual world of YAT with the REAL Family.

Points are given for things like: Attending a Meeting Doing a Speech Being a role player like Ah Counter, Grammarian, etc. Attending TM community events Attending other TM meetings And so much more! Everyone did their best this year, and some of the toastmaster veterans like DTM Khaled Ismaeel, TM Najla Qamber, TM Maram Alaradi have opted out of any awards to give others who also commit a chance! (They get points in their sleep because of all their commitments they keep in the TM community!)

It sure was a learning experience and being among the empowering leaders is truly Inspirational and fantabulous.

YATS! TRY YOUR BEST AGAIN NEXT TERM!

CLUB OFFICERS REPORTS

A SNEAK PEAK INTO CLUB FINANCES

TM MARAM AL ARADI Treasurer

Being the Treasurer for the second time, I have implemented couple of new practices which are; keep the cash in a separate bank account to ease the process of E-transfer of fund via Benefit Pay application and to follow-up with members' Ah Counter payments those who have to pay BHD 0.100 and above. So far, we have collected nearly BHD 24/- just from Ah Counter collections and the club has a great surplus to start off next term should physical meetings resume. The excom has agreed to reduce the membership dues to BHD 45/- until December 2021 after which the dues will revert back to the original amount of BHD 90/-, while this is still subjected to revision near end of December and the club members' approval. The Treasurer handover has completed in preparation for TM Oswin Fernandes to take over the role.

One of the positives of the current pandemic, is that the club meets virtually, which saves the club a ton of venue fees! The above is an idea of what our club would have spent, per our budget, for the term, against what we have so far spent in far! We are to sure to save off some more dinars in the installation thanks to the ruthless negoitations for our excom, but wait til the final financial report that will be released officially!

Our expected cash on hand! Our club has seen record surplus thanks to the huge savings from virtual meetings! The outgoing and incoming excom have a few ideas on how to ensure we benefit from these funds...so stay tuned for a very important topic in the coming businesss session to take hold!

WE ARE FINANCIALLY HEALTHY THANKS TO YOU!

DTM KHALED ISMAEEL VP Public Relations

This term has been a fun and steady race! Working on the club meeting posters have given me joy, and of course, trying to raise the image of the club which has been mostly easy thanks to the wonderful aura and performance of our members! We have been growing fine in terms of our usual media trackers, and I'm sure with the incoming VPPR, we will go nowhere but up! My only request to our members, is to continue to like, comment and share our posts and meeting invites! A single guest to a meeting is like honey to the bees, it makes our day all the better! Stay viligant and stay safe, and catch you....everywhere!

PR ALL GOOD SO FAR

CLUB OFFICERS REPORTS

ROSTER AS OF THE TERM ENDING 2020-2021

TM SARA TAHER VP Membership

One of the main reasons I accepted the role of VPM is because I like to interact and communicate with people. I was always dreaming of the pandemic getting over so that I get the chance to meet people physically, share facial expressions and exchange smiles. Unfortunately, that did not happen, and I was disappointed for a while. Then I remembered how virtual meetings gave me the opportunity to text/meet people who live significantly far away. We had guests from India, Philippines and other countries. It even developed the skill of attracting/convincing people through texts or emails. Did I enjoy being the VPM virtually? YES! Will I be looking forward to be the VPM once again physically? Definitely!!

CLUB GENDER RATIO

12 : 11 MALE

FEMALE ALL AWESOME

CLUB OFFICERS REPORTS

TM ROD YBARDOLAZA VP Education

It is my role to administer the club’s educational program encouraging members to take up the projects that will help improve their communication and leadership. I am also there to record and recognize the progress being made by each member in their chosen Pathway. The VPE is responsible for organizing the club meetings, setting the stage for members to achieve their goals. I do this by scheduling speakers and role players such as the Table Topics Master or the Master of Ceremonies. In order to make the meetings exciting and enticing for everyone, I have to use every tool at my disposal: such as theme nights, debates, workshops or joint meetings.

WE ACHIEVED PRESIDENT'S DISTINGUISHED! THANK YOU MEMBERS! I am also the mastermind behind the club contests, giving competitors that nudge into the arena to showcase our club’s talent in front of the judges and audience. As the second most senior club officer, I’ve got the President’s back, presiding over the meetings during his or her absence.

CLUB OFFICERS REPORTS

TM AKBAR KHAN Club President

CLUB ASSETS IN ORDER RECORDS METICULOUS! FINANCES GOLDEN! PR IS BRIGHT! MEMBERS SMILING! MEMBERS EDUCATED! MEETINGS ARE FUN!

I shall keep my report short, for I have no need for much to say. My members, and my excom has done all the work this term making all of us proud. You only need to look at my officer reports and the smile of our members! It has been an honor being your president, and a greater honor being a member. I am sure the next term will equally be as wonderful! Good luck incoming President Rod, and his excom! I will be watching....with my penguin!

WHAT MORE CAN A PRESIDENT ASK FOR? THANK YOU ALL FOR A GREAT TERM!

7 THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD HONOR THE OLD, WELCOME THE NEW

7 7 TM NAJLA QAMBER Sargeant at Arms

TM NAJLA HAMEED Secretary

TM MARAM AL ARADI Treasurer

TERM 2020 - 2021

DTM KHALED ISMAEEL VP Public Relations

TM SARA TAHER VP Membership

TM ROD YBARDOLAZA VP Education

OUTGOING EXCOM

TM AKBAR KHAN Club President

TM MUSTAFA ALKHADRAGI Sargeant at Arms

TM BEENA MANAYIL Secretary

TM OSWIN FERNANDES Treasurer

TM MARAM ALARADI VP Public Relations

TM NAJLA HAMEED VP Membership

TM SARA TAHER VP Education

TERM 2021 - 2022

INCOMING EXCOM

TM ROD YBARDOLAZA Club President

THE FIRST-TIMERS WHAT CALLED YOU TO BATTLE? INCOMING SARGEANT AT ARMS

INCOMING SECRETARY

INCOMING TREASURER

TM MUSTAFA ALKHADRAGI

TM BEENA MANAYIL

TM OSWIN FERNANDES

After about four terms in our beloved YAT club, I feel it is time to join the crew that keeps the club on solid grounds. I believe the role of Sergeant at Arms is a great fit for me as it is primarily an organizational one, a trait I always associate with myself. I am looking forward to being the person who jump-starts every meeting and hope to do so with exuberant elegance. Being Sergeant at Arms also means I can eat all the cake before the meeting.

I am pleased to be a part of this exceptional and energetic excom and I am thoroughly enjoying each second of it. As easy as it sounds, being a secretary had it’s own responsibilities and challenges.I love taking up challenges and being the Secretary of the club is the perfect post to learn such things. A secretary is basically the guardian of the process of meetings and the maintainer of all the official business records of the group process and decisions: the minutes of the meeting. Looking forward to great meetings in the future!

As I complete 2 years with Young adult Toastmasters, with all the fun filled learning and evolving experience about how to become a better speaker, now it was time to take up some responsible role which would need me to work as team, and what better platform than excom can I ask for. Looking forward to learn a lot from the new role that I have taken up as a treasurer.

TAKING A STEP BACK, BUT IS IT, REALLY? DTM KHALED ISMAEEL Since joining this club in 2012, I have been a club officer in some form every term, up until now. Would this be my goodbye? It has been a crazy nine years being in this club. The struggles we have seen, from no guests, no members, and no money. Sometimes we would have meetings of only four to five members and at one point even, we were so much in debt, we never thought we could pay it back ever. Members would come, and then leave, and each one leaves their own heartbreak within me. So now here comes an opportunity, after so many years, to step away and say goodbye, as I am no longer required in the excom...Do I really leave? Yes and No. Yes, I leave so that the new excom that I have confidence in, can take our club forward and grow it as the members of old did. No, I can never truly leave because I, like the other veterans, will always be there to help the club grow, out of our dedication and love to the club without need for position or merit. It is great to finally take a step back, but whereas I am no longer at the front with the excom leading the way for the club...I am at the back watching how great and far this club grown, and will continue to do so. In other words, it may be I am no longer the tip of the arrow, but maybe the hand the guides it with the rest of the other members! See you next term!

THE INCOMING PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TM ROD YBARDALOZA Greetings fellow toastmasters and guests/future YAT members! It’s been two weeks since the elections, and I am still feeling that same potpourri of emotions that I first felt after being elected President for the new term. I feel elated, I feel honoured, I feel humbled, I feel excited but also; a little bit nervous. This club has put their faith in me - can I live up to all your expectations? Part of the nervousness is spilling over from how out of sync the world has been since early 2020 because of the pandemic - our safety, our lives and those of our families and even our dreams have all been disrupted and it has been hard to be overly positive. In the face of all this, our club has had to adapt to having our meetings at the Zoom ‘cafe’ in order to weather the storm, making it challenging to attract new members and retain all of our existing ones. Doubts are making their rounds inside all of our heads. Why attend another online call, after doing the same for work or for university? How is this group of Young Adult Toastmasters any better than watching some Youtube demo online? I began to worry again about whether I can navigate the club through these troublesome seas, when I was suddenly struck with a flash of realization. The times have been difficult indeed, but the club is still here, alive and kicking because of the members of YAT, the amazing individuals committed towards meeting twice every month in order to improve. All of my nerves and doubts fade away, as I realize that even if things get hard, my YAT family are worth the challenges and are there by my side during this new term.

THE INCOMING PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TM ROD YBARDALOZA To those who read this & are deciding on being a part of this club: We all miss being around people, and YAT Zoom meetings will not compensate for the normal, in person experience. But trust me, there is no other group of people that you can have fun with, learn from and get inspired by. Full disclosure, I was an inactive Toastmaster for a few years after leaving Bahrain for a new job, but as soon as I returned, joining YAT was a no-brainer - not because I just wanted to hang out but because I was so confident that these were close friends (and indeed a second family) who would do everything to help me achieve my goals.

Fellow toastmasters and guests/future YAT members! Thank you for your support and your trust. We may still be online and remote for a little while longer, but as your new President, my goal (and also by extension the rest of the new executive committee) is to make you feel like there is no such barrier - that we are more than just faces behind your screens. Trust us with your time, trust us with yourself and your dreams of becoming a better you. Trust us to add fun to your evenings, all while learning something new, for, as our founder Dr Ralph C Smedley famously once said, we learn best in moments of enjoyment.

THE VOX INTERESTED IN JOINING A MEETING? Newsletter Editor / Interviewer: DTM Khaled Ismaeel

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ISSUE 32 - TERM 2020-2021 - RELEASE: 16TH JUNE 2021

YOUNG ADULT TOASTMASTERS CLUB NEWSLETTER AREA 2, DIVISION C, DISTRICT 20, REGION 11