Make A Difference
A short time ago, I was in the company of Past District Governor, Clyde Talley, and took this opportunity to ask his advice as to what I might say to our members during my presentation this evening. His advice was this: Don’t let them thank you twice. Whatever do you mean by that? I asked. He simply stated, “ Let them thank you for getting up, but don’t let them thank you for sitting down.” Well, it’s too late for the first thank you, although it was very much appreciated, I’ll do my best not to earn the second one. |
Frank A. Kane, DTM |
Madame District Governor, International Director Scott, Past District Governors, distinguished head table, and most importantly, you, the members of District 53 Toastmasters. I am most honored to be here this evening as your newly elected District Governor.
In 1997 I was invited to an open house at Greater Hartford Toastmasters by one of its members that I met at a local fitness center. His name is David Soderberg, and to this day, I still consider him my Mentor. When I look back on my early days in Toastmasters, I still get a laugh when I recall the times I practiced my speeches at the gym by following him around from machine to machine, all the while reciting my speech. Then he would follow me around from machine to machine, while he gave me his evaluation.
From the beginning, the members of my club instilled in me the importance of getting involved and MAKING A DIFFERENCE for the betterment of my fellow members. I feel so strongly about that aspect of Toastmasters that I’ve chosen “MAKE A DIFFERENCE” as our District theme for the coming year.
 We can all MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the success of our Clubs and its members if we stop and personalize the questions, “What can I do to help my club be successful?” “How can we MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the success of our fellow members? It really is us MAKING A DIFFERENCE, isn’t it?
The simple act of honoring your Toastmaster's Promise by committing to attend your meetings regularly, giving a manual speech when you’re presenting, or volunteering to fill a supporting role without being asked, are all examples of “MAKING A DIFFERENCE.” These suggestions may seem obvious, but can you imagine how many of our personal goals could be met if we could count on each member to do these basic but important things?
Some other ways to MAKE A DIFFERENCE are not as obvious but nonetheless are just as important to the continued success of our membership. Accept the challenge of becoming an officer in your club; consider the leadership opportunities of being a District officer, Area Governor, or Division Governor. Your District Team for the coming year have all committed to MAKING A DIFFERENCE for you.
Next month we will gather the new District Team for training. I will ask each of them to MAKE A DIFFERENCE by acknowledging that our members are our most valuable assets by always conducting ourselves with honor, integrity and respect. We will focus on continuing the growth and success of our organization. Each of us will strive to earn the members trust by seeing our organization through your eyes, and making your individual goals our number one priority. We will work as a team, to MAKE A DIFFERENCE by striving to build strong relationships with the members in their Areas and Divisions. Together, we will promise to create a caring, supportive, and stimulating environment and to recognize and reward teamwork. Finally, we will dedicate the coming year by honoring our commitment to you our valued members, by consistently striving to support you, and helping each of you MAKE A DIFFERENCE as well.
I have been extremely fortunate to be a member of the Administration Team almost from the beginning of my 6 years as a Toastmaster. I served 2 years as your District Secretary, then as an Area Governor, and Division Governor. For the last 2 years I have enjoyed, “most of the time” being your Lt Governor of Marketing, and your Lt Governor of Education & Training. Along the way, I have been privileged to work with Past District Governors, who have instilled in me that to MAKE A DIFFERENCE you have to get involved, you have to care about your fellow members, and you have to believe in the Mission of Toastmasters International and all it represents. I wish to thank Val Albert for her patience, and understanding, while mentoring me for this position I so proudly accept. There are many more people here today that have helped me to succeed in this organization. I wish that I had the time to recognize every one of you.
As we go forward in the new year let us remember all of the successes of the past, but focus on our goals for the future. You have all MADE A DIFFERENCE in my life. Let us continue to work together to MAKE A DIFFERENCE for each other.
Mr. Chairman. |
