With the new release of Bob Dylan’s 1975 album “Blood on the Tracks” earlier this month, I am reminded of the lyrics to the song, “Shelter from the Storm.” Please join me to review this iconic singer/songwriter’s lyrics for a brief moment.

“Try imagining a place where it’s always safe and warm,”
”Come in, she said, I’ll give you shelter from the storm.”

Do you imagine your Toastmasters club meetings as a place where it’s always safe and warm?

The Toastmasters Club Mission is:

We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

My club’s Sergeant at Arms begins each meeting by reciting the Club Mission. It sets the tone for collaboration and fellowship. A place that’s always safe and warm is a place of fellowship.

When we follow the mission for each member to do the best for their fellow members, then we can say our club is fulfilling its mission as a safe haven from the storm.

Does your club have a strategy to weather the gales of November?

Each club president when taking office received a success plan handbook. It is a manual which explains the distinguished club program, provides guidelines for club success, and outlines the “how-to” in becoming a vibrant club. When we follow best practices outlined in the club success plan handbook, we are on track to making our club a shelter from the storm and a place where members can always feel safe and warm.

Marcia Wood, DTM

District 26 Director 2018/2019