| Together, We Succeed
Mr. International Director, fellow District 53 leaders, members, and most welcome guests, that is my vision for District 53. As individuals, we bring many backgrounds and talents to the game. These talents, in turn, allow each of us to achieve some level of success. But, when we work together, we can achieve anything. With his announced theme, Incoming International President, Alfred Herzing has invited Toastmasters members to "Take Control of Their Destiny." Well, I believe that District 53 is destined for greatness - to be the top District in the World. Working together, we will achieve our destiny. Together, we will succeed! |
Joseph Zafian, DTM |
Today is an important day for me. Not only because I have
been elected District Governor, but also because today marks
an important date in my life. On May 12th, 1971, I benefited
from my first success in Toastmasters. Thirty years ago today,
I was recognized for completing a Youth Leadership Program. Members
of the Picatinny Arsenal Toastmasters club conducted this program
for my Boy Scout troop. Together, they reached out to us and
set the groundwork for our future success.
It was this experience that eventually propelled me to join
Toastmasters. Since joining this organization five and a half
years ago, I have met many people who through their dedication
have enabled me to succeed. Many of those individuals are here
today and I would like to take this opportunity to recognize
some of them who have enabled my success as well as the success
of many of our members.
First among these great team players is one of the most dedicated
and knowledgeable Toastmasters that anyone could ever meet. I
recall the first time that I entered a meeting at Greater Hartford
Toastmasters and tentatively asked if I was in the right place.
The first person that I met was Past District Governor, Arnie
Grot who showed me that Toastmasters club members work together
and help us to succeed by being friends first. In the years that
I have known Arnie, I have always been able to count on him to
teach me about the organization. Arnie's District theme, "Friends
Enabling the Future Together" very much defines the driving
force behind this great Toastmaster. Arnie has agreed to join
our team as our District Training Coordinator.
As a member of Greater Hartford Toastmasters, I soon found
that this club was truly the place for me to develop my communications
and leadership skills. Every member contributed to the success
of the club and I was lucky to have as fellow club members, two
other past District Governors, Jack Hoyt and Roger Brown. They
taught me by being wonderful models of unselfish mentorship where
they showed that they were interested in the success of every
club member. By following their examples, all members of the
club were able to work together to assure our mutual and collective
success. Roger will be continuing to support the team next year
as our District Webmaster.
Because of their efforts, I was encouraged to pursue leadership
roles in the club and District and again benefited from the past
leaders of the club who mentored my development. One individual
that contributed greatly to my development was Past Club President,
Cecile Stopkoski who imparted the most important piece of advice
that I have ever received. She taught me that as a leader, you
CANNOT thank people too much. Take every opportunity to show
people that you appreciate their work. I am here today because
of my fellow club members. Thank you all. Together, you worked
to make our club successful. It is because of you that I have
been able to do so much in Toastmasters.
Because of my experiences within the club, I enthusiastically
took advantage of further growth opportunities as they became
available. Five years ago, Joe Carney gave me the opportunity
to pursue this path that finds me here speaking to you today.
When he appointed me as District Secretary, he spoke of Toastmasters
as an avocation - not merely something that we do in our spare
time but rather an activity that we must dedicate ourselves to
so that we can meet the needs of every member. Joe will be working
to help our low member clubs to grow as the District Club rescue
Chairman.
I believe that my year as District Secretary was the most
important in my Toastmasters development. In this capacity, I
was able to observe our District leaders as they worked as a
team to achieve success. Joe demonstrated compassionate leadership
and inspired everyone toward a common goal. As I observed the
dynamics of this team, I learned a great deal about Toastmasters
and how leaders can make a difference. Among the members of this
leadership team was Jane Philion. As Division Governor, Jane
was the epitome of an effective communicator. Jane constantly
communicated with her Area Governors and was always aware of
every detail within the division. In turn, she communicated with
the District Leadership so that everyone was able to apply their
support as needed.
After my year as District Secretary, I was appointed as an
Area Governor. In this role, I was able to learn so much more
about team success. Our Area achieved Select Distinguished status
because every cub worked towards a common vision. Each club was
Distinguished because of the efforts of many fine Toastmasters
leaders like Rich Couture, Clo Minnifield, Rufus Jones, Francia
Prescott, and Lena Brown. There were many other members who contributed
to this success. Together, we succeeded. As you know, Rich was
elected earlier today to serve on next year's team as our Division
B Governor and Lena will be serving as the Area B3 Governor.
As I stepped forward to Division Governor, I was again surrounded
by dedicated members who worked to help all of our clubs to succeed.
I was blessed with a group of Area Governors that through their
efforts made my role much easier. These Area Governors were Kim
Sullivan, a past Area Governor of the Year, Tom Corrigan, a Past
Division Governor of the Year, and my wife, Ruth, a Past District
Toastmaster of the Year. These three people deserved their awards
because of their dedication to the success of every Toastmaster.
Kim has agreed to serve on our team as the District Leadership
Coordinator helping members to advance as leaders and clubs to
become Distinguished. Tom will continue to serve on the District
Team as our District Secretary.
As Lt. Governor Marketing, I had the wonderful opportunity
to work with two great leaders, Deb Grehn and Clyde Talley. Deb
taught me a great deal about planning for success. Deb told us
to Believe It and We could Achieve It. You followed her advice
and our District achieved Distinguished status because Deb led
our team with a plan and guidance to help every club to succeed.
Given this insightful plan, Clyde Talley was able to communicate
the plan to all of our members to motivate them to achieve this
success. Together, members of our District put forth the effort
so that we could succeed. Next year, Deb will be serving as our
District Audit Chair and Clyde will serve as the Club Extension
and Nominating Committee chairs.
This year, as Lt Governor Education and Training, I was again
privileged to serve under Clyde. Clyde has led this District
toward another Distinguished year. He continues to inspire us
toward greatness by urging us to "Seize the Moment"
because we are worth it. In addition to our inspirational leader,
this year's Senior Leadership Team added Val Albert, your Lt
Governor Education and Training in the coming year. Val has been
great to work with. She is constantly bringing new ideas and
adds a level of enthusiasm to our District that causes everyone
around her to put forth their best effort. She has helped me
to focus on our goals. Let us all continue to work together as
we finish up the year. Together we are succeeding.
 |
Finally, I want to recognize the person who is most responsible
for my success - my wife, Ruth. Ruth has been by my side throughout
my Toastmasters career. She is my greatest supporter and most
critical evaluator. In the latter, she has been successful. I
am here today because of Ruth. She has been my inspiration in
developing this theme. I believe that we have had a successful
marriage because we work together. Next year, Ruth will not be
holding an office in the District because we will be growing
our family. But, be assured, Ruth will still serve our District
as my advisor. I have been lucky to know her all these years.
That luck will be shared with the District as Ruth will continue
to serve at my side. |
I know that 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. Please understand that
I appreciate everything that you have done for me.
Next year, we will have a team that will lead our District
forward. Today, we have elected Walter Beveridge to join the
Senior Leadership Team with Val and me. I have known him for
a few years and I know that he will be a great addition to the
team. Together, we will plan for a successful future for District
53. Together, we will dedicate ourselves to the success of every
club in District 53. Together, we will serve every member in
District 53 to ensure that each can succeed in his or her goals.
At the head table, I have displayed a banner with our District
theme. I invite every member of District 53 to join the team
by signing your name on our District Banner. As members of the
District 53 team, I encourage all of you to define your true
goals and dreams. Determine what you want to get out of Toastmasters
and let us know how we can support you in your dream. When you
decide on these dreams, I want you to dream big. Reach for the
stars. Most people are content to stand on the ground and look
up to the heavens and dream about soaring among the stars. Others
climb the highest mountain so that they can grab a hold of their
star. Be a mountain climber! If you can dream it, it can be yours.
When we work together, you will assuredly have all that you can
ever desire. Together, We Will Succeed! |
