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NOVEMBER 2012 |
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Semiannual Clubs: Update Your Officer List Online
If your club elects officers twice a year, it's time to hold officer elections for the next term. Once the new officers are elected, it's important to provide World Headquarters with an updated officer list. It's easy to log in and submit your club-officer list online. Please be sure to submit your list by December 31 to receive Distinguished Club credit.
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- District Treasurers: Does World Headquarters Have Your Q1 Report?
The Quarter One Treasurer's Report was due to World Headquarters October 31. If you haven't submitted your report, please do so as soon as possible. If you need assistance, please contact districtfina...@toastmasters.org.
- Area Governors: Club Visit Reports Due Now
Area Governor Club Visit Reports are due November 30 and can be submitted online. A copy of the completed document will automatically be sent to your district leaders and the president of the club that you visited.
- Attention LGETs: Club Officer Training Report Deadline Approaching
For clubs to receive credit toward their training goal in the Distinguished Club Program, Lieutenant governors education and training (LGETs) must record all club officer training online. Any additions or changes to the June-through-August training information must be submitted by November 30.
- Reminder: Changes to District Budget Due December 1
If your district budget requires adjustments as a result of your 2012-2013 district council meeting, please be sure to email amendments to districtfina...@toastmasters.org by December 1.
- Early Call for December Orders and Requests for Funds
Please be aware of the early cut-off date in December. District orders and district reserve funds requests received by 6 a.m. December 14 (Pacific Standard Time) will be fulfilled in the month of December. Orders placed after this time will be processed and shipped on or after January 2. Requests for funds received after this date will be paid in January as well.
- District Leaders: Get Ready for Mid-year Training
In January, Mid-year Training will be conducted in seven locations around the world. This training complements the district leader training held in August. District governors and lieutenant governors will be able to evaluate their progress, make adjustments and build on the skills that are required to have a successful year. For dates, locations, travel information and more, please visit the Mid-year Training webpage.
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1+1: Toastmasters' New Membership-building Campaign for Members, Clubs and Districts
On December 1, Toastmasters will launch the 1+1 Campaign, International President John Lau's membership-building program, in which all members can participate. Look for details in the December issue of The Leader Letter.
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Realignment Planning: It's Never Too Late
District governors: Please begin thinking about club alignments for the 2013-2014 program year. Ask your alignment committee to review the information on the alignment webpage; then provide the committee with a current club directory.
Tips for District Nominating Committees
By now your district has appointed its nominating committee for elections that will be held during the second district conference. The chair of the nominating committee has the important role of guiding the committee as it identifies the district's future leaders. You can find valuable resources to help you navigate the nominating process on this webpage.
Expecting a District Visit from Your Region Advisor?
District visits provide an opportunity for region advisors and district leaders to work together toward a common goal. A region advisor may visit your district soon to help you improve the quality and performance of your clubs. To prepare, visit the Region Advisor District Visits webpage.
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 Policy and Protocol Changes
During the August 2012 Board of Directors meeting, the following policies and protocols were reviewed and updated:
- Protocol 8.1: Club and District Assets
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Policy 8.3: District Leader Expenses
- Policy 8.4: District Fiscal Management
- Protocol 8.4: District Fiscal Management
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Policy 9.1: International Campaigns and Elections
- Protocol 9.1: International Elections
- Policy 10.0: Region Advisors
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Policy 11.4: Board of Directors Committees
- Protocol 11.4: Board of Directors Committees
Revised Policies and Protocol can be found at www.toastmasters.org/Policies. To learn what changes were made, please read the August 13-14 meeting minutes.
Exciting New E-learning Program for Club Officers
Incoming club officers can now begin training for their new role online. The new e-learning program for club officers is a self-paced interactive program that explains the officers' responsibilities and illustrates how they can work together to create successful clubs. A foundational training session provides an overview of how the different roles interact within a club and within the Toastmasters organization. This session is followed by additional sessions that offer specific training for each of the club leadership roles. Please share the following link with all incoming club officers: www.toastmasters.org/ClubOfficerEssentials. This resource is offered as a supplement to biannual district-sponsored club officer training events, and is not intended to be a replacement.
Place Orders Early in December to Ensure Timely Delivery 
Each year, Toastmasters International conducts inventory at World Headquarters from December 14, 2012, through January 1, 2013. During this time, staff will not be able to process orders. This includes online and mailed submissions. Please plan early and submit the following orders by 6 a.m. December 14 (Pacific Standard Time):
- Supply orders
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New member applications and kits
- Charter kits
- Education award certificates (including free manuals from the Advanced Communication Series)
Orders submitted by the deadline will be processed and shipped promptly. Orders submitted after this time will be held and processed on or after January 2.
Encourage New Members Outside U.S. to Respond to Mail-delivery Survey
To help World Headquarters improve the reliability and speed of mail delivery, a survey is included in each New Member Kit delivered to countries outside of the U.S. Please encourage new members to reply to the survey. Members who respond will be entered in a quarterly drawing for a gift certificate to the Toastmasters Store. Email TI.S...@toastmasters.org if you have questions. We look forward to your feedback.
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Consider posting the following information on your club's website or Facebook page, or in your next club newsletter.
February 2013 Board MeetingThe 2012-2013 Board of Directors will meet February 22-23, 2013, in Southern California. The Board held its first in-person meeting after the convention in August. Since that time, the Board's committees have met virtually, focusing on topics that support the 2010 Strategic Plan. These virtual meetings have reduced the amount of time Board members need to spend at in-person meetings.
This year's February Board meeting schedule has been reduced to two days. Following the completion of the meeting, the results of the discussions will be shared in writing on the Toastmasters International website instead of at a public board briefing or through streaming video. The meeting will be shorter and less expensive, however, the reporting will still be provided in a timely manner.
Members can visit the Toastmasters International website to see the results of the Board meeting on February 25 and the ILC officer nomination results on February 23.
Planning a Speech Contest?
The Speech Contest Rulebook 2013 (Item 1171) will be available later this month. Please check the Toastmasters Online Store in upcoming weeks to purchase the rulebook or to download a free copy.
Time-tested Toastmasters Tips on Video 
Four new videos have been added to Toastmasters' series of time-tested tips for improving communication. These videos are a great resource for members and prospective members. The new videos offer tips to master:
- Using humor in speeches
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Using effective gestures and body language
- Avoiding speaking mistakes
- Offering helpful feedback
Enjoy the videos at www.toastmasters.org/Videos.
Say Thank You with Branded Toastmasters Gifts
This season, show your appreciation to fellow members and leaders with apparel and gifts from the Toastmasters Online Store.
Seeking Great Speakers for the 2013 Convention
Are you a dynamic presenter who is an expert on a topic related to leadership or communication? If so, consider presenting at the 2013 Toastmasters International Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. Apply online now at www.toastmasters.org/CallForPresenters.
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