Warning on Spam/Grift

Hello, fellow Toastmasters!

District 53 would like you to know that we’ve had a spate of both spam and phishing attacks on members and on District officers. The messages purport to come from District Director Patti Walter, DTM, asking you to buy gift cards to prominent businesses, and then to text or email the activation codes to a phone number or email.

NONE OF THESE EMAILS ARE AUTHORIZED.
DO NOT BUY GIFT CARDS ON THE DISTRICT’S BEHALF.

The District’s finances are governed by the Toastmasters Governing Documents, and specifically Protocol 8.4: District Fiscal Management. Part of those rules says,

Expenses that are essentially personal gifts must provide no more than “incidental private benefit” and must have a reasonable relationship to activities that directly support the mission. Examples are tokens of appreciation, expressions of sympathy and modest incentives. These items are appropriate if they promote goodwill and a positive atmosphere for the delivery of the Toastmasters program, but must never be lavish or excessive. Cash and cash equivalents, including but not limited to non-Toastmasters gift certificates, gift cards, or any other stored-value products, are not permitted.

Protocol 8.4.8 – District Fiscal Management, Other District Expenses

In other words, the District cannot own or purchase gift certificates from organizations or companies other than Toastmasters International’s own internal store; and we cannot reimburse members, even District officers, who purchase such cards.

We strongly advise clubs to make their members aware of these rules, so that they are not victimized by this kind of predatory scam.

Pictures from Nassau

Fellow Toastmasters — 

It’s a great honor to be representing you at the Toastmasters International Convention, and the District Officers’ Training.  I’ve spent my time getting to know fellow members from around the world — and I even got to eat with the Past International Presidents! 

It was a great feeling to meet with the World Champion of 2023 public speaking — but I became emotional when I watched the third ranked speaker. Most of the leaders were encouraging me to work with you and make our district distinguished during this Toastmasters year of 2023-2024. 

I interacted with Club Growth Directors of other Districts from across the world. I also discussed about club building with past international directors. I have returned with lot of energy and confidence to apply my knowledge and experience to work with the team and retain the clubs.

 I have so much to tell you, but in the meantime here’s a set of photographs that documented my experiences.

Sincerely,
Mohan Padamati, DTM
Club Growth Director 2023-2024

From the CGD: 12 June 2023

12 June 2023

Greetings fellow Toastmasters!

Bettyann Peck, DTM, Club Growth Director

Club Officers’ List Submission Deadline is June 30, 2023!

It’s that time of year again…Club Officer Lists need to be updated by June 30, 2023! If any clubs miss the deadline, they will not be able to access CLUB CENTRAL on the TI website, and cannot carry out any club business, like processing new member applications OR submit any education awards. Additionally, no new officers will receive notices of any required District training.

If any clubs are currently suspended – they still need to update their club officer list. Because Suspended clubs do not have access to Club central, any current officer needs to email the club officer list to this address (and using this form). . By acting well in advance of the June 30th deadline, clubs will also avoid any possible disruptions on the TI website that could occur around the end of the month, and it also earns the club one requirement of DCP for the next term!

Thank you for your involvement with building new clubs, which I sincerely appreciate. Our district has chartered more new clubs this year than the last several years combined because of the work you have done. But many clubs have struggled. Many clubs weren’t aware that the most fundamental aspect of good club health starts with a new Club Officer list being updated through Club Central on the Toastmasters website before the June 30th deadline. 

I wish you all continued success and thank you again for your contributions this past year. If anyone needs assistance with this, please contact your Area Director or call me anytime at (203) 854-5498.

Yours in Toastmasters Service,
Bettyann Peck, DTM
Club Growth Director, 2022-23

Seminar on Community Forums

The Division E Public Relations Team is excited to announce that we are hosting a seminar on  how to use AmericanTowns.com and NextDoor.com to publicize your Toastmasters Club and help gain new members. Lisa Morahan, of the Saratoga Turf Talkers Toastmasters Club will demonstrate how to use AmericanTowns.com to share press releases with local media outlets (such as the Times Union, Saratogian, etc) and how to get the word out about your club on NextDoor.com!  Expected duration of the seminar is approximately 45 minutes.  Zoom meeting information is below.

Zoom Meeting Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82421023155?pwd=WWNOREFBR1IxRnhYQk9La0RENFplUT09

Meeting ID: 824 2102 3155
Passcode: 787497

Talk Up Toastmasters! from the CGD

16 January 2023

Greetings fellow Toastmasters!

Bettyann Peck, Club Growth Director

We all know Toastmasters love to connect, so take advantage of it — Let’s Talk Up Toastmasters!
This exciting membership program starting February 1, 2023, is the chance to encourage your members to invite guests to a special meeting where prospective members can learn about Toastmasters’ many benefits.

Here’s how it works for your club:

  • When you add five new, dual, or reinstated members with a join date between February 1 and March 31, you’ll receive a special Talk up Toastmasters ribbon to display on your club’s banner.
  • Qualifying clubs can also earn a special discount code for 10% off their next club order.

The discount code expires six months from the date of issue and is not valid with other offers
Applications and payments for members with a join date between February 1 and March 31
must be received at World Headquarters or online no later than March 31. The addition of
transfer and charter members does not count towards Talk Up Toastmasters credit.

Applications and payments for members with a join date between February 1 and March 31
must be received at World Headquarters or online no later than March 31. The addition of
transfer and charter members does not count towards Talk Up Toastmasters credit.
I look forward to seeing the remarkable results of your efforts that will benefit you and your
clubs!


Yours in Toastmasters Service,

Bettyann Peck
Club Growth Director, 2022-23

District 53 Welcomes New Clubs

8 November 2022

Fellow Toastmasters,

Greetings from Baltimore where I am continuing to serve District 53 Toastmasters and our members.

Let me extend my congratulations and welcome to our newest clubs:

  • Big Y Toastmasters
    Springfield, Massachusetts
    Chartered 4 October 2022 in Division D, Area 43
    Sponsors: Patt Walter, DL5; Andrew Watt, DTM
    Sponsoring Club: Blue Chip Toastmasters
  • Voya Toastmasters
    Windsor, Connecticut
    Chartered 7 October 2022
    Division D, Area 43
    Sponsors & Mentors: Tom Farrelly, IP5; Steve Lanning, DTM
    Sponsoring Club: Hubble Toastmasters & Housatonic Toastmasters

Welcome to our new charter members from these new corporate clubs, and we look forward to seeing some of you at District events quite soon!

Sincerely,
Bettyann Peck, DTM
District 53 Club Growth Director, 2022-2023