We should continue to monitor our progress on the implementation of Global Representation and its collateral issues:

• Has the implementation proceeded as planned?

• If so, how can we can make it even more effective?

• If not, what did we over- or under-estimate?

• What challenges were totally unforeseen? How have we responded to them?

• What aspects of the plan should we consider reconstructing?

While we celebrated success with a record number of Distinguished Districts this past year, the percentage of DDs still falls below 50%. Translation: We do a good job of opening our front doors and fulfilling our mission of expanding our network of clubs. Unfortunately, our open door policy seems to apply to our back door as well, as we continue to lose members - and clubs - in large numbers.

One idea that I heard recently, and I really like, is to set a specific club retention goal, and make it one of the District’s Critical Success Factors. That would give districts a greater incentive to increase their club rescue efforts, strengthen their membership, and increase the impact of club extension efforts.

Through serving on the boards of several non-profit organizations, I have gained a tremendous amount of experience in policy matters. In addition to serving on the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, I have served on the following:

• Big Brother/Big Sister of Greater Lowell, Massachusetts (past Board member, and past Chairman of the Public Relations Committee)

• YMCA of Central Massachusetts (currently serving, and Chairman of International Committee)

• African Community Education (ACE), Worcester, Massachusetts (current Chairman of the Board)

• Turay Foundation and Reclaiming Life Center (current Chairman of the Board)

My service in these positions has afforded me the opportunity to make vital and valued contributions in setting strategic policies for organizational effectiveness, outreach programs, and resource management. These experiences would be invaluable in my service on the Toastmasters International Executive Committee.

What vital international or multi-cultural experiences do you have?

I was born and raised in West Africa, so just about every experience I have had as an adult is in some way a cross-cultural, international experience. I am fortunate in having enjoyed the richness of multi-cultural living that few on our Executive Committees have experienced. 

My family’s foundation is in the process of establishing Reclaiming Life Centers (some call them orphanages) in places of need around the world. We are currently in negotiations in seven countries on three continents. Our ultimate goal is to have a presence in every country in the world where there are dispossessed children. This is my life’s work, and it has given me an incredible depth and breadth of understanding of other peoples and cultures.

In a multi-national, multi-cultural organization such as Toastmasters International, my life experiences would serve me well in seeking the common good.

Toastmasters is making great inroads in our appeal to younger members. How can we keep the momentum going, and help these young people reach leadership positions?

Not pretending to speak for a generation to which I do not belong, I posed this question to the District 31 LGM, Ben Lappen, a bright, engaging, and superb future leader who is a 22-year old college student. This is a young man on the move. In fact, I boldly predict that someday he will be elected International President!  Here are his responses:

To attract young members, Toastmasters needs to connect the dots between the future of young adults and what our organization offers.  We can do that by providing opportunities to:

• Building a Resume: “Can I put that one my resume?"  That's the #1 question I am asked when I tell people in my age group about Toastmasters.  Young adults know that the path to career opportunities is to build a great resume while in college or while just starting out in their careers. Toastmasters provides impressive, real-world communication and leadership experiences that will be attractive to graduate schools and future employers.  Serving as a TLI dean (running training programs for 100+ leaders), being an Area Governor (being responsible for the training and development of up to 125+ people) are both examples of opportunities that would look great on a resume.  They are not opportunities most young adults are provided with in their everyday lives, but are uniquely available in Toastmasters.

• Critical Skills: What difference will public speaking and leadership make to my future? Toastmasters needs to promote the benefits in a way that the results are immediate, obvious, and impressive. How much faster is someone promoted who is comfortable with public speaking skills?  What can someone do in their chosen profession if they have public speaking skills?

• Immediate Satisfaction: Arguably, my generation is more interested in immediate satisfaction than any previous generation.  Toastmasters is not about immediate satisfaction at the club level.  It may take years for someone to fully master public speaking and leadership. However, we offer a fast paced leadership program and public speaking opportunities.  Young adults can enter the World Championship of Public Speaking, can become Area Governors while in college or just starting out their careers, and can organize large-scale training programs, such as TLIs.  These experiences are hands on and fast paced, getting young adults involved and interested in Toastmasters.

To summarize, how should we attract young adults towards leadership? Connect the dots: Build resumes, develop critical skills, and provide immediate opportunities to get involved and make a difference.

Bash, I’ve been in Toastmasters for a number of years, but only heard about you recently. Where have you been since serving on the Board of Directors?

Great question! How does one go from being a total Toastmasters leadership, service, and political junkie to “Bash who”? At the risk of making a long story longer, I’ll tell you that over the past few years, I have been offered challenges and opportunities that have enhanced my viewpoint about pursuing goals in life. Those experiences have made me a much stronger and better-prepared candidate for service on our Executive Committee. I am here and I am ready. Let’s take this journey together.

pp