Highlights

(0:33) District 50 Quality Contest Chair Bonnie Dubbin discusses upcoming contest season.

(1:15) Excitement about returning to face-to-face contests after COVID.

(3:52) Explanation of her role as Quality Contest Chair.

(8:37) Discussion of this year's contest format.

(16:24) Announcement that contests are returning to fully

(21:59) Bonnie’s perspective on why clubs should host contests.

Summary

This episode of D50 After Dark features a discussion with Bonnie Dubbin, the newly appointed Quality Contest Chair for District 50 Toastmasters. Despite being relatively new to Toastmasters (only a few months), Bonnie brings relevant organizational experience from her work at Willis-Knighton Health System. The conversation focuses on the upcoming contest season, which marks a return to fully in-person events.

As Quality Contest Chair, Bonnie's responsibilities include

This year features a streamlined format with two contests held in the spring: Tall Tales and International Speech. The Tall Tales Contest is open to all members in good standing and requires a 3- to 5-minute speech, while the International Speech Contest requires completion of Levels 1 and 2 in Pathways and allows for 5- to 7-minute speeches. The return to fully in-person contests is highlighted as a positive change, moving away from the online and hybrid models used during COVID.

Bonnie strongly advocates for clubs to participate in contests,

Highlights

(1:21) Describes her role as Quality Contest Chair, overseeing

(2:24) Currently works at Willis-Knighton Health teaching leadership and communication skills

(3:21) Reveals being new to Toastmasters—just over two months!

(4:05) Shares her 20-year experience with the National Speakers Association

(6:04) Illustrates Toastmasters' diverse applications through

(11:10) Details her path from banner company owner to professional speaker

(13:14) Encourages members to participate in upcoming Tall Tales and International Speech contests

Summary

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Bonnie Dubin, District 50's Quality Contest Chair. Despite being just two months into Toastmasters, she brings extensive experience from her 20-year membership in the National Speakers Association and career in corporate training.

Currently at Willis-Knighton Health, she manages talent

Bonnie's path from aspiring physical education teacher to

She explains how the National Speakers Association differs from Toastmasters. NSA focuses on for-profit speaking careers, while Toastmasters develops communication skills for various life applications. As Quality Contest Chair, she'll oversee the organization of District 50's first in-person contests in recent years, ensuring quality in both written materials and speaking events.

As a call to action, she invites all District 50 Toastmasters to

Chapter Markers

 (0:00) Opening Excerpt

 (1:35) Division Directors Chat Begins!

 (2:35) How Leading as a Division Director Is Going in 2024-2025

 (20:15) Contest Season: Getting Ready to Work in Contests!

 (25:20) Clarification on What Division Directors Can Do During a Contest

 (26:01) Changing Some Roles within Clubs to Fit Club Differences

 (31:07) Focus on Members to Refresh or Revitalize a Club

 (33:00) Engaging the Young Millennial Crowd

 (36:01) The Emergence of the Virtual Club’s Zoom Master

 (37:04) Fundamental Feature of Toastmasters: Human

 (38:25) COST-SAVING TOOLS: Utilizing Digital Forms (Google Forms) for Voting

 (40:40) Pathways and Basecamp Revamped to Be More MOBILE FRIENDLY

 (42:07) Refining Toastmasters to Be the Perfect Organization for Millennials

 (44:45) Developing Substance along with Experience and

 (46:28 - 1:04:22) Why Toastmasters?

 (50:00) Toastmasters will prop you up, not fire you for making a mistake and learning.

Summary

In this special Christmas episode of D50 After Dark, six division

The directors discuss their journeys into leadership roles, noting how initial hesitation gave way to discovering valuable opportunities. They explain that division leadership focuses more on motivating and supporting other leaders rather than direct club involvement which is the role of an area director.

The discussion explores modernizing Toastmasters to engage younger generations through digital tools while maintaining the essential human connection that makes Toastmasters unique. They discuss adapting club formats and roles to meet current needs while preserving core communication and

Directors highlight the collaborative spirit in contest organization, sharing experiences about overcoming nervousness and supporting each other’s events. They emphasize the importance of cross-division support and participation in these competitions.

In sharing their “Why Toastmasters?” stories, David Haney reveals how Toastmasters helped him overcome professional setbacks after struggling with emotional communication in corporate settings. Cle Kimble discusses how improved communication skills enhanced her relationship with her millennial son, teaching her to become a better listener and more supportive parent.

The panel emphasizes Toastmasters’ exceptional value, comparing the $10 monthly dues to the substantial personal and professional development opportunities available. They conclude with a call to action, encouraging members to find their unique role within the organization and take advantage of

(1:30) Why start a new Toastmasters club— focusing on organizational benefits

(2:43) Three main reasons to start clubs: personal growth, cultural change, skill development

(3:49) First step— contacting Toastmasters International or the district directly

(7:11) Paperwork requirements and $125 charter fee

(14:01) Demonstration meeting with experienced members

(17:37) Clubs can begin meeting before official charter with 20 members

(22:21) Call to action for members to identify potential new club opportunities

Summary

In this nuts-and-bolts discussion about starting new Toastmasters clubs, Mickey and Rhonda walk listeners through the entire process from initial contact to post-charter support. The conversation kicks off with Rhonda explaining how organizations can benefit from Toastmasters' educational programs for developing speaking and leadership skills. Mickey chimes in with three compelling reasons to start a club: sharing the rewarding experience with others, stimulating positive organizational culture change, and gaining valuable skills through the club-building process itself.

When it comes to getting the ball rolling, interested parties can either reach out to Toastmasters International directly or, if they're already members, contact their district's Club Growth Director. The process involves jumping through a few hoops: completing seven forms, paying a $125 charter fee, and gathering 20 charter members. To help seal the deal, the district provides a demonstration team of experienced Toastmasters who put their best foot forward in showcasing what meetings look like.

The good news is clubs don't have to wait until they hit the magic number of 20 members to get started. Once they submit their application and fee, they receive a club number and members can access Pathways (the educational program) right off the bat. As Rhonda puts it, "be patient" when building membership. The district team provides support every step of the way, from sponsors who help launch the club to mentors who stick around for six months post-charter to ensure the club gets off on the right foot.

The conversation wraps up with Rhonda throwing down the gauntlet, challenging district leaders and members to keep their eyes peeled for opportunities to start new clubs in their areas. Throughout the discussion, it's clear that while starting a club takes some elbow grease, the district provides plenty of support to help new clubs cross the finish line.

For any questions or to accept the challenge, contact District 50 Club Growth at [email protected]

HIGHLIGHTS

(0:00, 18:53) Denise encourages members to treat D50 like a

(1:31) Role of Program Quality Director explained— like a VPE

(2:37) Toastmasters Thrive program (formerly Leadership

(4:57) Discussion of district's goal to become distinguished

(10:12) Toastmaster Leadership Institute (TLI) explained as

(11:04) Important change announced: TLI is now free for all

(19:21) Call to action: Make the most of your tuition by

SUMMARY

In this engaging episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey

The conversation reveals several exciting programs, including

A significant announcement comes regarding TLI (Toastmaster

The district's broader goal emerges throughout the

Denise closes with a compelling metaphor, encouraging members to treat their Toastmasters membership like college tuition— getting full value by participating in all available programs like Pathways Education, PQ Hour, Toastmasters Thrive, and new member orientation. All these opportunities can be found at D50tm.org.

Highlights

(0:59) Rhonda Bunte is introduced as Club Growth Director, one of the top three leaders in District 50

(1:54) District 50's goal is to become distinguished by June 2025, requiring net growth of one club

(2:40) Currently facing challenge with nine suspended clubs, requiring significant effort to either reinstate them or charter new ones

(5:22) Discussion of club coaches who help struggling clubs by implementing "Moments of Truth" and club success plans

(15:50) Demonstration chairs organize demo meetings for potential new clubs

(24:54) Call to action: Clubs can earn $20 in bookstore bucks by hosting a homecoming event and inviting former members by year's end

Summary

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Club Growth Director Rhonda Bunte about her role and the Club Growth team structure. Rhonda emphasizes the district goal to be distinguished in the 2024-2025 Toastmaster year. While the district needs to net only one new club for distinguished status, they face challenges with nine suspended clubs.

The Club Growth team consists of several specialized roles working together to support and expand Toastmasters within the district.

·      Club coaches work with struggling clubs (3-12 members) to implement success plans, to help them achieve their goals and to reach distinguished status.

·      The extension team follows up on leads for new clubs and reaches out to organizations about starting corporate clubs.

·      The retention chair works with area and division directors to help clubs that don't qualify for coaching but need

·      Demonstration teams organize and conduct sample meetings for potential new clubs, showcasing the Toastmasters program to interested organizations.

·      The sponsor/mentor chair assigns experienced Toastmasters to help new clubs through the chartering process and their first six months of operation.

·      The strategy analytics role involves market analysis, identifying growth opportunities, and developing strategies to engage potential corporate and community partners.

The episode concludes with information about a homecoming promotion where clubs can earn bookstore bucks by inviting former members to special meetings through the end of 2024. The next episode will focus on the process of starting new clubs.  

For information about the homecoming promotion, contact [email protected].

HIGHLIGHTS

(1:50) Denise Castile joined Toastmasters in January 2019 and has quickly risen to Program Quality Director.

(3:40) Nine years ago, Denise survived a Widowmaker heart attack while on a business trip in Michigan.

4:49) This experience inspired her to start a business focused on teaching lifesaving skills.

(6:16) Her CPR training business now has contracts with major organizations including the Department of Defense.

(7:27) She describes a heart attack feeling "like an elephant sitting on your chest" and recalls being alone and scared during the experience.

(9:09) Memorable moment when ICU nurses comforted her, saying, “we'll be your family” when she was crying about being alone.

(16:05) Denise urges everyone to learn CPR, whether through her company at anydaycpr.com or another provider.

SUMMARY

This episode of D50 After Dark features an interview with

This near-death experience transformed her life's purpose.

Through her company, anydaycpr.com, Denise advocates for universal CPR training, emphasizing that these skills are crucial for everyone, not just medical professionals or those in specific occupations. Her personal brush with mortality has become a powerful force for positive change, enabling others to

anydaycpr.com

Empowering Leaders for Tomorrow: Victor Johnson’s Mission to Mentor Youth

Highlights

0:00

1:31 - Victor Johnson published a mindset-focused book in

2:01 - At Dallas College, Victor mentors men of color in leadership, financial literacy, and communication skills

5:01 - He observes that many young people struggle with

11:23 - Victor’s Create Your Future Self Youth Program has

17:56 - Victor says that the unique selling point to the

20:54 - He emphasizes how finding purpose empowers students by giving them a voice and role in "the greater scheme of things"

Summary

In this engaging conversation on D50 After Dark, host Mickey

The discussion evolves to focus on Victor's Create Your

Throughout the interview, Victor shares insightful observations about modern youth, particularly their struggle with face-to-face communication despite technological proficiency. He draws an interesting parallel between the predictability of technology and the unpredictable nature of human interaction, using this to explain why many young people need support

The conversation concludes powerfully with Victor's

bethevictor.us

Maps, Members, and Moving Clubs: Ezekiel Reveals D50's Realignment Puzzle

Highlights

(1:08) Ezekiel explains how he became involved with district realignment

(2:53) Details the target district structure: 4-6 clubs per

(4:07) Explains balancing factors: club numbers, member

(5:13) Discusses geographical considerations in realignment

(7:45) Reveals scope of recent realignment: only 5-6 clubs

(12:39) Mentions potential use of Alteryx software for future

(14:53) District Director typically handles any criticism of

Summary

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett

The interview reveals that realignment follows specific

Ezekiel describes how the realignment committee, led by the District Director, develops proposed changes approximately three months before the annual meeting to allow time for review and feedback. In the most recent

A significant challenge is ensuring that clubs within an area

Ezekiel shares a potential improvement to the process,

The interview concludes with insights into the political

Following the Laughter: How Rhonda Bunte Discovered Toastmasters

Highlights

(2:06) Rhonda Bunte’s career as an audit specialist

(4:35) – Inspired by hearing laughter and applause from a conference room

(7:27) – The open corporate club at FDIC welcomes both employees and outside members

(9:18) - Shares success stories of helping fellow members

(14:36) - Describes pivotal leadership experience organizing division contest

Summary

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Rhonda Bunte, District 50's Club Growth Director. The interview focuses on Rhonda's personal journey in Toastmasters and the impact it has had on both her life and those around her.

Rhonda begins by sharing her professional background, having spent 30 years at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as an audit specialist in the Office of Inspector General. Her introduction to Toastmasters came through an unexpected source—the sound of laughter and applause from a nearby conference room—which stood out in contrast to the typically analytical environment of the FDIC.

The interview reveals how Rhonda joined the "open corporate club" at FDIC, where the corporation supported employee membership while also welcoming outside members. This club has remained her home club for 26 years, demonstrating her long-term commitment to the organization.

Throughout the conversation, Rhonda shares several inspiring success stories of fellow Toastmasters. One particularly powerful narrative involved a colleague who initially joined to develop facilitation skills and eventually became an assistant professor and professional coach in FDIC's leadership program. Another compelling story featured a self-described shy member who transformed through Toastmasters and rose to an executive position, later becoming an advocate for referring her staff to the program.

The highlight of Rhonda's own leadership journey is her experience organizing a division contest during the pandemic. This challenge forced her out of her comfort zone, requiring her to adapt to online formats and develop new networking skills. She emphasizes how this experience contributed to her growth in leadership.

The interview concludes with information about "Sell the Sizzle," a District 50 promotion encouraging members and clubs to share their Toastmasters success stories through videos. Incentives are "Bookstore Bucks" that can be used for Toastmasters merchandise and conference tickets.

Throughout the conversation, Rhonda emphasizes the dual benefits of Toastmasters: professional development and personal transformation. Her stories consistently highlight how the organization helps members develop not just public speaking skills, but also leadership abilities, networking capabilities, and personal confidence.

The interview ends with a promise of a follow-up episode focusing specifically on Rhonda's role as Club Growth Director, suggesting more insights to come about district leadership and growth strategies.

Check out https://d50tm.org/incentives/ “Sell the Sizzle” parts 1 & 2