First, I would like to thank Lloyd Gwilliam (District 64 PR Manager) for asking me to write this, it evoked fantastic memories of my term as an International Director from 2004 to 2006 with Toastmasters, and I am happy to share some of them with you.

Being elected to the Board of Directors is a unique opportunity for both personal growth and for being able to give just a little back to the organization and its members. The Board is charged with continuing to evolve Toastmasters – to keep it viable for future growth and for ensuring the programming is cutting edge, so that it continues to be a leader in both communication and leadership worldwide.

While this includes approving and overseeing the financial affairs of the organization, and development and implementation of strategies and policies, it is all geared with an eye to incorporating member needs into decisions made.  This is how we have grown from one club in 1924 to almost 17,000 clubs worldwide today.  One other main function of an International Director is to be an ambassador for this great organization of ours, while upholding its mission. My fellow Board Members were all dynamic, grounded and without exception, had the best interest of the organization front of mind at all times. They were also a whole lot of fun to work with!

When first elected as the Region 4 International Director, we had six Districts, and only one had reached Distinguished status the previous year.  I was so fortunate to work with the “senior” International Director during my first year to collaborate with all our Districts closely, so that at the end of that year, five out of six of our Districts reached Distinguished status, and the sixth got close.  That was a huge highlight for us.

During my term, I had the great fortune to visit all of Region 4’s districts, present various workshops, give keynotes, coach and mentor District leaders, help form new clubs, and meet fantastic members who contribute to the health of their clubs, areas, divisions and district. These are the people who say “YES”!

I walked into my first Toastmasters meeting, unable to even introduce myself.My biggest aspiration was to speak in front of a group and not fall flat on my face.

Toastmasters gave me the opportunity to say YES! and I am very grateful I took advantage of each time I was challenged and scared, but said YES! anyway.  This lead to my opportunity to serve for two years as an International Director.

That is my one true highlight – encouraging people to say YES!

Saying yes to what may have scared them a little bit, but then they came back to report that they had grown by leaps and bounds and how much they appreciated a little “nudge” to get them going. I may have a little bit of a reputation for being “motivating” – some call it “pushy”, but at every opportunity, I encourage you to just say “YES”! 

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Submitted By: Sherri Wood, DTM, PID