The GWU Toastmasters

¡Mi gente! 🇵🇷 Benito Bowl is here 🏈 Vamooooooosssss PUERTO RICO!!!

Happy Charter Day, GW! 205 years ago today, GW was founded by an Act of Congress.

🛠️🌱 DC CLUBS — LET’S GROW It’s the growth season, so let’s grow. 💪 We’re kicking off Fix the Journey. Grow the Club., a @District36Toast series focused on what happens after a guest becomes a member — and how we keep members engaged, participating, and progressing. Join District 36 Member Engagement Chair Lars Hildenbrand (Immediate Past President of Word Bankers (@WorldBank) #Toastmasters Club and 2024–2025 Toastmaster of the Year) for practical strategies to strengthen the member experience and support club growth. 📅 Date: February 17 ⏰ Time: 6:00–7:00 PM 💻 Format: Virtual An email and @Google Calendar invitation have been sent to our DC clubs with full details. We still ask that everyone #RSVP so we can plan accordingly. All @Toastmasters are welcome — especially club officers, mentors, and anyone supporting membership and education. RSVP: lnkd.in/eZJUJJ7y The call link will be shared after RSVP. This session launches the DC kickoff of Fix the Journey. Grow the Club. series, with additional sessions tentatively planned for Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in March and April. #DC clubs, this is your growth season. Let’s get to work! 👷 🛠️🌱 CC: Maria-Pia Younger, District 36 Public Relations Manager #Toastmasters #District36 #GrowthSeason #ClubGrowth #MemberEngagement

🎤🌍 IT’S TIME! The International Speech Contest Season is HERE! 🌍🎤 The most inspiring season of the @Toastmasters year has officially begun—and the stage is set for powerful stories, unforgettable messages, and world-class speakers. 🗓 Key Contest Dates 🔹 Club Contests: by February 28 🔹 Area Contests: by March 31 🔹 Division Contests: by April 30 🔹 District 36 Contest: May 15–16 ✅ Eligibility All members in good standing are eligible to compete. Participants must have: ✔️ Completed six speech projects in the Competent Communication manual OR ✔️ Earned Level 1 and Level 2 certificates in any Pathways path 📌 Full contest details and rules: 👉 district36.org/contests/ 🎉 District 36 Spring Conference | May 15–16 Join us for the District contest, education sessions, networking, and celebration! 🎟 Early Bird Registration: $125 (limited time!) 👉 zeffy.com/en-US/ticketin… 🌎 Dreaming even bigger? The journey doesn’t stop at District—winners advance toward the Toastmasters International Convention 2026 in Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦 📅 August 19–22, 2026 👉 toastmasters.org/events/2026-in… ✨ Whether you’re competing, supporting, or cheering from the audience—this is your season to grow, shine, and inspire. 🎤 Who’s stepping up to the mic this year? #Toastmasters #District36 #InternationalSpeechContest #FindYourVoice #PublicSpeaking #LeadershipDevelopment #ToastmastersJourney

Today is the day! Just. do. it.! 🗣️🎙️

🚨 Two Days Left — Deadline: January 31, 2025! 🚨 Step into your leadership journey with @Toastmasters International District 220 and make a lasting impact across our club community. This is your moment to take a bold step — apply your skills, expand your leadership, and contribute to a thriving district through roles such as: • District Director • Program Quality Director • Club Growth Director • Division Director • Area Director • Finance Manager • Public Relations Manager • Administration Manager • Logistics Manager ✨ Why step up? You’ll gain hands-on leadership experience, strengthen strategic thinking, grow your professional network, and support the success of clubs and members across the district. Great leaders inspire great achievements — and District 220 is full of members ready to make a meaningful difference. 💡 This is YOUR chance to do something new, exciting, and impactful while helping shape the future of our Toastmasters community. 🗓 Deadline to apply or nominate someone: January 31, 2025 📩 To express interest or submit a nomination, complete the District Leader Interest Form: docs.google.com/forms/d/1hK50M… 📧 Questions? Contact: dlchair220@gmail.com Let’s build a strong, inspiring future together. Your leadership matters — and we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make. 💙✨

🚨 Surprise drop, @Toastmasters! 🚨 A special episode is LIVE 🎙️✨ Yes – we released a second episode this month because we couldn’t wait to share this one. 👀🎧 🌱 It’s the growth season – so what better way to live it than by growing together? Toasty Talks welcomes Toastmasters Latoya Skeine 🇯🇲 and Melissa Artavia Caravaca 🇨🇷 in Episode 5.5 – Welcome! 🇨🇷“Hola, hola” + “Pura vida” from Melissa (Costa Rica) 🇯🇲 “Greetings” + “Wah gwaan?” from Latoya (Jamaica) In this episode, we explore the synergy between Toastmasters growth and professional growth – how we practice in the club, then apply it in the “real world.” True story: putting #Toastmasters feedback into action helped me improve – and a couple of weeks later, after completing a Moderating a Panel Discussion #Pathways project, I was asked to moderate a panel at work, which opened new opportunities. Want to hear from Toasties currently working these Toastmasters Pathways paths? ✅ Presentation Mastery ✅ Persuasive Influence ✅ Effective Coaching 👀 Plus: a sneak peek at the upcoming co-host’s communication style, what changes are coming in future episodes, and a refreshing take on accents and communication. Quiz time with Esohe: want to know who the upcoming co-host is—and how they did? 👀🎧 Tune in! 🎧 Listen now: Home Page: district36.org/toastytalks/ @ApplePodcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toa… @Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5znEribYB… 🎉 Special thanks to @Buzzsprout for hosting us! 📣 Want to contribute to what’s next for #ToastyTalks? We have only one final episode that hasn’t been scheduled yet. Choose what YOUR podcast should broadcast. 🎙️✨ Fill out our quick survey here: forms.gle/JCNta1Zy3ckzpH… #PuraVida #WahGwaan #CostaRica #Jamaica #Ghana #Nigeria #Podcasts #District36Toastmasters #WashingtonDC #Maryland #PublicSpeaking #Leadership #Coaching #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #Nurture #Grow #Inspire

Our students crushed their first week back on campus! 💪

🎙️ What if the next year of your professional growth was already built into your @Toastmasters membership? If you joined the Leadership Beyond the Club workshop, this episode is your next step. If you couldn’t attend live, this is your second chance to learn more. In this special Toasty Talks episode, Ena Okah (Past District 36 Director) and Annette Sanks (Immediate Past District 27 Director) — a match made in heaven — join Esohe to unpack the creation of District 220 and why this moment is so powerful for members ready to grow. Together, they share insight, experience, and clarity on: • What District 220 is (bringing together Districts 27 + 36) • Why district leadership is one of Toastmasters’ best learn-by-doing opportunities • How serving beyond the club builds real, transferable professional skills • What it’s like to grow for a full year with mentorship, collaboration, and support ✨ No extra cost beyond your Toastmasters membership ✨ Real leadership. Real experience. Real growth. 🚀 District 220 is actively recruiting leaders for its inaugural 2026–2027 season. 🗓️ Deadline to express interest: January 30 🎧 Listen to the episode: 👉 district36.org/toastytalks/ 🔗 Learn what district leadership looks like in practice: 👉 district36.org/dlc/ 📝 Curious? Ready to explore? 👉 docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI… Whether you joined the workshop or are tuning in now, this conversation — led by two experienced district directors — will help you decide if District 220 is your next step. One year. Learn by doing. A community that grows together. 👏. .

🎉 Save the Date: District 36 Spring Conference 🎉 Happy New Year, District 36! As you continue to grow, inspire, and lead on your Toastmasters journey, we invite you to be part of something truly meaningful. 📍 District 36 Spring Conference 📅 May 15–16, 2026 🏨 Rockville Hilton Hotel | Rockville, MD This year’s conference is extra special—2026 marks the final year of District 36. To celebrate our legacy, 36 tickets have been reserved for each division, giving members across the District a chance to come together one last time, connect, and celebrate all we’ve built. 🎟 Early Bird Registration 💲 $125 | January 1 – February 15, 2026 ⏰ Prices increase by $20 after February 15 With limited tickets available per division, this event is expected to sell out quickly. Scan the QR code or use the link below to secure your spot today! 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 zeffy.com/en-US/ticketin… Save the date, spread the word, and join us for an unforgettable Spring Conference filled with inspiration, learning, and celebration. We can’t wait to see you there! 🚀

🎉 Thank you, District leaders and future leaders (D27 + D36)! 🎉 To everyone who joined, registered, shared the invitation, or encouraged a fellow @Toastmaster to explore district leadership — thank you. Your energy and willingness to step forward are exactly what strengthen our districts and build momentum for what’s next. District leadership isn’t about having a perfect résumé. It’s about having a servant-leader mindset — showing up, learning fast, supporting others, and helping clubs and members thrive. ✨ If you’ve been wondering whether you’re “ready”… You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the next step. We’re still accepting nominations and self-nominations for district leadership roles, including: •District Director •Program Quality Director •Club Growth Director •Public Relations Manager •Finance Manager •Administration Manager •Division Director •Area Director •… and more! 📝 Learn more or express interest here: district36.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=… Even if you’re not sure which role fits, submit the form anyway — we can help match your strengths to the right opportunity. If someone comes to mind who would thrive in district leadership — nominate them. And if that person is you — step forward. The next chapter is being shaped right now, and your leadership can help define it. #Toastmasters #DistrictLeadership #LeadBeyondYourClub #LeadershipDevelopment #ServeToLead #District27 #District36

🎙️ KEYNOTE ANNOUNCEMENT! 🎙️ We’re excited to welcome Richard E. Peck, DTM — Immediate Past International President of @Toastmasters — as the Keynote Speaker for our January 10 event: 🚀 LEADERSHIP BEYOND THE CLUB 📅 Saturday, January 10, 2026 🕐 1:00 PM 📍 Zoom (FREE) 🔗 Register here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regist… #Toastmaster leadership doesn’t end at the club — it’s only the beginning. If you’re curious about opportunities beyond your club (and how district leadership can grow your skills in ways that transfer into your career and life), this webinar is for you. Richard’s leadership mantra says it best: “Being a leader is not about being the center of attention… being a leader is about being the epicenter of action!” ✨ Also featuring: • DLC 220 Chairs • Annette Sanks (Immediate Past District 27 Director) • Ena Okah (Past District 36 Director) 👥 Who should attend? ✅ Anyone seeking personal and professional growth ✅ Members and club officers exploring leadership beyond the club ✅ Toastmasters interested in opportunities in District 220 (Districts 27 + 36) — and MUCH more! Please help us welcome Richard E. Peck, DTM, as our keynote speaker! 👏 #Toastmasters #District220 #LeadershipBeyondTheClub #Leadership #PublicSpeaking #ProfessionalDevelopment

Happy New Year, District 36! 🥂 As we step into 2026, it’s the perfect time to think about your next big leap. Are you ready to transition from a member to a mover-and-shaker? In our latest episode of Toasty Talks, we’re diving deep into the heartbeat of our District’s future: the District Leadership Committee (DLC) and the upcoming call for nominations. If you’ve ever wondered how our leaders are selected or how you can get your name in the hat for a District-elected position, this episode is for you. What Exactly is the DLC? Think of the District Leadership Committee as the "talent scouts" of Toastmasters. Their primary mission is to evaluate all potential candidates and nominate the best-qualified individuals to lead our District toward success. Here is how the committee is built for fairness and balance: Equal Representation: The committee is comprised of members representing every Division in our District, ensuring no area is left out of the conversation. Experienced Guidance: Led by a DLC Chair (typically a past District leader), the committee operates independently to ensure a fair and transparent election process. Conflict-Free Evaluation: To keep the process objective, current District Directors, Program Quality Directors, and Club Growth Directors do not serve on the committee. Your Call to Lead We are officially looking for the next generation of visionaries to guide District 36. Leadership at the District level isn't just about a title; it’s about refining your strategic planning, team management, and public speaking skills on a massive scale. Whether you are eyeing a role in Division leadership or have your sights set on a District-wide office, the DLC is here to help vet and verify the leaders of tomorrow. "Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality." — Warren Bennis Tune In Now Catch the full conversation on Toasty Talks to learn more about the nomination process and how you can contribute to the legacy of District 36. Check out the latest episode here: district36.org/toastytalks/

🎉 Happy New Year! Lead Beyond Your Club - District Leadership Awaits! Dear @Toastmasters, HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2026 is here, and this is your chance to do something BOLD, EXCITING, and TRANSFORMATIVE.  We invite you to invest in your growth through district leadership in District 220 (comprising 27 and 36). The district needs strong leaders like you to shape the future of the new district with innovation and passion. We have already received several nominations and look forward to receiving more. Submit your nomination or nominate another leader who can step into any of the following leadership roles.  -          District Director -          Program Quality Director -          Club Growth Director -          Public Relations Manager -          Finance Manager -          Administration Manager -          Division Director -          Area Director -          And MUCH MORE ! Learn more or express interest by filling out the interest form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI… These are only some of the available roles. If you are curious and want to know more, OR have questions? Join us on January 10 for LEADERSHIP BEYOND THE CLUB. We are so excited to announce that the event will also feature Past Toastmasters International President Richard Peck. Mr. Peck is an accomplished global leader who was awarded the U.S. Presidential Award for Volunteerism and has successfully led in both the business and nonprofit sectors. He will share his own leadership journey and discuss how Toastmasters contributed to his professional and personal growth, opportunities, and success. The webinar will also feature other leaders offering practical hands-on discussions and candid conversations about district leadership. The focus of this webinar is to help you explore new ways you can reach your personal and professional goals through district leadership. We look forward to seeing you in 9 days. REGISTER HERE:  January 10, 2026 at 1pm for our exciting information session us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regist… In Service, Ena Okah, DTM Past District 36 Director Annette Sanks, DTM Immediate Past District 27 Director District Leadership Committee 220 Chairs CC: Arvind Venugopal, Disitrct 36 Director

Happy Holiday season to our @Toastmasters community! 🎄✨ We created this #holiday video as a small token of appreciation for the many successful Division events held in December. A huge congratulations to our Division Directors from Divisions A–F for an exemplary Division Contest season — your leadership and dedication truly made this season shine. Looking ahead, contest season continues. The Evaluation Speech Contest will resume and conclude at the District level in May. The International Speech Contest will follow, with Club contests completed by the end of February, Area contests in March, and Division contests in April. Want to see the grand finale? Join us at the District level — and save the date: 📅 Friday, May 15 & Saturday, May 16 • Spring 2026 📍 @Hilton Rockville Hotel, Rockville, Maryland Stay tuned for more details: district36.org/district-confe…

🚀 Leadership doesn’t end at the club — it’s only the beginning. Ready to invest in your growth? Join LEADERSHIP BEYOND THE CLUB — a FREE @Zoom webinar designed to help Toastmasters discover district leadership opportunities and build transferable skills for real life and work. 🗓️ Saturday, January 10, 2026 ⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM (Zoom) 🎟️ Free ✨ You’ll sharpen skills like: strategic thinking, problem-solving, delegation, relationship-building, emotional intelligence, community impact, and more. 🎤 Featuring DLC 220 Chairs, Immediate Past District 27 Director Annette Sanks, and Past District 36 Director Ena Okah. ✅ Who should attend? • Members seeking personal & professional growth • Club officers curious about leadership beyond the club • Current district leaders ready for the next challenge 📌 Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regist… (or scan the QR on the flyer) ✉️ Questions: dlchair220@gmail.com CC: Arvind Venugopal, District 36 Director Unlock YOUR potential. Grow YOU. Inspire OTHERS. Lead beyond the club. #Toastmasters #LeadershipDevelopment #PublicSpeaking #ProfessionalDevelopment @Toastmasters

During our 50th anniversary of the Charles E. Smith Center, GW Athletics inducted the Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The inductees represented five different sports and set a standard for current and future student-athletes. Read more ⬇️ gwsports.com/news/2025/12/5…

🎙️ Season Finale Alert – #Nurture 🎙️ We’re closing out Season 1: Nurture with a timely conversation on #Pathways. In this season finale, Esohe Irabor, PhD, sits down with Justine Desmarais, #District36 Pathways Chair, to answer your most common questions about what Pathways is, how it works, what it costs, and how it supports personal and professional growth—including insights on recent curriculum updates and enhancements. 📅 New episode drops December 9 🌱 Coming next: Season 2 – Grow • Episode 5 – #D220 (January 13, 2026) • Episode 5.5 – #Welcome (January 27, 2026) • Episode 6 – #Mentorship (February 10, 2026) • Episode 7 – #Specialty (March 10, 2026) Thank you for being part of the Nurture season. We look forward to growing with you in what’s next. 🎧 Listen here: district36.org/toastytalks/ 📌 Resource links are in the comments.

Have you ever joined a @Toastmasters speech contest? Watch this video to learn more. In November, District 36 hosted Area-level Speech Evaluation Contests, bringing #Toastmasters together to showcase thoughtful listening, clear analysis, and constructive feedback. In the Evaluation Contest, judges assess: ✍️ Analytical quality ✍️ Recommendation quality ✍️ Technique ✍️ Overall effectiveness Interested in participating? Join our December contests and experience the growth, confidence, and camaraderie that Toastmasters contests offer. ⬇️ The RSVP link is in the comment below: 📽️ youtu.be/U1taE5LsydQ

Father Klaus Joseph Sirianni was a proud patriot – he served 20 years in the @usairforce, was awarded the 2019 Msgr. Harry A. Echle Award for Outstanding Service in the Health Care Ministry, and served as chaplain to The George Washington University Hospital (@GWHospital)