Toastmasters in the 23 clubs of Division A refuse to “watch the world go by.” In fact, the world is watching them in the Round the World Contest! To date, club members across the division have accumulated 18, 048.5 miles. That is 72% of the 24, 902-mile distance around the world.

Inspired by Division A Governor Carmine Coco De Young’s invitation to speak at Bangkok Toastmasters in Thailand, and to honor 1992 World Champion of Public Speaking, Dana LaMon, keynote speaker at the District 53 Fall Conference, the Round the World contest began December 1, 2010. Designed to promote “Distinguished by April 30,” the contest deadline is April 30, 2011 with announcement of winners set for May 5, 2011. Supportive of the division’s valiant effort, Dana recently stated, “It is great to encourage Toastmasters to get to know and appreciate the international element of our organization.”

Whether visiting a local, national, or international club, the division is having fun and getting it done. Area A1 DCRCOC member, Sara Nowlin, placed herself and her club in the lead when she visited Sandpiper Toastmasters in Ventura, California. While there, Sara delivered a “fantastic Icebreaker speech” according to Kimberly Reid, the VPEd. at Sandpiper Toastmasters. Sara’s tenacity proves that it takes but one long-distance trip and a visit to a local Toastmaster club to accumulate major mileage.

 Contest participation is growing beyond the original incentive plan by which members and clubs can attain recognition, gain new insight into how other clubs operate, garner new ideas from membership to meeting quality, and share those ideas as a refresher in their perspective clubs. Competition among clubs mounts, inspired by the additional mileage credited in numerous other ways as the visiting Toastmasters fulfill a role, include a photo, and deliver a project speech that is evaluated by a host club member.

Is it possible for Division A to round the world twice? You can join in our fun as we get it done with an invitation to your club. If you don’t call us, we may just call on you. Look out, fellow Toastmasters...here we come!