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T he men and women who filed into the conference room at Miami Gardens City Hall
didn’t know what to expect from the visitors with the burgundy and gold banner who
bore pamphlets in similar colors.
They were more intrigued when Antoinette Bailey and Shakira Taylor casually asked them to
jot down questions that they would pose to friends if they wanted to learn a deep secret.
The interaction set the stage for a recent demonstration meeting by District 47 members to
the City of Miami Gardens. Mayor Oliver Gibson requested the visit as part of the process of
forming a new club.
“This was the mayor’s idea,” said Jasmine Saleen, a legislative aide. “He wanted to enhance the
staff’s communications and leadership skills.”
The Thursday afternoon demo meeting attracted a crowd. Employees from the mayor’s staff,
accounting, code enforcement and the police department sat attentively as Bailey, Area 13
Governor, welcomed each person. Joining her were Taylor, a DTM and former area
governor, Marlene Bryan, DTM and District 47 Public Relations Officer; Michael Schoen,
District Club Extensions Chair; several members of Universal Toastmasters and others.
Continued on Page 2
Toastmasters takes over City Hal l
Organization Name
Newsletter Date Volume 1, Issue 1
Newsletter Title
DISTRICT 47
THE SUNSHINER News from Southeast Florida and The Bahamas
2014-2015
District Number 47
August 2014
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Lt. Gov. of Education/Training
Lt. Gov. of Marketing
District Highlights
To Malaysia and back
District Governor Anthony (Tony) Longley recounts his recent trip to the Toastmasters international conference in Kuala Lumpur. Pages 3, 4
Mining new clubs
The new Toastmasters year means new role for Michael Schoen, CTM. For 2013-2014, he served the district as parliamentarian. For 2014-2015, he steps into the job as Club Extension Chair, USA. Page 6
Ask, Seek, Knock
Public Relations Officer Marlene Bryan offers sage advice for VPPRs to successfully fulfill their role. Page 10
TLI Season
Information and images from recent training sessions in Boca Raton, Broward and Stuart. Pages 9, 12, 13
GRAMMARIAN REVIEW: Toastmaster Joy Davis explains the role of the grammarian
to employees of the city of Miami Gardens during the recent demonstration meeting.
2
Continued from Page 1
The Miami Gardens employees followed along with each portion of the
meeting. During the Table Topics session, many of the names called
hesitated about approaching the lectern. One of them was Wiren
“Chuck” Norris, a police sergeant. But after protesting loudly, he
answered his question quite effectively.
Later, Norris said he was interested in Toastmasters because he
believes the organization will help him achieve personal goals.
“I have goals and aspirations in politics,” he said. “I know I need some
help with public speaking to get the nervousness out and speak with
confidence.”
Norris won’t have to wait long to get the full Toastmasters experience.
The Miami Gardens group recently was approved as a new club in
District 47. Welcome to our new Toastmasters.
Andrea Robinson, ACB/CL
Sunshiner Editor
MEET #TMD47
THE SUNSHINER
Published by Toastmasters International District 47: Southeast Florida and The Islands of The Bahamas.
Submit articles, questions and comments to
DISTRICT 47 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
District Governor
Anthony "Tony" Longley, DTM
Lt. Governor Education and Training
Damien KT Miller, DTM
Lt. Governor Marketing
Jeanine Kinsey, DTM
District Public Relations Officer
Marlene M. Bryan, DTM
District Secretary
Ruth Field Beck, ACB/CL
District Treasurer
Laura Thezine, ACS/ALB
District Sergeant At Arms
Thomas Plant, ACB/ALB
Immediate Past District Governor
Francis Molina, DTM
Division Governors
Div. A: Heather Mahoney, ACS/ALB
Div. B: Karen Lake, ACB/ALB
Div. C: Michael Thorn, DTM
Div. D: Valerie Johnson, ACB/ALB
Div. E: Jason Stewart, ACS/CL
Div. F: Deborah Young, DTM
Div. I: Delmaro Duncombe, DTM
OTHER DISTRICT OFFICERS
TLI Training Coordinator: Antoinette Fox, DTM
Contest Coordinator: Indira Sands,
Fall Conference Chair: Diana Loy, DTM
Spring Conference Chair: Lydia Harris, DTM
Club Coach & Advocate Chair: Beverly Cordner, DTM
Webmaster: Stanley Lloyd, CC
Parliamentarian:
Audit Chair: Glenn Parks, ACS/CL
Social Media Chair: Maria Alexandra Sanchez, DTM
Sunshiner Editor: Andrea Robinson, ACB/CL
Copy Editors/Proofreaders: Hieu Huynh, Ruth Field Beck
Miami Gardens employees get taste
of Toastmasters Experience
FUTURE POLITICIAN: Sgt. Wiren “Chuck” Norris gives a
Table Topics presentation at the demo meeting.
3
G reetings Fellow Toastmasters!
It was a distinct honor for the District Trio to represent District 47 at the 83rd
Toastmasters International Convention in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. To say that
the week of activities imposed a hectic schedule upon us would be a gross
understatement. However, the excitement and knowledge that flowed
throughout the week more than compensated. Toastmasters International
stands behind its tag line, “Where Leaders Are Made” by insuring our leaders at
all levels are equipped to effectively serve the needs of our members. This is
why training is not an option, it's mandatory.
In District 47, this process began on June 14th when Area and Division
Governors attended District Leader training in Ft. Lauderdale. This was
followed by a series of exciting and enlightening Toastmasters Leadership
Institute (TLI) programs for club officers and members alike across the 7
Divisions of our district.
When it comes to training, the District Trio gets no exemption. Every August,
district Trios from around the globe are brought together for 2 days of
intensive leadership training. This is a prelude to the annual convention. There are workshops on preparation of the district
budget and the district success plan, two time sensitive projects due to TI by prescribed dates. Another tangible element of
the two-day exercise is the focus group sessions. District leaders were separated into peer groups with fellow DG's, LGET's
or LGM's to discuss challenges and opportunities peculiar to our respective Trio roles. Many brilliant ideas are exchanged
during these round table discussions. One thing that was really emphasized at this training was the importance of clubs
preparing a club success plan, their roadmap for success in the DCP. In addition, district leaders got a chance to sit with the
experts from critical departments of TI headquarters such as District Services and District Finance and get feedback on any
challenges we have experienced since assuming office on July 1. Just like our club officers, District Trio's undergo mandatory
training twice a year, August and January.
Continued on Page 4
AWARDS AND HONORS: In left photo, District 47 Governor Tony Longley congratulates Dananjaya Hettiarachchi of
Nawala Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka, District 82 on becoming the 2014 World Champion of Public Speaking. Right, the District 47
TRIO receives training awards from Region 8 Advisor David Hollingshead.
4
Continued from Page 3
On Wednesday, August 19th, Toastmasters and guests numbering almost 4,000 witnessed the exhilarating opening
ceremonies of the International Convention. This was spiced with a native Malaysian cultural show. It was a particularly proud
moment for me personally to serve as a flag bearer in the parade of flags. I elected to carry the flag of my country, The
Commonwealth of The Bahamas. What an honor!
The excitement on Thursday August 20th centered around the semi-finals of the International Speech Contest. Our District
47 champion, Davario Rahming competed in round 3, semi-final 8. He drew #11, the last speaker. His speech topic, "Mission
I'm Possible". Toastmaster Rahming did not advance to the finals, "The World Championship of Public Speaking." However,
for a member who joined the program less than a year ago, his performance was fierce against the other high caliber
contestants. Several of them were on their second, third and even fourth trip to the semi-finals. Toastmaster Rahming, I thank
you on behalf of the District Executive Committee. Congratulations on a great effort. We hope to witness your next
performance on the grand stage.
Friday's events included the Golden Gavel presentation and the hall of fame. Although these events added much to the
excitement including my own trek across the grand stage to receive the Excellence in Education & Training Award for 2013-
2015, nothing could match the high points of Saturday afternoon.
Saturday began with the 2014 World Championship of Public Speaking finals which was won by, Dananjaya Hettiarachchi of
Nawala Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka, District 82. On Saturday afternoon, voting delegates participated in the election of the 2014-
2015 Board of Directors during the annual business meeting. The convention closed out on Saturday evening with the
President's Inauguration Celebration. This was an elegant evening of fine dining and dancing into the wee hours.
Toastmasters International has already begun plans for next year's convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Start making your plans
now to join the leadership team for an amazing experience.
Toastfully,
Anthony “Tony” Longley, DTM DISTRICT GOVERNOR, DISTRICT 47
5
From Lt. Gov. Education and Training: It’s contest time!
Damien K T Miller, DTM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR EDUCATION & TRAINING
Exciting things are happing in our District as we celebrate our 60th Diamond Jubilee year! This summer and fall, members
from all corners of the District are working hard under a refreshed resolve to improve past performances and restore our
District to it's former glory. What exciting times we are in!!
Our year started with a string of Leadership Institutes supported by all Divisions. I am
indebted to the due diligence and intense planning of TLI Chair Antionette Fox and her
respective organizers that are still working hard to this day to credit as many of our Club
Officers for their training. Training is fundamental to successful leadership performance in
our respective Clubs. Without it, our leaders would be unable to create the types of
experiences that make persons want to join this great Program. Thus, I challenge all Clubs
to make it their goal to get all Officers trained as a target for both our Summer and
Winter sessions.
Our TLIs would not add value to the leadership experience of our members without the
expertise and commitment of the many presenters from all over our District. I send
special thanks to these experts that are molding leadership giants in their own right; strengthening our District with their
insight and guidance. For information on make-up training sessions to be conducted before August 31 please contact your
Area Governor.
Our District is also now in the heat of contest season. The Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contests will transition from
Club, to Area, then Division and will culminate at our Fall Conference in November. It is so exciting to see our members
progress through each round as they vie for the District Championship. Thank you to all Clubs for supporting this initiative
and I ask all members to please support your Area and Division Contests by either attending or volunteering to serve as a
functionary. It is through your support that the District produces champions worthy of the world stage. For more
information on dates of your Area and Division Contests, please refer to our District Website at d47.toastmastersdistricts.org.
Finally, the District is happy to work with DTM Diana Loy to present our 2014 Fall Conference in West Palm Beach under the
theme "BROADWAY". The more I hear of the plans for this power-packed, fun-filled weekend, the more I am on the edge of
my seat in anticipation for November to be here. This is an event not to be missed. Take advantage of the amazing prices for
registration while they are still low and secure your room at the Doubletree soon. The property is breath-taking and will be a
superb host to an awesome weekend of learning, fellowship and contests. Registration and conference details are available on
our beautifully designed events page at d47events.org.
We have so much to celebrate this year and this is only the beginning of what is in store. District 47 will truly be taking the
learning experience to the next level and you do not want to miss out on the action. Come and celebrate our Diamond
Jubilee in style at any one of our incredible events and don't forget to "pursue excellence" in all you do. See you on the way to
the top!
6
From Our District Lt. Governor of Marketing: Quality is our standard!
We have returned from training, and brough back lots of great ideas to help support the members of Distrcit 47 more
effectively. Here are just a few things that we talked about that I wanted to share with you as members.
· Toastmasters is not just about clubs, it is a Program that develops leadership and communication skills.
· Having Quality Clubs makes the difference in Member Retention.
o This means having clubs with at least 20 members as a standard.
o Having a strong Mentoring Program in every club to ensure members are
meeting their goals in Toastmasters.
o Switching our mentality from becoming Competent Communicators to
aiming for Distinguished Toastmasters as a goal for every member.
· Recruiting and Training strong Club Sponsors, Mentors, Coaches and
Advocates helps everyone succeed.
· Having strong clubs Mentor new clubs or help struggling clubs provides
more members the opportunity to gain leadership experience.
Please join me in welcoming our newest club, City of Miami Gardens
Toastmasters! I look forward to announcing more new clubs each month.
If you have a club lead that you would like us to follow up on, please
send me an email with the details and our club extensions team will get to
work on it right away.
Dues renewal is an impotent time for every club as it is an opportunity to do
a "Health Check" on your club membership. Now is the time to start reaching
out to all of your members who renewed in April or have joined since then and find out how they are doing.
· If they are not going to renew, why?
o Do they need help finding a club that is better for them based on time/date of the meeting?
o Do they need help in a particular area that your club can offer, or another club is really good at?
o You can learn by asking questions how to support them as well as your other members, and may be able to
help them maintain their membership, even if it is in another club.
· If they are renewing, why?
o Are they meeting their goals, and what is their next goal?
o Do they need additional mentoring in specific areas?
o Are they willing to help mentor others or take on leadership roles?
o Asking these questions now helps you continue to support them so they remain members in the
7
long term.
Your goal is to collect dues for the October Renewal Deadline before the deadline so that your club and your members
reamin in good standing. This is especially important as we are in the middle of the contest season, and you want your
contestants to be able to compete all the way through to the District level.
We have put together some challenges releated to this goal that we would love to award to 100% of our clubs.
1. Smedley Award - Add five new, dual, or reinstated members between Aug. 1 and Sep. 30, 2014 and receive a
ribbon for your club banner and a 10% Discount at the TI Store.
2. Pay your club dues to Toastmasters by September 16, 2014 and receive 4 Competent Communicator Manuals.
3. Member retention is so critical to club health, that Clubs with 85% Retention by October. 15, 2014 will receive
10 each: Best Evaluator Ribbons, Best Speaker Ribbons, and Best Table Topics Ribbons.
4. Any new club that charters by September 30th will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to the TI Store.
5. Clubs that charter within 30 days of their Kick-Off Meeting will receive a Club Banner.
Additional challenges will be announced soon, so keep your eyes open for those.
When we focus on each member’s success in Toastmasters, we make the whole organization stronger. Please let us know
how we can help you support your members.
Jeanine Kinsey, DTM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MARKETING 954-778-0599 (cell)
Charter Date Years Club Name City Club Number Area Division
August 1, 1972 42 Freeport Eagles Freeport 1425 93 I
August 1, 1991 23 West Kendall
Toastmasters Club
8370
Miami 8370 54 E
August 19, 2003 11 Sawgrass Plantation 590751 23 B
August 17, 2009 5 High Voltage
Voices
Juno Beach 1376226 41 D
August 15, 2012 2 Toastmasters at
FIU Businesn
Miami 2662937 51 E
August 19, 2013 1 Meisner Electric Delray Beach 3414370 31 C
CLUB CHARTER ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 2014
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary greetings are extended to the following clubs. Thank you for your contribution to the growth
and success of District 47. On behalf of District Governor Tony Longley, the District Executive Committee, and all members across
South Florida and Islands of The Bahamas, we wish you a successful, President’s Distinguished Year!
From Our District Lt. Governor of Marketing: Quality is our standard!
8
Editor’s note: The new Toastmasters year means new role for Michael Schoen, CTM. For 2013-2014, he served the district as
parliamentarian. For 2014-2015, he steps into the job as Club Extension Chair, USA. His task is to identify areas that are ripe for
expansion. The Sunshiner recently posed to him a few questions.
H ow and when did you get started in Toastmasters?
I joined my first Toastmasters club in 1985, Baltimore, MD. The company for which I was doing some consulting work had formed a new
club. I joined just 2 weeks after they chartered.
How many clubs have you joined? Where are your current memberships?
I have been a member of 6 different clubs in 4 different
districts. My current home club is Plantation Toastmasters.
Why did you take this position as the shepherd of
new clubs?
Short story is that I took the position because Jeanine Kinsey,
our Lt Gov Marketing, asked me to do so. Long story is that I
enjoyed serving the district as Parliamentarian last year. I asked
the new Trio to suggest the assignment in which I could best
contribute this year. Serving as Club Extensions Chair - USA
seems to be it.
What are the ingredients for a successful new
clubs?
Since I took this position I have developed a new "pocket
speech" called "It Takes A Village To Form A New
Toastmasters Club". There are many ingredients. Some of
them include Division and Area Governors, Primary
Contacts within the new club community or company,
New Club Sponsors, New Club Mentors and active
participation from members of a Partner Club.
Where are the prime growth areas in District 47?
I have become aware of activities aimed at forming new clubs in all divisions of the D47 mainland. We have such a large
population, so many communities, schools, organizations and companies that our opportunities seem endless. My impression is
that colleges and universities offer good recruiting grounds. Corporate clubs, including government entities, can be productive.
The diversity of our people based on religion, native language, national background and other factors also offer opportunities.
I find myself comparing D47 with the South Dakota district in which I had to drive 400 miles one way to attend a district
conference. The area to which my home club belonged was almost 30 miles wide.
Club Extension Chair has keen eye for mining possibilities in D47
MR. GENERAL EVALUATOR: Michael Schoen, CTM,
recently participated in the demonstration meeting at City of
Miami Gardens and educated city employees on the various
roles at Toastmasters club meetings.
9
Boca Raton TLI has something for everyone
T he ToastmastersLeadership Institute (TLI) for District 47, Division C, was held on July 12th
at the Boca Raton High School. The theme was “Making A Difference” and was attended by
almost 200 Toastmasters from around the Division and beyond. This event was more than
officer training, it was truly leadership training. All club members were invited to participate. Division
C Governor, Michael Thorn, DTM, was an excellent host along with Event Chair Sheree Thomas, who
put together a fabulous event.
The keynote speaker was Boca Raton, Mayor Susan Haynie, who presented an interesting,
encapsulated version of the history of the city. Everyone seemed to learn a bit of something new about
Boca Raton. She supports and encourages leadership in groups such as Toastmasters and is proud that
her city hosted this event.
The individual sessions showed tremendous preparation. The information sharing and lively discussions
were both helpful and fun. Many friendships were made and networking contacts were created. Photos
and phone numbers were shared. And, there was food. Of course, there was a very nice breakfast.
Overall, this was an extremely successful event that enabled club officers to quickly master their roles
and learn about many different resources available to help their own clubs be even better in the future.
Thanks to Michael Thorn, Division C Governor, Sheree Thomas, TLI Event Chair, and the planning team for an extremely successful event.
10
A sk, Seek, Knock
Congratulations! You are now Vice President of Public Relations (VPPR) of your club, also
lovingly called the VPPR. Not sure about what to do next? Well we hope you have taken the
time to attend one of the Toastmasters Leadership Institute that were conducted
throughout District 47.
In the meantime, as the VPPR, one of your duties is to promote your club and Toastmasters.
Here is the good news: You don't have to do it alone. As the old saying goes: "No man (or
woman) is an island." Don't struggle alone in this important role. Here are three tips to help you along.
Ask - Approach two or three of your fellow Toastmaster members to assist you with your duties. Form a committee and
decide who will be responsible for: updating the club's website, your social media pages and your newsletter. Speaking of
updating, visit Toastmasters International (TI) website to ensure the club’s contact information, the meeting place and the
time of your meeting are correct.
Seek - Visit other clubs’ websites and social media sites to see what they are doing. If you see something that you like for your
club, adopt it. They say this is the best form of flattery! Visit the TI Brand Portal to download material that will aid in
advertising your club. Download the VPPR PDF helpful guide that is also available on the site. It is a big document, but it has
a plethora of useful information for you.
Knock - We encourage you to go beyond your club to get the word out about club events that you are conducting such as
your club contests. Submit press releases to local media organizations: newspapers, radio and televisions. Leave old copies
of the Toastmasters magazine at your doctors' offices, auto repair offices, beauty salons and barber shops. Visit other non-
Toastmaster organizations (such as local rotary) to speak about Toastmasters and your club.
As you may see, there are many different ways to spread the good news about your club and the benefits other may
experience there. Yet remember it is better if you don't go it alone. Just remember to Ask, Seek and Knock. Best of luck to
you.
Marlene M. Bryan, DTM PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Public Relations Corner: ASK, SEEK KNOCK!
11
12
T oastmasters International is known for its leadership training. The just-completed TLI series throughout District
47 gave our members opportunities to learn, grow, network and have fun. Here are some images from sessions in
Stuart and Broward County, which allowed hundreds of our district members to gain the necessary instructional
tools for the new year.
13
Got News? Please share with The Sunshiner!
We want to hear from you!
Consider The Sunshiner your source for news and information about the happenings in your club,
area, division and across the district. For this to be a successful endeavor, we need your input.
We’re interested in the events, successes, triumphs and fun in the clubs and in personal feats. This is
the place to celebrate club achievements, milestones, and individual accomplishments.
Please email your information or ideas to [email protected]. A schedule of upcoming
issues and cutoff dates will appear in an upcoming issue of The Sunshiner.
