If the event is related to District Council, the Annual Business Meeting, the Fall Special Meeting, or announcements from the District Director that are not mainline messages/letters from them, get this tag.
Join us in-person on October 14th to get to know your fellow Toastmasters and create connections that will help you and your club flourish! There will be ample time for socializing, helpful information, and table topics fun with light lunch provided.
Date: October 14th, 2023
Doors Open: 10:30am for Networking & Division A Director Coffee Chat
Location: Wallkill Valley Fire Department 112 Bona Ventura Avenue Wallkill, NY 12589
The meeting space is on the lower level, with ample parking in the back.
Tentative Agenda:
10:30 – 11:00 am
Networking & Division A Director Coffee Chat
11:00 – 11:05 am
Opening
11:05 – 11:45 am
“The More You Know” Speeches (5-7 minute speeches on helping your club with subjects like contests, hosting speech craft programs, and running Open Houses)
11:45 – 12:30 pm
Table Topics Marathon
12:30 – 1:00 pm
Social Time and light lunch
Wallkill Valley Fire Department (entrance off back parking lot for this event)View of the back of the building – enter here
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.
We heavily rely on emails for communication, especially within our Toastmasters family. Cyber threats plague us everywhere from Social Media hacks that overtake profiles and various tried and true promises of inheriting wealth from foreign princes. Various email scams are referred to as phishing, these are attempts to gain access to financial resources. Such as asking for Bank Account numbers and other personal information or requests to make purchases. Regrettably, the latter recently occurred in our community. I would like to use this space to help you be diligent within your Toastmasters correspondence and elsewhere.
Our recent incident was a phishing attempt that began with an innocent email asking the recipient for a favor or a few minutes of time. A reply then progressed into requests for the purchase of gift cards. Toastmasters officers will never request the purchase of gift cards via email. Furthermore, in compliance with our bylaws, the purchase of non-Toastmasters’ gift cards is strictly prohibited. This same phishing attempt has been deployed all over the world in each Toastmasters district.
How to Identifying Potential Phishing Attempts
Here are best practices for identifying potential phishing attempts:
Check the Sender’s Email Address: Examine the sender’s email address closely. Beware of addresses that appear suspicious or mismatched. Do you have the sender in your contacts, or a previous email which can be compared to the recently received message?
Examine the Content: Phishing emails often contain spelling or grammatical errors, an urgent tone, or vague requests for personal information or financial transactions.
Verify Links and Attachments: Hover over any links before clicking on them. Ensure they lead to legitimate websites. Do not download attachments unless you are certain of the sender’s authenticity. Do not click on any suspicious links.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off about an email, trust your instincts. If you suspect a message is a phishing attempt, take precautions. Reach out to the recipient with a new email, or better alternatives such as text and phone calls.
What to Do When You Encounter Phishing Attempts
In the event, you identify a potential phishing email:
Do Not Respond: Avoid responding to the email or clicking on any links within it.
Report the Incident: Notify your club officers immediately. If necessary, escalate the issue following the chain of command – Area Director, Division Director, and finally, District Officers.
Educate Fellow Toastmasters: Share your experience with your fellow club members, encouraging them to remain vigilant.
External Resources for Further Information
For more information on recognizing and combating phishing attempts, review these sources:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC offers guidance on recognizing and reporting phishing scams on their website: FTC Phishing Scams.
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): CISA provides valuable insights into protecting against phishing attacks: CISA’s Phishing and Spoofing.
In Conclusion
By familiarizing yourself with these best practices, you can protect yourself and your fellow members from phishing attempts.
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
Mohan with PIP Anwar Mohammad, DTMMohan with IPIP Matt Kinsey, DTM and other District leadersMohan with his fellow District leaders!Mohan with our own PIP Richard Peck, DTMMohan Padamati at the Past International Presidents’ Table!D53 PQD Bettyann Peck, DTM with PIP Anwar Mohammad, DTMMohan with Radhi Spear, DTM, International President-ElectMohan and others with PIP Deepak Menon, DTM Mohan with Toastmasters CEO Daniel Rex
It was a busy week for the D53 District Trio on-site in Nassau, Bahamas for District Officer Training and the Toastmasters International Convention. Just like the training our Club officers, Area and Division Directors are required to attend, we too have completed our training as well and it was amazing. I’m super excited to bring back to our district the things needed to help our clubs achieve excellence in District 53!
Member engagement, quality club meetings and education excellence was the forefront of our PQD sessions along with building new clubs. District Conferences were on everyone’s agendas as well during several days of intense PQD training sessions. Meeting with Program Quality Directors from around the globe was immensely helpful to gaining insight on what we all need to do: We build new clubs and help existing clubs to achieve excellence!
Congratulations to the Club Officers that attended the required Summer Club Officer Training (COT) sessions held in June, July and August and a huge thanks to all the facilitators that conducted the sessions over the last three months. As you know, the updated club officers list required by June 31, 2023 is the way officers can be notified about training. We have added makeup COT sessions to assist those clubs that missed it and that can be found on our website d53tm.org. You can also attend in other districts!
I’m thrilled to announce that our SC2024 Conference Co-Chairs Richard E. Peck, DTM, PIP and David Freedman, DTM have already started preliminary steps to provide you with a great District conference and we will provide additional details as things progress. Be on the lookout for “Save the Date” notifications from Public Relations Manager Zahary Fisk in the district newsletter as well as on our website.
Yours in Toastmasters Service, Bettyann Peck, DTM, PQD District 53 Program Quality Director, 2023-2024
Dial in for Audio-Only: +16465588656,, 82344732409#,,,,*848551#
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Meeting Details
In accordance with District Bylaws, this is the official call to hold the next District Council Business Meeting online at 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 21, 2023.
The District Council consists of the District Executive Committee and the President and VP Education from each active club in the district. The District Executive Committee consists of all Area Directors, all Division Directors, District Director, Program Quality Director, Club Growth Director, Public Relations Manager, Administration Manager, Financial Manager and Immediate Past District Director.
The District Council meets twice annually, in the Fall and Spring. The fall meeting is always online and the spring meeting is typically held in-person during the District 53 Annual Conference, but may be held online on a date prior to the Conference.
Participation at this meeting is one of the responsibilities of all District Council members, and it is especially important that every club participates so that we can achieve quorum. Since proxy votes are not allowed at District Council meetings, your club can only be represented if your President and/or VPE attends. Either officer can cast both club votes if only one is present.
The District Council is the governing body of the Toastmasters District and conducts all business of the district including district officer elections, officer appointment confirmations, club, area and division alignment, district budget approval, conference location approval, and other matters important to effective district operations. The business items for discussion and approval at this specific meeting will include:
Approval of the April 2023 District Council meeting minutes
Approval of the Year-End 2022-2023 Financial Audit;
Approval of the 2023-2024 District Budget;
Approval of the 2023-2024 District Success Plan (DSP);
Confirmation of appointed 2023-2024 District Officers;
Decision on 2023-2024 Area and Division contest format (in-person, online, or hybrid)
We will also have reports from the District Sr Staff, with time for questions and feedback.
Glendalys Ramos, IP2 District 53 Financial Manager 2023-2024
District 53 is pleased to report the appointment of a new financial manager for the 2023-2024 program year: Glendalys Ramos, IP2. Her appointment completes the full roster of the Senior Team for this year, consisting of District Director, Program Quality Director, Club Growth Director, Public Relations Manager, Financial Manager, Administrative Manager, and Immediate Past District Director.
Glendalys is a member of STAG Toastmasters, has agreed to serve as this year’s Financial Manager. Glendalys has served twice as Club President and once as VPPR, while serving currently as the club Treasurer. She joined Toastmasters in February 2019.
We thank Jessica Ficarra, past Financial Manager, for her service to the District over the previous eighteen months. Circumstances brought her into the role partway through the 2021-2022 program year; all of last year, and the first month of this year. Her responsibility for District finances wanes as the end-of-program-year audit concludes, and she completes the training process and handover to Glendalys.
Thank you to both of you for work completed, and for volunteering to a new role!
July 29, 2023 – Toastmasters District 53 is proud to announce the following members who have been awarded the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation for their outstanding contributions to Toastmasters International:
Patricia H. Walter, DTM, Blue Chip Toasters Club
Thomas Farrelly, DTM, Hubbell Shelton Toastmasters
Elizabeth J. Reed, DTM, Housatonic Toastmasters
Steve Lanning, DTM, Toastmasters of Downtown Springfield, MA
The DTM designation is the highest award that can be earned in Toastmasters. It is awarded to members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
The four awardees were recognized for their dedication to Toastmasters and their commitment to helping others. They have all served as club officers, mentors, and volunteers, and they have helped to inspire and motivate others to achieve their goals.
“We are proud to have these four outstanding members as part of the D53 family,” said Zachary Fisk, Public Relations Manager of Toastmasters District 53. “Congratulations to Patricia, Thomas, Elizabeth, and Steve on their well-deserved achievements!”
About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization’s membership exceeds 280,000 in more than 14,700 clubs in 144 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.
Toastmasters International announces the District 53 Leaders for 2023-2024. The District serves Toastmasters members in Connecticut, Western Massachusetts and Eastern New York.
The 2023-24 District Officers were sworn in at the District 53 Annual Conference held in Springfield, Massachusetts on May 6, 2023.
Distinguished Toastmaster Patti Walter, DTM, a Learning and Development Consultant, has been a recipient of the District Toastmaster of the Year Award and previously served on the Executive Committee as Club Growth Director and Program Quality Director. Toastmaster Walter has been elected as District Director and will coordinate all of the Division and Area Directors to help the members of all the clubs achieve the Districts mission. Distinguished Toastmaster Bettyann Peck, DTM, owner of a Design & Renovation Company has served on the Executive team as the Public Relations Manager and Club Growth Director. Toastmaster Peck has been elected Program Quality Director and will oversee all of the Districts Club, Area, and Division Officer training as well as Speech Contests held throughout the year, along with the annual Conference next Spring.
Distinguished Toastmaster Mohan Reddy Padamati, DTM, is a Senior Director of Business Development at Cyient, Inc. He was a recipient of the Division Director of the Year Award, and previously served the district as the Public Relations Manager. Toastmaster Padamati has been elected as Club Growth Director to establish marketing strategies, build new clubs and help existing clubs achieve excellence over the coming year.
We invite you to learn more about Toastmasters International www.toastmasters.org and our District at: https://d53tm.org/guest/
About Toastmasters International Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization’s membership exceeds 280,000 in more than 14,700 clubs in 144 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.
We are almost one month in, and time is going by so fast. Your Senior Team has been busy interviewing candidates, preparing for training, creating success plans and revising our annual budget.
Just like we have asked our officers to attend training, your District team will also be attending training in the upcoming month. Our team of Area Directors and Division Directors will be attending a four hour session in August, and your District Trio will be attending a two-day session in August just before the Toastmasters International Convention in Nassau in the Bahamas! The District Trio are there to attending the Annual Business Meeting on your behalf. At this meeting voting will occur electing ten new members to join the International Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. Your district officers have interviewed all candidates and are ready to share what we have learned with you on August 2 and 3 at 8 pm. You can find the link on our district calendar.
We are not the only ones who get to vote. Each club has 2 votes in this election. Clubs have responsibility to either attend the Annual Business meeting and vote, or proxy their votes to the District Director. We will talk about how to do this on August 2 and August 3. Information on this process can also be found at https://d53tm.org/proxy-assignment/. Reminder the last date to assign proxies in August 11th.
Also remember that members’ international dues are $45 for the October 2023 to March 2024 period — when paidbefore July 31, 2023. After that time, dues rise to $60 per six months. Encourage your club’s members to pay early, and help them use the new self-pay feature (if your club has voted for it) to do so quickly and easily.
I can’t wait to share with you what we learned during our August training. I hope you are enjoying your summer.
