Community Blog

Video Administrator D64 Blog

Use Social Media to Promote your Club Events

During my speech at the 2018 TLI event, I had stated that social media is a tool to help you promote your club and spread your message. I would like to take a moment to correct myself here: social media is not a single tool, but more like a very large toolbox.

Today, I wanted to share a short video by Jerry Potter from Five Minute Social Media that discusses how to create a Facebook Event.  The video outlines the steps and a few best practices that are common for social media marketers.  Watch the video and try it out yourself by posting your next club meeting or special event on Facebook

As an added incentive, send your Facebook Events to the District 64 Facebook Page and we’ll help share it.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S_Lx5Cn5Jc]

Administrator D64 Blog

Create a Digital Workspace for your Club’s Administration with Google and Free Toast Host

One of the continuous challenges of running a club is getting new officers trained and setup to take over club operations. Despite our best efforts, some key decisions and processes are inevitably missed and forgotten over time.

For all of the core things that need to stay with the club, it’s time turn to “the cloud“. By creating a Google Account using the Administrator’s email address from Free Toast Host (FTH), you will be given access to some of Google’s suite of free apps such as Google Drive, Google Photos, Google Docs, and much more. Click here to view an infographic that helps explain Google Apps (pinterest.com).

Here are some of the cool advantages:

  • The account belongs to the club, not an individual. This means that all of your photos, blog posts, (etc) stay with the club.
  • Learn new skills using modern tech. You don’t need to be a “techie” to take advantage of Google’s apps. Start by sharing a few files on Google Drive and build up your expertise from there.
  • End the endless emails and collaborate via the cloud. Files you save on Google Drive can be “shared” with club members of your choice, allowing them to review, edit and comment on your latest work.

Have I got you interested? Great, here is how to get started:

  1. As your club’s FTH site administrator, click here to create a new Google Account using your FTH Admin email address.
  2. Fill out the rest of the form as required, then submit. Don’t forget to write your password down somewhere safe!
  3. Check your email inbox (the one that is linked to the FTH email address you just registered) for your account verification link. As per the instructions, click the verification link in the email to officially activate your account.
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    click the verification link to activate your new Google Account
  4. After your account is set up, you may be prompted to add your mobile number, but we’ll skip that step today.  Instead, click the link to manage your account profile to proceed.

That’s it! You are now setup to start using Google apps with your Free Toast Host account. Have fun!

What did you think of this post? Let us know in the comments below, and send us your ideas for the next article.

Administrator D64 Blog

News From 42

It’s been a busy fall season for all five clubs in Area 42.

There has been a focus on building memberships and creating a sense of comradery. Get this – U of W Toastmasters has a returning member from 10 years ago. How’s that for loyalty? It’s all about being an active member, as well as visiting your neighbouring clubs.

The word is out – Area 42 Toastmasters can attend up to four meetings a week at the noon hour. Our clubs are all within walking distance of the downtown core. All five clubs take a different spin on a meeting focus, so meetings are always exciting. With the completion of manuals on the minds of Area 42 Toastmasters, this is a great way to accomplish this goal.

Some recent initiatives within the clubs is also sparking a renewed vigour and interest in the Toastmasters program. First, in response to an increase in formal speeches, Licensed To Speak is introducing the “Speech Blitz” which aims to showcase speeches only. With this new initiative, they hope to broaden the opportunities for their membership to advance through their development manuals at a pace that matches the demand. The Forks Toastmasters welcomes an ‘International’ speaker to every other meeting. They also hold a roundtable evaluation ensures everyone gets a chance to speak.

Next up – moving beyond comradery and into rivalry (what’s wrong with a little competition?)

–
Paul Graveline
Area 42 Director

Administrator D64 Blog

Recognizing Community Leadership – a Toast to Lionel Guerard

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The Manitoba Council on Aging presented Lionel Guerard, DTM, with the 2017 Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Award to recognize this community leader and volunteer. Awards were presented in a ceremony at the Legislative Building on October 20, 2017.

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Lionel was recognized for volunteering with several organizations including the Air Cadet Corps, Toastmasters International, the Transportation Options Network for Seniors, a board member for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Canadian Condominium Institute, Royal Canadian Legion and the Manitoba Association of Parliamentarians.

Lionel is a Distinguished Toastmaster, Past District Governor (2002-03) and led the District to Distinguished status in 2003 and received Awards of Excellence from Toastmasters International in 2001 and 2002 for the District’s success at membership and educational growth. He has been chair of several highly successful District conferences and is the 2018 Toastmasters Leadership Institute/TLI chairperson.

Lionel also won the Jack Gillespie award for excellence in club building in 2007-08, and during this time in Toastmasters, has sponsored 11 new clubs, mentored 2 new clubs and worked as a club coach for 3 existing clubs. Phew!

Lionel has been a member since 1994 and has worked tirelessly for the benefit of the District and its members.

Please join us in congratulating Lionel!

Administrator D64 Blog

Almost Distinguished

These “almost Distinguished clubs” from 2016-2017 were missing the membership requirement of 20 members or five members more than their base from the previous July 1. No clubs were left out because they had the membership but missed another goal. Members clearly matter!

  • Assiniboine
  • Centennial
  • Charleswood
  • CI (Communications International)
  • Confidently Speaking
  • Crossroads
  • Flin Flon
  • Franc Parleurs
  • Keystone Speakers
  • Manitoba Morning
  • Portage
  • Portage & Main
  • Serendipity
  • SKY-HY
  • Star of the North
  • Start Communicating
  • Virtual

In Toastmasters jargon, almost distinguished means something nice: a club, Area, Division or District missed out on the coveted title of Distinguished by the barest of margins. It means the group worked hard, coming close to but not reaching one last goal or the qualifying member requirement. Does this motivate members to work harder to meet five goals and the qualifying requirement in the following year?

If a club is taking care of the administrative tasks efficiently, turning guests into members, mentoring new and experienced members, helping members to complete leadership and communication projects and having fun while learning, Distinguished status will naturally follow. They will be rewarded for doing what they are supposed to do.  It’s clear to me that clubs in District 64 need to continue to work hard to retain their members and to bring new people to the clubs. What can you do to help with retention and finding new members for your club?