District Transition
Per the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, districts (40 and 11) except for clubs assigned to Division A are merging to form a new District 215. This new district will continue to have the same mission and goals (as presented by the Board of Directors).
In preparation for this new district, a team of leaders, called the District Transition Team, is being formed to develop recommendations across a spectrum of operational aspects. This team is composed of members from each district.
Two of the Committees are tasked with traditional aspects of district decision-making: the District Alignment Committee (DAC), chaired by Don Schulze, PDD, and the District Leadership Committee (DLC), chaired by Nancy Deig, PDD.
The District Alignment Committee makes recommendations on the formation of clubs into areas and divisions for the upcoming year. If you need to reach this committee, email Don at tmdonschulze@gmail.com.
The District Leadership Committee is composed of past District leaders, such as past District Directors. Their objective is to consider the future district leadership, interview, and nominate individuals for many of those leadership positions. This committee is still being formed. If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact Nancy at tm.nancydeig@gmail.com. At a future time point, Nancy will communicate a call for leaders to learn who is interested in leadership within the new district.
The third committee, the District Transition Committee (DTC), is chaired by Tim Swearingen, PID. This committee is charged with examining the various responsibilities of the District and making recommendations. This DTC team is not responsible for the implementation, which will be done after our recommendations have been accepted.
The District Transition Committee will contain several subcommittees:
- Technology and websites
- Club and District Leader training
- Recognition programs and incentives
- Public relations and communication
- District events, including conferences, business meetings, and contests
- District operational procedures
- Finance and assets
- Other (district history, other committees)
This committee is still being formed. If you are knowledgeable on one or more of the DTC topics and interested in joining the committee; or if you have any questions, suggestions for the transition to D215, share them with Tim at timswearingen71@gmail.com.
Rhonda Maurer, PRA, is coordinating these three committees and others. She is responsible for the transition of three new districts (216, 215, and 219). We thank her for her leadership throughout this process
We’re Launching District 215
Tim Swearingen, DTM, PID
District 215 Transition Chairperson
Districts 11 and 40 are in the middle of an exciting transition as we work toward forming District 215 on July 1, 2026. To help guide this process, the Toastmasters International Board of Directors has appointed three committees to make sure the launch is thoughtful, organized, and member‑focused.
On April 22, 2026, we’ll hold a special business meeting where delegates will vote on the work of two of these committees:
- The District Alignment Committee (DAC) is looking at how many divisions and areas District 215 will have, and where clubs will be placed.
- The District Leadership Committee (DLC) is interviewing and nominating candidates for the elected district leadership roles.
We’re currently working through the logistics for that special meeting, and delegates can expect more details in late March or early April.
This realignment is more than a structural shift—it’s an opportunity to modernize how we operate, create more consistency, and strengthen the member experience across the new district. That’s where the District Transition Committee (DTC) comes in. Made up of Past District Leaders from both districts, the DTC is preparing recommendations across several functional areas (highlighted in the infographic below). Think of it as a helpful blueprint for the incoming 2026–2027 District Trio as they step into their roles.
With steady planning, clear communication, and strong leadership, District 215 is shaping up to have a streamlined foundation that supports members, enhances collaboration, and positions our new district for success.
And above all, this transition reminds us what Toastmasters is about: people coming together, supporting one another, and building something stronger than any one club or district can achieve alone. As we take this next step together, we’re not just creating a new district — we’re shaping a new chapter of growth, connection, and shared pride.
Update as of March 12th
Here is the Link to view the District 215 Town Hall Recording from Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 8:00 PM Eastern.
Here is the Link to view the District 215 Alignment Report from March 11, 2026.
Update as of February 19th
We are extending the District 216 Call for Nominations for the 2026 – 27 year to March 6, 2026 and need to distribute notice of the extension to all members as soon as possible. Also, the DLC could use your help in encouraging/recommending candidates for the open roles listed below.
Details:
- An updated Call for Nominations document is attached for use to publish the new deadline to your membership and websites.
- The proposed realignment for D216 results in 5 Divisions. See attached preliminary proposal summary/map and spreadsheet with club alignment by Division/Area. The current club alignment is also provided for reference.
- The proposed realignment will be voted on at the D216 Council Meeting on April 20, 2026. That said, the DLC will be nominating Division Director candidates based on the new alignment assuming it will be approved by the D216 Council.
- We currently have no Division Director candidates for Division B (Grand Rapids/Lansing/Ann Arbor; Division D (Detroit Northern Suburbs); and Division E (Downtown Detroit/SE Michigan/NW Ohio/SW Ontario).
- We currently have no candidates for Club Growth Director
- While we have candidates for District DIrector, Program Quality Director and Divisions A and C, by policy the deadline for the Call for Nominations is extended for all roles.
As mentioned, the DLC is searching to get prospective candidates identified for all of the open roles ASAP. Please reach out to those you can encourage and/or send any recommendations you have to me for the DLC to pursue.
Bruce Frandsen, DTM, PID
269-720-2814
As of January 25th, I’m pleased to update you on the progress of our New District 216 Alignment Committee. We are currently recommending 5 Divisions in the following geographic proximities:
- Division A: NW Indiana SW Michigan (Includes Westside of Grand Rapids.)
- Division B: Grand Rapids, Lansing, Jackson
- Division C: Ann Arbor, Livonia, Novi, Brighton, All Michigan North of Auburn Hills
- Division D: Detroit’s Northern Suburbs
- Division E: Downtown Detroit and South to Ohio, Southwest Ontario
By the numbers:
- The Divisions average 29 clubs, but range from 29 clubs (Division A) 28 clubs (Divisions B, C, & E) with the Division D at 31 clubs
- Four Divisions have six Areas, and two (Division D and Division E) have five Areas.
- Most Areas have 5 or 6 clubs per area to promote lasting areas/divisions and were organized by club strength, geographic proximity, and special requirements (e.g., corporate/base access)
- We analyzed membership addresses of our virtual clubs to determine the proximity of their members to an optimal area or division.
Our committee would offer the opportunity for Districts 11, 28 and 62 members to participate in a joint Town Hall in late February or early March to review the recommendations and receive their input, as we prepare for presentations at the District DEC or business meetings. Yes, I know it is contest season and it will be difficult to find a time that will work for all.
I’d also be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Mike Carter, DTM, PDD
Toastmasters International District 216 Alignment Committee Chair
Ph 586-243-7581
Per the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, our districts (28, 62, and Division A of 11) are merging to form a new District 216. This new district will continue to have the same mission and goals (as presented by the Board of Directors).
In preparation for this new district, a team of leaders, called the District Transition Team, is being formed to develop recommendations across a spectrum of operational aspects. This team is composed of members from each district.
Two of the Committees are tasked with traditional aspects of district decision-making: the District Alignment Committee (DAC), chaired by Mike Carter, DTM PDD, and the District Leadership Committee (DLC), chaired by Bruce Frandsen, DTM PID.
The District Alignment Committee makes recommendations on the formation of clubs into areas and divisions for the upcoming year. If you need to reach this committee, email Mike at mikecartertm@gmail.com. This committee includes current Division leaders or their designee. Thanks to the following people who have agreed to serve on this committee:
- Chris Harwood, D62, S Division
- David Trottier, D28, N Division
- Dawn McCrory, D11, A Division
- Fred Louis, D28, O Division
- Joel Toussaint, D28, W Division
- Merek Roman, D62, N Division
- Pamela Sheffey, D62, C Division
- Tracy Gibson, D28, E Division
The District Leadership Committee is composed of past District leaders, such as past District Directors. Their objective is to consider the future district leadership, interview, and nominate individuals for many of those leadership positions. This committee is still being formed. If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact Bruce at bafrandsen@gmail.com. At a future time point, Bruce will communicate a call for leaders to learn who is interested in leadership within the new district.
The third committee, the District Transition Committee (DTC), is chaired by Carol Prahinski, DTM, PID, PRA. This committee is charged with examining the various responsibilities of the District and making recommendations. This DTC team is not responsible for the implementation, which will be done after our recommendations have been accepted.
The District Transition Committee will contain several subcommittees:
- Technology and websites
- Club and District Leader training
- Recognition programs and incentives
- Public relations and communication
- District events, including conferences, business meetings, and contests
- District operational procedures
- Finance and assets
- Other (district history, other committees)
This committee is still being formed. If you are knowledgeable on one or more of the DTC topics and interested in joining the committee, contact Carol at Prahinski@gmail.com.
If you have any questions or suggestions for the transition to D216, share them with Carol at Prahinski@gmail.com.
Rhonda Maurer, PRA, is coordinating these three committees and others. She is responsible for the transition of three new districts (216, 215, and 219). We thank her for her leadership throughout this process
D215 District Council Business meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 8:00 PM EST More information to follow.
D216 District Council Business meeting will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST More information to follow.
News from the District 216 Transition Committee as of April 1, 2026:
By Carol Prahinski, DTM, PID, PRA
For the establishment of District 216 (formerly Districts 62, 28, and Division A of 11), Toastmasters International formed several committees, one of which is the District Transition Committee (DTC). The others, the Alignment Committee and the District Leadership Committee, completed and shared their reports with you on the District websites and via email to District Council members. Meanwhile, you haven’t yet heard from DTC, which is the purpose of this article.
The DTC is composed of eight subcommittees, covering the following topics:
- Websites and Technology
- Club and District Leader Training
- Recognition and Incentives
- Public Relations and Communications
- District Events, composed of five events:
- Annual conference, District Council Business Meetings, Contests, DTM Ceremony, and Special Events with Visiting Dignitaries
- District Operations Processes and the Development of District Leaders
- Finance and Assets, composed of three segments:
Assets, Financial Processes, and the Budget. We also considered the D62 bookstore within this subcommittee.
- Special: Speakers’ Bureau (used within District 28)
Each subcommittee was responsible for:
- Evaluating the three Districts for similarities and differences on these eight topics.
- Presenting recommendations for the new District leaders, and especially the Trio.
The report has gone through different phases. The most recent draft (4) is almost completed and will be sent to the current District Directors for their feedback and suggestions. Once the election occurs, this report will be shared with the newly elected District Trio for their reading pleasure. (I certainly hope they enjoy it). Any suggestions will be incorporated into the document throughout this process. Once all parties agree with the content of the report, which in some respects is a plan for District success, the report is submitted to Toastmasters International.
The DTC responsibility was to consider the culture, history, and processes of each District and recommend a winning strategy across these eight dimensions which will enable the next District leaders to achieve success. We have created a plan to support Smedley Distinguished status. A highly functioning team is needed to achieve this goal, which is where you, the member, come into it. These goals center on three pillars, which you know as the District dashboard.
- Club Growth, such as with new clubs and member retention at existing clubs.
- Membership Growth
- Distinguished Clubs, by supporting and retaining members through education.
Our committee’s job was not to implement any part of the recommendations. I request that no member take it upon themselves to begin implementation of any project “for the good of the new District,” until after the newly elected District Trio has confirmed their plans and whether your work is needed and wanted. They need to read the DTC report, and develop their plans, many of which are outlined and suggested within the report. It is their responsibility to lead the implementation.
The newly elected District leaders must quickly organize their teams and provide “green lights” for the various projects outlined in our report, such as the upcoming Toastmaster Leadership Institutes (TLIs), the phased roll out of a functional website, financial support, and establishing and communicating incentives to members quickly. We recommend a Speakers’ Bureau, but do not recommend continuation of the District Bookstore.
We expect and hope this long report, over 140 pages, will remain a resource and continue to provide benefits for many years.
I’d like to thank the following committee members for their contributions to this report.
Mark Moeckel*, Chair of the Website and Technology Subcommittee
Lisa Waalkes*, PDG, Chair of the Club and District Leader Training Subcommittee
Carol Crouse*, PDD, Chair of the Recognition and Incentives Subcommittee
Carol Prahinski*, PID, PRA, Chair of the PR and Communications, and Operations Procedure Subcommittees
Amy Moored*, PDG, Chair of the District Events Subcommittee
Vera Johnson*, PID, PRA, Chair of the Finance and Assets Subcommittee
Teza Searcy, Chair of the Speakers’ Bureau Subcommittee
And the following members:
Ian Chalmers
Anna Donohue *
Craig Fulton
Will Hill *
Pamela Keim
David Klopfenstein *
Lockwood Lyon
Bill Moylan
Karen Smith, PDD *
* This leaders/committee member was on more than one subcommittee.