Toastmaster of the Year... what does it really mean?

I have probably heard about this some time in the past, and I really was not aware of them - probably thinking a) so what? b) why bother, since it won't affect me anyway whatsoever? c) why should I care? - okay, maybe c and a are similar - if not one. I guess, the first is coming form an ignorant sense, as in I did not know there was such a thing... and c is more - fine, it exists...what will knowing this help me?

I guess its also because I may be a person not really into collecting awards, hence my thinking this way... but recently, I was approached by two Divsion Directors letting me know they were nominating me for Toastmaster of the Year from Divisions B and H, resepctively. Because of this, I had to answer a questionaire about the award - and realized that these were a lot of situations where one can contribute to helping the District, and it got me aware that I was far from being someone who deserves such an award. I mean, it was good that I was recognized, but I am far from being someone who can deserve such an award.

I am glad, of course that I was recognized - not just by one Division, but two. I wonder how many people got that kind of a situation. It meant I helped these two Divisions in a great way, for the Division Director to choose me.I am honored, appreciative and insoired to do more.

In an organization of service orineted people. being recognized as TMOY - even for the Division is a great honor. You are a service-oriented member, sho helped a lot for the year. Wow... Here's the thing though. I was just helping out where I could; when I could. I would continue doing this, award- recognition, or not. It's all about helping others.So I guess they recognize you for that. You're able to help, and the Division wants to thank you for it.

As for the District,,, if the time is right, I'll help along too. Meanwhile, I'm okay being a Toastmaster of the Year for Divisions B & H for TM year 2023-2024. But wait... as if that wasn't enough, I took on the HOLA Presidency (planned), and Division Director for N (unplanned, but asked to help) the year after. Is it any wonder my wife thinks I've spent too much time with Toastmasters? Well... TM year 2025-2026 should be slower for me now. Unless for some reason I am called to tackle a District sensitive topic again as District disciplinarian.

That will be a different tale - hence a different entry in my Toastmaster journey.

Going back to being TMOY - how hard will it be to achieve the title at a District-level? Who knows? THe past winners seem to have been Toastmasters who were highly active in the District. Something I won't do now, specially since I'm slowing down with being an active Toastmaster by sticking to one club. Even with my lessened capacity via being just the District's Ethics Committee Chair, I still get invites left and right to be a Chief Judle, or Contest Judge for the upcoming Area Contests.

I was considering competing, but since I'm part of the Extended Leadership Committee, even if I can technically compete, others have told me to skip this year - not rock the boat with stretching rules or finding loopholes - more so since I am one of the people who must need be above water in any cotroversy - at least until this term - nad my assignment as Ethics Committee Chair ends.

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