Greetings, fellow D26 Toastmasters.

Here’s a quick narrative I’d like to share with you: A man on the highway saw an old lady stranded on the side of the road, so he stopped his car to assist. “How can I help you, ma’am?” he asked. The tire was flat, so he changed it for her. When he finished, the lady asked how much she owed him. He said, “If you really want to pay me back, help someone else when they need it.” That evening, the lady stopped at a diner. Her waitress, nearly eight months pregnant, was weary. She was tired after being on her feet all day, but she had a friendly smile and was kind. The older lady wondered how someone with so little could be kind and giving to strangers. Then she remembered the man on the road. The old lady paid with a hundred dollar bill. When the waitress came back with the change the older lady was gone. She left a note on the napkin: “You don‘t owe me anything. Somebody once helped me, so I‘m helping you. Don’t let this end with you.”

When was the last time someone helped you through something difficult? When you were struggling, who came to your aid? As volunteers, we Toastmasters know what it’s like to give our time for a higher purpose. We are leaders, mentors and coaches. Many clubs in our District are struggling and need help. Several members have stepped into the coaching role to assist them and guide them back. Did you know we have an incentive for club coaches? In addition to the gratification one feels for helping others succeed, a successful club coach will receive a bronze, silver or gold medallion for getting their club to Distinguished, Select Distinguished or President’s Distinguished status, respectively.

Our Club Growth team is always available to answer questions or provide more information. Please contact Extension Chair Mary Watson (nyassa[at]nulllycos.com); Retention Chair Terry Ploski (terryploski28083[at]nullgmail.com); Club Coach Chair Gbolahan Lasaki (glasaki[at]nullgmail.com); or myself (jsr1113.tm[at]nullgmail.com) at any time.

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