What Makes BeGes So Special? Presidential Brief March 2018

BeGes President’s Newsletter March 2018

 

WHAT MAKES BEGES SO SPECIAL?

Beges,

When we became a member of Toastmasters, out of all the possible clubs in the area, we may or may not have put a huge amount of thought into why we chose to join BeGes.

Maybe it was the downtown location (with free parking)! Maybe it was the time and day (Friday afternoons work better for many folks). Maybe it was the camaraderie shown amongst members - we laugh a lot and genuinely like each other.

For me, the appeal was also that we were such an eclectic group.  I'd "auditioned" five other clubs, four were associated with a workplace (where the employer had required employees to join), and one seemed to be a very small group of retired people. BeGes had entrepreneurs like myself as well as business professionals, but more importantly it embraced a wide range of individual personalities. I felt like my quirky character would fit in.

Toastmasters provides an organizational template for groups, along with supportive materials for our education and growth. But it's the individuals in the club that create its environment.

Each one of us contributes to the atmosphere that's present at the meetings. We contribute in an overt way by simply showing up, giving speeches, participating in the different roles. This is a win-win for us because we can make progress through our manuals and get to put letters at the end of our names when we're done. (No, really, progressing through manuals also means we've gained skills in speaking and leadership as well).

But we also contribute in a less obvious way, in *how* we show up. Do we attend with a sincere desire to participate? Do we treat others with respect? Are we supportive in our feedback? Are we kind and understanding?

It's something to think about. Besides the laughter as BeGes, we were attracted to our club's culture. When we come to meetings and are consciously present and supportive, we make it a safe place for all of us to learn and grow.

Joan Newcomb

BeGes Club President

2017-2018

Upcoming Events

Friday, March 16 we have our monthly Officer's Meeting - everyone's invited! Come see behind the scenes what we do to make our club as exceptional as it is.

February-March, we're having a Membership Drive, this is an excellent time to bring a friend to BeGes!

OFFICER ELECTIONS

Our club's elections will be May with terms beginning in July.
Now's the time to consider if you want to step up.

Here are descriptions for each:
President presides at meetings of the Club, has general supervision of the operations of the Club
Vice President of Education Plans & directs club programs meeting Club members' educational needs. Plans & publishes regular schedules of meeting assignments. Keeps track of member's progress towards goals.
Vice President of Membership Plans and directs programs to retain and increase club membership.
Vice President of Public Relations Develops & directs programs informing members and the public about Toastmasters International and Club activities.
Treasurer Responsible for Club financial policies, procedures and controls. Collects dues and pays dues to Toastmasters International, and maintains records. Makes financial reports to the Club at least quarterly. Receives and disburses, with approval of the Club, all Club funds.
Secretary Responsible for Club records and correspondence. Maintains club roster. Has custody of the Club’s charter, Constitution, Bylaws, and all other records and documents of the club. Keeps an accurate record of the meetings and activities of the Club.
Sergeant at Arms Prepares meeting room for meeting. Maintains Club property, including banner, nametags, and supplies. Greets visitors. Chairs Social and Reception Committees.

Have any questions? Talk to any one of our current officers:

President - Joan Newcomb

VPE - Mary Morrison

VPM - Rebecca Parson

VPPR - Jennifer Fischer

Treasurer - Steve Garvin

Secretary - Kristi Langdon

SAA - Eric Heller

Presidential Brief for February 2018

BeGes President’s Newsletter February 2018

 

F.E.A.R.

Beges,

We all know what FEAR is. It's something we had to overcome just to walk in the door of our first Toastmaster's Meeting. And it's also what can keep us from taking the steps to achieve our goals.

A common response to fear  is to "F*%k Everything And Run".

I know this to be true for myself. I checked out 6 different Toastmasters groups before deciding on BeGes. And when I went back to join, I freaked out and ran instead. It took me an entire year before returning to become a member.

I heard a new analogy for fear: "Face Everything And Rise"!

Toastmasters has wonderful ways to help you overcome your trepidation with public speaking. You just need to show up, try different roles, work your way through the manuals, one speech at a time (roughly every 6-8 weeks) one project at a time. 

One of our newer members, who'd taken a couple years to decide to join, has found themselves being assigned to give presentations in their workplace. Before BeGes, this would have been debilitating! Instead they are rising above, thanks to Toastmasters!

Joan Newcomb

BeGes President 2017-2018

ICYMI Last month we had a meeting devoted to learning about Pathways, the new Toastmaster's educational system. It's set to roll out in March and TM members can choose to stay with the manuals (the existing system), switch right away, or have up to two years to transition to the new way of learning. In case you missed it, there's more information here

We have an active few months ahead! 

Tomorrow, Friday, February 9th, we will have our monthly Officer's Meeting. All members are invited to attend. See 'behind the scenes' on what it takes to make a successful club!

Thursday, February 15th, Sound Advice Toastmasters is presenting Building Excitement in Toastmasters, Club by Club.  Two experienced Toastmasters will speak, on nurturing existing members so that they stay in the club and on recruiting new members. There will be a discussion on best practices for retaining members, getting guests in the door and turning guests into members. At least a couple of us BeGes will attend in person at 6:30pm at the Tacoma Municipal Building, room 248, or you may join remotely via (Zoom? Skype?) - contact Judy Young for more information.

On February 23rd, we have a Speech contest, and on March 2nd, we have an Evaluation Contest. There are numerous ways to participate. Sign up online or email our VP of Education, Mary Morrison, for more information.

February-March, we're having a Membership Drive and an Open House (TBD), this is an excellent time to bring a friend to BeGes. If you'd like to help out, email our VP of Membership, Rebecca Parson!

Presidential Brief for January 2018

BeGes President’s Newsletter January 2018
“Helping Others, Helps Yourself” 

 

Beges,

We come to Toastmasters because we have trouble with public speaking. It’s usually terrifying to give our first icebreaker. Looking back, my the first few months were a blur of trying different roles and having absolutely no idea what I was doing.

Eventually I was able to contribute to the group, becoming an officer and helping 'behind the scenes', and mentoring others.

One of the things I’ve learned is that in helping others, you help yourself. It’s pretty clear when we mentor a new member how they’re benefitting. Yet, the other day I was at a meeting with a newcomer and in assisting them with their questions, it reminded me of things I’d forgotten, which helped my own progress.

But what if I’m still a newbie, how can I help? 

Showing up for meetings and taking on a role helps that meeting happen. Even coming and observing and participating in Table Topics, enhances the meeting. When you think beyond what you want to get out of Toastmasters for yourself, and focus on what you can give to the group, you gain so much more!

Joan Newcomb

BeGes President 2017-2018

NEW OFFICERS

Jennifer Fisher is our new V.P. Of Public Relations - Jennifer has already been contributing as a PR Committee member for Social Media (if you've noticed more about us on Facebook, it's thanks to her). We're excited to see what she creates in this expanded role!

Steve Garvin has stepped up to be Treasurer. Steve has served, in the past, as Secretary and VP of PR, he's bringing his professional experience in accounting to this new role. Thanks for stepping up!

(Mel West, has a new job in Seattle, so can no longer make the meetings. He's been our Treasurer for the last 1.5 years, and an invaluable asset to our club. Congratulations on the new position - we miss you!)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Officer’s Meeting - This coming Friday, January 19th 1:10pm - all members are invited; come learn about the behind-the-scenes working of our club!

Toastmasters Leadership Training. You don't have to be an officer to attend this training, (although all officers really *should*). Last Summer's training had a presentation on Marketing. This weekend will have a presentation on Membership Building. Please preregister so they know how much refreshments to provide!

Saturday, January 20th in Tacoma
Where: Center for Urban Waters, 326 E D St, Tacoma, WA
Sign-in: 8am - 8:30am Training: 8:30am - Noon
Pre-register here
Contact: Lori Zboralski LZBORALS@ci.tacoma.wa.us 253-468-4093
The training is also being held on other dates in Silverdale and in Pacific. For more information, go here.

Upcoming Contests

February 23  is Bege's International Speech Contest

March 2 is our Evaluation Contest.

Stay tuned for more info!