A TOASTMASTER'S JOURNEY
I wasn’t born a leader. They were all around me though. In the community, at work, at school. Leaders were everywhere.
They were the heads of families, coaches of teams, business leaders, mentors, organizational decision-makers.
I admired these leaders. They influenced who I was and who I was becoming. Whatever they did professionally or how they became what they were, I aspired to walk in their footsteps.
And, so, I committed myself to becoming one. Finally, it came to me. It wasn’t just what leaders knew that enabled them to lead. They had a voice. They could tell their story. They could listen and answer. They didn’t just accomplish, they communicated.
So I set out to find my voice. Learn to process information on my toes. I needed to learn to listen. Learn to give feedback—and accept it. I needed to organize, plan, deliver, follow up. I needed a place where all the ingredients were there, and someone would guide me along the way.
I found that place.
I found a community of learners and the path to leadership.
I am a leader—and I was made.
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I have been an active member of Toastmasters International since July 1, 2003, where I chartered my first club at JPMorgan Chase Bank. Were were called the Dream Chasers. I was a member there from July 1, 2003 through September 30th, 2006.
From there, I moved on and chartered my second club at Capital One Bank on September 1, 2009. Were were called, 'Toasting For Excellence!' I was a member there from September 1, 2009 through September 30, 2015.
While at Capital One, I earned the Distinguished Toastmaster Award (DTM) on November 28th of 2014. The Distinguished Toastmaster award is the highest the organization bestows. The DTM recognizes a superior level of achievement in both communication and leadership
After Capital One, I joined the Anointed Oak Cliff Orators through my church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church. We meet on Fridays, from 6:45pm to 8pm. We are currently meeting on Zoom. I am excited to say that I achieved my 2nd DTM award on June 26, 2020. This is such a rewarding experience for me!
I believe you should continuously work on your craft, and Toastmasters allows me to do that, for less than $100 a year! Come and visit us soon!
What is Toastmasters International?
Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization that is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Our organization has more than 345,000 memberships. Members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 15,900 clubs in 142 countries that make up our global network of meeting locations.
The world needs leaders. Leaders head families, coach teams, run businesses and mentor others. These leaders must not only accomplish, they must communicate. By regularly giving speeches, gaining feedback, leading teams and guiding others to achieve their goals in a supportive atmosphere, leaders emerge from the Toastmasters program. Every Toastmasters journey begins with a single speech. During their journey, they learn to tell their stories. They listen and answer. They plan and lead. They give feedback—and accept it. Through our community of learners, they find their path to leadership.
Toastmasters International Mission
We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
District Mission
We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.
Club Mission
We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.
Toastmasters International Core Values
Integrity
Respect
Service
Excellence
Toastmasters International Envisioned Future
To be the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development.
HOW TO JOIN
Members pay international dues of $45 USD every six months. (Some clubs may charge additional fees.) All new members also pay a one-time fee of $20 USD.
IN THREE EASY STEPS:
Step 1
Visit a club. Find clubs near you by using the Find a Club tool. Each club has its own culture, so feel free to visit more than one to find the one that’s right for you.
Step 2
When you find the club you want to join, ask the vice president membership for a membership application. Fill it out and return it with your dues to the vice president membership.
Step 3
After admission, you will receive a welcome email from Toastmasters International with starter instructions. From there, ask your vice president education for a mentor, and sign up for your first project.