Your District leadership will benefit you and District 11.  Please consider undertaking a District officer position for next year (2025-2026).  This Call is the first of many that will give a testimonial on how District Leadership is of personal benefit to the Leader. 

Our first Testimonial is from Tim Swearingen, DTM:

I joined Toastmasters in 1996 to improve my ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences. Through Toastmasters, I’ve advanced my career and experienced numerous professional opportunities. I’ve discovered that the most crucial decisions are those that help others realize their potential and I have gained several invaluable lessons throughout my journey.

1. Embrace learning rather than striving to know everything.
2. Stay true to yourself and avoid unnecessary reinventions.
3. Prioritize listening to those you serve, even when the feedback is tough.
4. Cherish your history and lean on mentors who have walked your path.
5. Value people over material things, as relationships endure longer than titles.
6. Remember to have fun and relax—after all, it’s just Toastmasters.

Each challenge helped me grow, and I’ve formed lifelong friendships along the way with members all over the world.

[Tim Swearingen, DTM, is the current President of 3920-Turning Point Toastmasters.  He has served in the following elected District Roles:  1998-99 D11 Division H Director, 2003-04 D3 Administration Manager, 2004-05 D3 Program Quality Director, and 2005-06 D3 District Director, where his team was recognized as number six in the world rankings.  In addition to all of those roles, he has also served as an International Director from 2008-10.]

Make your own District Leadership journey. District 11 is looking for candidates for the following positions for 2025-2026:  

DISTRICT DIRECTOR

As the District’s Chief Executive Officer, direct the District in a way which fosters strong clubs; produces maximum growth in education completions, clubs and membership; and be consistent with the interests of members of Toastmasters International. Motivate the District to achieve Distinguished recognition. Achieve the mission of the District in a manner that motivates volunteer leaders and promotes a standard of excellence in all District activities.

Qualifications

At the time of taking office, the District Director shall have served at least six consecutive months as a Club President and at least 12 consecutive months as a Program Quality Director, Club Growth Director or Division Director or a combination thereof.

PROGRAM QUALITY DIRECTOR

Under the guidance of the District Director, strive to have every club and each member reap the benefits of Toastmasters and to have every club become Distinguished. Provides direction and counsel to Division Directors, Area Directors, and Club Officers on the educational opportunities in Toastmasters. Design and conduct successful District training programs, conferences, and other District educational events.

Qualifications

At the time of taking office, the Program Quality Director shall have served at least six consecutive months as a Club President and at least 12 consecutive months as a Program Quality Director, Club Growth Director or Division Director or an Area Director or a combination thereof

CLUB GROWTH DIRECTOR

Under guidance of the District Director, make the benefits of Toastmasters membership available to greater numbers of people. Plan, develop, implement, and direct District marketing objectives. Develop and direct programs for new club development, club rescue efforts, club membership promotion, and membership retention. Achieve Distinguished District goals for membership and club growth. Promote standards of service to the member and to the club.

Qualifications

At the time of taking office, the Club Growth Director shall have served at least six consecutive months as a Club President and at least 12 consecutive months as a Program Quality Director, a Club Growth Director or Division Director, Area Director or a combination thereof.

DIVISION DIRECTOR

Achieve the mission of the District within the Division, accomplishing District goals in membership building and retention, club extension, and educational accomplishments. Ensure that each club realizes its mission and fulfills its responsibilities to members. Achieve Distinguished Division Program goals and ensure that Areas and clubs within the Division achieve Distinguished recognition. Serve the Division clubs by providing District support and resources through the Area Directors. 

Qualifications

At the time of taking office, the Division Director shall have served at least six consecutive months as a member of a District Council. [RRH- This means Club President or Club VPE.

Candidate Declarations must be completed by 2/28/2025.

To get started, you can just Email me at [email protected]. I will get you lined up with the appropriate DLC committee member.  Please take action.  District 11 needs you!

Rick Holtmeier, DTM

Immediate Past District 11 Director

District Leadership Committee Chair