Mr. Dawson
District 57 Club Growth Director Candidate
I am pleased to have been chosen to run for the role of District 57 Club Growth Director for fiscal year 2024-2025.
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Many of my Toastmasters colleagues are surprised that I've agreed to run. After all, I've already served as Division Governor in 2010-2011. I have enjoyed the privileges of being an "elder statesman" for some time. Now, with all I've gained from 17 years as a Toastmaster, it's time for me to give back.
My Path to Leadership
I officially joined Toastmasters in April, 2007. I was my club's first Vice President of Education. I helped the club transform from non-Distinguished status to President's Distinguished that year, by attending TLI, learning my role, and encouraging all members to commit to the educational program.
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I wanted to compete in the Area speech contests in 2007, but I couldn't find any information about the contest. I eventually reached the Division Director, who told me the time and place. When I showed up, the Area Director was surprised and pleased, saying "Oh, I didn't think your club was sending anyone."
I won the contests, but I asked the Division Director how someone goes about becoming an Area Director. I didn't want others to go through the hassles I'd encountered. She told me it was easy to be appointed, and we planned that I would become an Area Director in 2008.
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But there was no candidate for Division Director that year, so I stepped up to that role instead, shepherding 20 clubs rather than 5.
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The next year, I wanted to run for the Lieutenant Governor of Marketing (now the Club Growth Director). Before the candidates were announced, the current LGM said that he would not move up to Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training (now Program Quality Director), so I was elected to that position, instead.
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That is how I joined in 2007, and became District Governor (District Director) in 2010.
Videos
Power Hour: A series of videos with my unique take on "The Success Club Series" modules from Toastmasters International.
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Short videos that expand on some of my philosophy in service to Toastmasters.
As a member of the District 57 Speakers Bureau, I regularly present workshops on Effective Evaluations, Storytelling Techniques, Conflict Resolution, and more.
Why Return to District Leadership Now?
When I joined the district trio in 2009, it was a tumultuous period. Officers either chose not to move forward or left their roles. I learned a great deal about crisis management and conflict resolution, even as I was learning the skills required to maintain and grow clubs. But my meteoric rise meant that I missed the opportunity for the additional training and connections from the earlier officer roles.
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I've been active in the district as a TLI Dean and trainer; contest participant, District Chief Judge; and Club Extension Chair. I also served as an Area Director in 2020, filling a gap in my résumé.
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I have gained experience that I believe would enable me to serve as a good Regional Advisor. Still, I never served as Club Growth Director. I believe I would be a great Regional Advisor if I were to serve the trio roles again, in a more stable environment (building on the success of our most recent district leaders). The training and practical experience would give me more transferable experience that I can distribute across the region.
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My first tour of duty was an incredible learning experience for me, If elected, I can bring that experience and the new training I'll receive to better serve the district during this invigorating rebuilding period. This is my opportunity to pay back Toastmasters for all the organization has given me.
My Priorities as CGD
Building New Clubs
There are eight billion people in the world who have yet to join Toastmasters. It’s great that we’re meeting in person again, but most Toastmasters today have only belonged to online or hybrid clubs.
Meeting online lets us attract members from all over the world. Rather than proximity, we can base new clubs on shared interests. We can build clubs focused on hobbies, professional skills, travel, volunteering, or any topic that captures the interest of just 20 people in the entire world. Recent clubs revolve around empowering women leaders, multimedia, artificial intelligence, movies and tv, and more,
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Shoring Up Existing Clubs
Easier by far than chartering new clubs is supporting our existing clubs. I’m always happy to work with any club that’s making a sincere effort to grow their membership. In particular, I want to use our resources to help clubs with 13-19 members get to full strength.
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Recruiting New Members
In addition to supporting open house events at the club level, I want to host quarterly open house events to bring members to the district and Toastmasters in general. We can showcase the variety of clubs and their unique focus as a way to help interested guests find a club that matches their personality and interests.
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I have a 17 year track record of continual service to the district that has rewarded me with practical experience. I also have forged many friendships and connections with other dedicated Toastmasters who will form a top-notch team to serve the district during this year of growth and success. I look forward to helping each of you achieve your personal goals in Toastmasters. Thank you for your consideration.
Contact
Feel free to reach out to me about Toastmasters and related topics, or just say "hi."