Tag: 2023-2024

Warning on Spam/Grift

Posted on | by Andrew Watt, DTM

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.

Stay Cyber Safe

Posted on | by Zachary Fisk

Dear Members of District 53 Toastmasters,

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:

  1. 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?
  2. Examine the Content: Phishing emails often contain spelling or grammatical errors, an urgent tone, or vague requests for personal information or financial transactions.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. Do Not Respond: Avoid responding to the email or clicking on any links within it.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC offers guidance on recognizing and reporting phishing scams on their website: FTC Phishing Scams.
  2. 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.

Stay safe and informed.

Call to Meeting: September 21, 2023

Posted on | by Andrew Watt, DTM

Hello fellow D53 officers:

Thursday, September 21, 2023, 7:00-9:00pm

Online via Zoom

All Club Presidents and VPEs and all DEC members are expected to attend.

Note that the Zoom information and the .ics calendar file have been corrected since the “Save the Date” email on 08/06/23.

Zoom Info

If neither Zoom link works by clicking it, copy and paste it into your web browser address bar.

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.

Links

Links to supporting meeting information:

Emails with additional details, such as the Meeting Info Kit and your voting credentials, will be sent on:

  •  August 21 – Official Call To Meeting (CTM) Invitation
  • September 7 – Two-week reminder and draft Meeting Info Kit
  • September 14  – Final Meeting Info Kit, voting credentials and ballot links
  • September 19 – Final reminder including any late-breaking info

Please refer any questions to DAM@D53TM.org & DD@D53TM.org,

Thank you.

Sent by:

Norm Thibodeau, DTM, PMP
District 53 Administrative Manager 2023-24

On behalf of:

Patti Walter, DTMBettyann Peck, DTMMohan Padamati, DTM
District 53 DirectorD53 Program Quality DirectorD53 Club Growth Director

New Financial Manager 2023-2024

Posted on | by Andrew Watt, DTM
Gendalys Ramos, IP2, District 53 Financial Manager 2023-2024
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!

District 53 Announces 2022-2023 DTM Awardees

Posted on | by Zachary Fisk

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.

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DISTRICT 53 ANNOUNCES 2023-24 LEADERS

Posted on | by Zachary Fisk
Patti Walter, District Director 2023-2024
Patti Walter, DTM
District Director
Bettyann Peck, DTM
Bettyann Peck, DTM
Program Quality Director
Mohan Padamati, DTM
Mohan Padamati, DTM
Club Growth Director

SPRINGFIELD, MA, MAY 6, 2023 (June 27, 2023)

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.

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July 24 from your District Director

Posted on | by Webmaster

Hello members!

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 paid before 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.

Keep Speaking!!!  

Patti Walter, DTM
District Director 2023-2024

Our District’s Facebook Page and Group: What’s the Difference?

Posted on | by Zachary Fisk | 1 Comment on Our District’s Facebook Page and Group: What’s the Difference?

Toastmasters District Facebook Page vs. Your Facebook Group: What’s the Difference?

District 53, like many other districts, has both a Facebook page and a Facebook group. We plan to utilize these resources differently when promoting our members, clubs, and the district as a whole. As the PRM, I worked with our Social Media Chair, Heather Turner, to rename our Facebook group. The new name helps us all to better identify it as a group and distinguish it from the Facebook page. Our group is now named “D53 Toastmasters – A Place to Share,” while our page is called “District 53 Toastmasters.”

So, what’s the difference between the two?

The Toastmasters district Facebook page is a public page. Anyone can view our district’s Toastmasters page, regardless of membership. District leadership will share news, upcoming events (such as open houses), resources, and achievements of clubs and members. We encourage readers to like and share our posts to help spread our message.

The District Facebook group. Group members can view and engage with posts. This is a great place to connect with other club members, ask questions, receive feedback on speeches, and support each other in their public speaking journeys. We will also share upcoming events here that are intended for members of the District. If you are not a member, please follow the link below to join and participate.

So, which one should you use?

In short, both! If you want to stay up-to-date on District 53 news and events that are relevant to your Toastmasters journey, join our group. If you have news and events that may be of interest to the public, reach out to me and our social media team to publish a post on the District page.

Follow our Facebook page here
Join our Facebook group here

On a Toastmasters Note,

Zachary Fisk prm@d53tm.org

Heather Turner socialmedia@d53tm.org

Happy New Year!

Posted on | by Andrew Watt, DTM

Greetings to Division B Officers and Members,

I am delighted to serve as your Division Director during the 2023-2024 Toastmasters year! As a brief introduction, I have been a Toastmasters since 2016 at Mystic Aquarium Toastmasters Club and completed Competent Communicator (CC) and Competent Leader (CL) manuals. During my Toastmasters journey, I have served as an Area Director for two years, in addition to serving as the President, VPE, VPM and Secretary at Mystic Aquarium Toastmasters club. I have also competed in speech evaluation and table topics contests. I have multiple years of experience in advancing the club performance, mentoring members to achieve their goals, and planning, organization and execution of club and area level speech contests. I believe these experiences helped me to gain the skills to effectively communicate with other leaders and officers in the district to help with their needs and to provide resources in order to achieve high-performance among clubs.

Given that the District’s mission is to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence, the major objectives in my opinion are to help existing clubs achieve Distinguished status at minimum by meeting their educational and administrative goals, and to facilitate building new clubs if opportunity exists. In order to help existing clubs, I would make sure area directors and club officers are appropriately trained while working to provide support and resources to clubs through area directors. For that purpose, I would meet with area directors on a regular basis to follow the progress of clubs and to address any concerns and issues. I believe that the biggest challenges in achieving the Distinguished club status are the lack of progress in Pathways and inability to retain and/or increase membership numbers, so I would first focus on these areas using the strategies I learned.

I am very much looking forward to working with you this year! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at divbdir@d53tm.org.

All the best,
Ebru Unal, CC CL
Division B Director 2023-2024

My Goals as D53 Public Relations Manager

Posted on | by Zachary Fisk

Hi everyone, my name is Zachary Fisk and I’m the new Toastmasters District Public Relations Manager for District 53. I’m excited to be a part of this organization and I’m committed to helping us achieve our goals.

As the District Public Relations Manager, my goals are to:

  • Increase awareness of Toastmasters in our district and beyond
  • Promote the benefits of Toastmasters to potential members
  • Generate positive publicity for Toastmasters
  • Build relationships with the media and other community organizations

I believe that Toastmasters is an amazing organization that can help people improve their communication and leadership skills. I’m committed to using my skills and experience to help us reach more people and make a positive impact in our community.

Some of the specific strategies I plan to use to achieve my goals include:

  • Having a Public Relations page on the District website.
  • Creating and distributing press releases about Toastmasters events and activities
  • Writing articles and blog posts about the benefits of Toastmasters
  • Using our Facebook pages more effectively.
  • Developing social media content that highlights the work of our members
  • Partnering with local businesses and organizations to promote Toastmasters
  • Attending community events to represent Toastmasters

I’m confident that with the support of our members, we can achieve our goals.

If you have any ideas on how I can achieve my goals, please don’t hesitate to contact me at prm@d53tm.org. I’m always looking for ways to improve and I appreciate your feedback.

I also ask:

I’m excited to get started on my new role as Toastmasters District Public Relations Manager. I’m committed to helping us achieve our goals.

Thank you for your time.