District 39

Where Leaders Are Made

Where Leaders Are Made

Are you interested in joining the District 39 History Committee? 

Members of the Committee will assist District Historians completing interviews, archiving and scrapbooking.  There will be project opportunities for those looking to completing a High Performance Leadership Project.  Contact Donna Lewis donna.lewis@district39.org

(Premier Event) Helena Byrne The Pursuit of Happiness Tour, Sacramento

When: Wednesday, May 16, 2018 6:30 PM-9:00 PM Where: Sacramento County Administration Building 700 H Street Sacramento, CA, 95814 Parking lot/garage available Event Description: Helena Byrne is an Irish folklore storyteller and singer based in Dublin, Ireland. Helena delves into the music, superstitions & folklore of Ireland, alongside incredible stories of Irish emigration through the ages; the Great Famine, traveling on the Titanic, the Irish in the Wild West, John F. Kennedy’s visit to Ireland & so much more. Please join Helena on this amazing Irish journey!! Seating is limited—Please RSVP to IrishStorytelling2018@gmail.com Suggested Donation $10 /person or $15 /couple Event Website: http://helenabyrne.com Event Contact: Katherine M O’Ray kathie.oray@district39.orgSuccessfully Encoded 916.705.7449

District 39 Judges needed for National History Day! Rocklin, CA

The 2018 NHD-CA State Competition will take place Saturday, May 5 through Sunday, May 6, 2018 at William Jessup University in Rocklin, California. This year, young scholars in 4th-12th grade from around the state will gather to present their original projects in one of six categories based on the theme, “CONFLICT & COMPROMISE IN HISTORY.” Friendly, service-oriented community members with an interest in history are invited to serve as judges at the competition. Judges evaluate student entries, providing positive feedback and constructive criticism to help them advance to the national competition in June. Judge training will take place before judging sessions, and breakfast and lunch are provided depending on your judging session. It’s a fun experience for all, and one that allows some of the best and brightest in our state to shine! Judges are needed for Saturday morning, afternoon & evening as well as Sunday morning. You can do one, two, three or all of the sessions. If you’re interested in learning more or would like to sign up to judge, please visit http://www.nhdca.org/#!sign-up-to-judge/c1lri At this site you can also RSVP if you are not able to attend this year but would like to be kept on a list. WHAT:  National History Day–California WHERE:  William Jessup University, 2121 University Avenue, Rocklin, CA 95765 WHEN:  Saturday, May 5 – Sunday, May 6, 2018 INFORMATION:  http://www.nhdca.org/ We look forward to seeing you at NHD-CA! Craig Irish Sacramento County Office of Education Coordinator, National History Day – CA 916-228-2660    Phone 916-228-2665    Fax 916-803-5682    Mobile Whitney Olson Sacramento County Office of Education Coordinator, National History Day – CA 707-849-3503    Mobile

New! Club Officers Training Video

Toastmasters International has posted Club Officer Training Video on their website. I have added a link to the video under “Quick Links” Thank you, Veena Vijayaraj-Kadidal for the information!

Look Who’s Coming to Town?

  Dana LaMon brings his Messages to the District 39 Spring Conference By Paula Zdenek and Kristi Beres He’s covered a lot of ground, traveling around the globe bringing his message of inspiration and motivation. Meet Dana LaMon, keynote speaker for District 39 Spring Conference being held on May 18, and 19, at the Marriott Hotel located in Rancho Cordova. Scheduled to speak at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 18, the title of his presentation is, “Change A-D-V-I-C-E,” a new paradigm with six points that will determine if one will benefit from change – revealing the best someone has to offer while achieving their desired results. On Saturday, May 19, at 4PM LaMon will also present his workshop, “Making Mentoring Meaningful,” a time-tested method for mentoring based on a relationship of trust, mutuality and commitment. Along the way, LaMon, will present some tips for mentors and what matters to apprentices. Throughout his lifetime, it seems he’s been a man in high gear. A few of his accomplishments are: Yale graduate 1974; California State Bar since 1978; retired judge; author of four books; Distinguished Toastmaster; district leader; accredited speaker; father of four children; and World Champion of public speaking 1992. What could be more extraordinary? He’s been blind since he was four-years-old. He hasn’t allowed his visual disadvantage to slow him down, when asked how members can overcome any perceived disadvantages they might encounter he said,” You hit the nail on the head, perceived disadvantages! People must learn to see possibilities and opportunities, not disadvantages,” adding it Is all about how one sees the world.” LaMon explained he joined a local Toastmaster club in April 1988 and attended his first conference in 1989, to support a club member who was competing in the International Speech Contest. Afterward, he decided to give in a try in 1990. “In 1990, I learned I had to be me and not do what others did. I also learned that the audience hungered for a meaningful message,” he said. He made a comeback in 1992 by winning the World Champion of Public Speaking award with his speech titled, “Take a Chance.” He explained how the speech developed along the way. His website states the presentation offers ways to get pass the barriers of fear, comfort and indifference that keeps us from winning the jackpot from within. “I developed the idea and speech, “Take a Chance,” about six weeks before the contest. I had only one iteration of it with some tweaking as I practiced it … about a half-dozen times before local Toastmaster clubs.” He credits his mentor, Lucille Lanham, for encouraging him to investigate the Accredited Speakers Program in 1991. Following her advice, he pursued and saw value in the program, earning the title in 1993. Being a former judge, LaMon, credits his prior experience aided him as a professional public speaker. “My experience as an administrative law judge for 29-plus years taught me the value of getting to the point quickly and making the point clear,” he said adding his experience in Toastmasters has also made him a better listener. He also acknowledges that being a father of four has also helped him as a professional speaker. “Watching the development of my four children emphasized the notion that every human being is different, but all seek to live meaningful (lives),” he said. “Interactions with my children offer great material for my speeches,” he added. Serving as District Governor for two years, he encourages others to take a chance on leadership opportunities. “Toastmasters is a mutually supportive group of people,” he said. “There is much that we can get from being a member. The mutual part means that is much that we should give as well. Assuming a district leadership role is one way to give to the organization to a larger group beyond the club. “When I attended our most recent area contest, I could see traces of principles and practices that were implemented during my two years as division governor. In other words, leadership allows you to leave your legacy,” he added. LaMon gave four benefits of attending the Spring Conference To encourage the leaders and organizers who put the event together. Support contestants. Receive inspiration and education from the presenters. Make connections that will be resources for what you want to do tomorrow. For the $20 club registration you and your club can learn from Dana LaMon. For further information about Dana visit danalamon.com and for more information about the Spring Conference visit the District 39 Spring Conference page district39.org/2018-spring-conference       

Coming Soon- District 39 Trio Highlights from Midyear Training

Last month, Zack Souza, District 39 Director, Jane Taff, Program Quality Director, and Wes Johnson, Club Growth Director attended an intensive two day training with other District Trios from Regions 2 and 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They gathered along with Toastmasters International executives to brainstorm, network and to learn about the ongoing implementation of PATHWAYS as well as the future of Toastmasters. Dan Rex, Toastmasters International CEO, said, “District activities, expenses and goals should always operate from the Toastmasters mission: ‘we build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence’. The mission really sets the priority on how our time as district leaders should be spent,” he added. Wes added, “Our priorities as district leaders is to focus on club quality and club growth to fulfill Toastmasters mission.” Jane said she is working with Rex’s team for him to visit District 39. The trio learned PATHWAYS may completely rollout to all regions as early as May 2018, with a two-year grace period, with the old system for legacy members lasting until June 2020. Zack explained the usual face-to-face District Executive Committee (DEC) meetings are scheduled to go virtual with webinars and conference calls. “Starting in the 2018-2019 year we will vote early to certify appointed officers and approve the budget. Toastmasters International provided recommendations on voting software to assist district in managing online voting,” he said, adding the first virtual DEC was held on February 12. At the training, Wes was reminded that the Toastmasters brand promises to “empower individuals through personal and professional development. People join because of this promise, and stay (or leave) based on the delivery of this promise.” Another suggestion was a District Summit that might replace the fall district conference. Jane noted this summit might, “include leadership development training for leaders, communication and leadership enrichment for the members, recognition, and networking opportunities. In February, Wes brought the idea of the District Summit as well as other ideas members submitted to the Procedures Committee. Jane said, “I am really excited about creatively addressing the fall conference alternative. I look forward to what our Procedures Committee will come up with in the next couple of months.” Stay tuned regarding alternatives for the Fall Conference by checking the District 39 website, and at the DEC meeting at the Spring Conference, May 19, 2018. Although what happens in Vegas usually stays in Vegas, Zack admitted he had some fun outside of training. After completing his training Zack attended his first Vegas show- Cirque Du Soleil’s KA with Toastmasters friends from Oregon and Texas.