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The Ambassadors for Four page recognizes Toastmasters and Community Leaders
who promote Effective Communication, Leadership and the Toastmasters Program at public events.
You can send short articles about events, along with photos, to the District 4
Webmaster at webmaster@d4tm.org.
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If you are a Toastmaster who would like to join the 2007-2008 Ambassadors for Four
team, or are a community member who would like the Ambassadors for Four team to visit
your group (high school or college students also involved in community activities),
then please contact District 4 Treasurer and co-Webmaster Harry Holland at
webmaster@d4tm.org.
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July 7, 2007:
Toastmasters Workshops and Presentations for Vision New America Students
by Harry Holland, District 4 Treasurer and co-Webmaster
Yes, 7-7-7 was an auspicious day for the high school and college students of
Vision New America, a
non-profit and educational political-action group in San Jose.
We Toastmasters promoted the opportunities that the Toastmasters Communication
and Leadership program offers, including
Youth Leadership,
joining local clubs,
and starting new
clubs. For our workshops we offered practice in debates, Conflict
Resolution, a review of rights for California voters, creative interaction and
group table topics, Robert's Rules of Order, and practice in organizing and
running a meeting.
Local Toastmasters
have been helping the VNA students since 2004. VNA was founded in 1996 to promote
the civic participation of underrepresented ethnic groups. During the summer, VNA
students help citizens to register to vote, and serve as interns to local
politicians. The high school students serve locally, and the college students also
serve in Sacramento and Washington, DC.
On Saturday the 7th, VNA's staff representative was Lina Pham, Internship Program
Coordinator, the lower left in the above photo. And the local Toastmasters included,
left to right in the photo
We all enjoyed our 6-hour visit to VNA. A big thank-you to VNA for providing
both breakfast and lunch for all of us. Continued success for all of us, VNA,
Ambassadors for Four, and Toastmasters worldwide.
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March 2005 PRO Challenge
Division D’s El Camino Derby Day
Bay Meadows Race Track – San Mateo
By Rose Renwick, District 4 PRO
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March 12th was an overcast, windy day. Undaunted, members from Division D clubs, District Officers and guests all served as Ambassadors for Four at the highly touted “El Camino Derby Day” at Bay Meadows Race Track in San Mateo, California. We soon discovered the reason for the extra excitement that day. The winner of the 8th race would advance to compete in the Kentucky Derby! Being Toastmasters, we could relate.
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As we entered the Clubhouse the paddock was in view. This indoor area is adjacent to the racetrack and provides a place where the horses can be exercised, groomed and prepared between races. The complimentary white Derby Day T-shirts we were given outside the paddock entry was an unexpected surprise. On the reverse of the shirts were photos of historic Derby Day winners. As you can tell, early on we were primed for a good time.
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As we stepped from the escalator and entered the Turf Club, a racetrack official directed us to our tables while a pianist sitting at a baby grand played melodic tunes. This easily set the backdrop for our illusion of what “track life” may be like for owners and investors. The Turf Club gave us a grand vista of the entire racecourse. And just in case we had forgotten to bring our binoculars along, there were monitors at every table that brought the action up close and personal for every race.
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Wearing our name badges gave the general public notice that we were Toastmasters and we were prepared to field all questions asked about our wonderful organization and District Four Toastmasters. We proceeded to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch then settled down to concentrate on our racing programs. Some of the more competitive members in our group quickly developed a little “table rivalry” as we studied the statistics. Whether by luck or careful calculation, some of us did leave the track with more money than we came in with. Congratulations to the winners!
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As the afternoon faded and the last race concluded, we left Bay Meadows satisfied with our total experience. We definitely left with a better understanding of the difference between an Exacta, Quinella, Trifecta, and a good ol’ $2.00 wager. While signing up a lot of new members was probably a long shot, giving Division D and District Four some outside exposure was a sure thing.
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Tony DeLeon, Rose Renwick, Linda Berzin, Jockey M Smith, Jessica Centers, Linda Kenney, Ken Cawley
Park Bench Dedication / Tall Tales Showcase
Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont
By Rose Renwick, District 4 PRO
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For High Spirits of Toastmasters, having come to Notre Dame de Namur University years ago seeking a new place to meet, this day’s Park Bench Dedication was the culmination of months of searching for a way to repay the University for its generosity in bringing us on campus as an officially sanctioned club in 2001. For our Club President at the time, Ken Cawley, finding this haven ended the Club’s frantic two month search. Those clubs who have been in a similar circumstance understand the frustration of trying to find a new meeting place before your meeting opportunity expires at your current location.
One of our High Spirits members donated a new park bench to the University in 2004. The Club then used funds from its “Entertainment Book Sales” fundraiser to pay for the plaque installed on the bench. The plaque reads, With Appreciation – Toastmasters on Campus – 2004.
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The Park Bench Dedication/ Showcase luncheon event was organized and presented by High Spirits Club and attended by both University and District Four officials. We were privileged to have Toastmasters International’s Director for Region II Phil Taylor attend. University Provost, Lucille Sansing welcomed Toastmasters to the University and gave a brief history of the institution. Mike Neuendorff, our Toastmaster for the day, welcomed the University’s officials many of whom were instrumental in helping High Spirits become a fixture on campus.
Notre Dame de Namur University Provost, Lucille Sansing
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Next on the program Phil Taylor ably explained the purpose of Table Topics and led the group in some historically based topics loosely related to his recent near miss auto accident. Following Table Topics, a veteran High Spirits member, Maria Zeta Torres stepped forward to share the story of “Hans,” a tale of overcoming adversity.
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L to R: NDNU Facilities Coordinator, Director, Maureen Freschett; High Spirits member, Mike Neuendorff, ATMS; Immediate Past District Governor, Shirley Farrell-Cowles, DTM; High Spirits President, Lynne Fitzgerald, ATMS; Toastmasters International Director, Phil Taylor, DTM; District Governor, Linda Kenney, DTM; NDNU Director of Activities, Richard Watters; NDNU Director, Human Services Department, Dr. Deb Cash.
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Following Zet’s speech, Toastmaster Mike gave a brief history of High Spirits Club and made the formal dedication of the Park Bench to the University, noting that the addition of a plot of paver stones leading up to the bench would be added by June of this year to include Toastmasters International’s LOGO and Mission Statement. After the official dedication, Phil Taylor gave an overview of the Toastmasters International’s Program and explained the structure of the organization. District Governor Linda Kenney then gave an overview of District Four’s organization and shared her Mission as Governor this year. District PRO, Rose Renwick then lead the Tall Tales Showcase. Participants included: Elliotte Mao, Ellison Barnes, Linda Kenney, Richard Mar and Tony de Leon.
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Showcase participants: L to R: Shirley Farrell-Cowles; Area D5 Governor, Tony deLeon; Lynne Fitzgerald; Mike Neuendorff; District Lt. Governor Marketing, Ellison Barnes, CTM/CL; Linda Kenney; District PRO, Rose Renwick, DTM; and High Spirits member, Richard Mar, DTM.
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Nearing the close of festivities, Club President Lynne Fitzgerald rose to review the highlights of the day and adjourn the meeting. High Spirits of Toastmasters wishes to thank once more all University officials, Toastmaster officials and participants for their sacrifice of personal time to attend. Of necessity, this event took place on a regular business day. Therefore, each participant’s expression of support was doubly meaningful and most sincerely appreciated.
High Spirits member, Elliotte Mao, ATMS
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Toastmasters at 2004 Leadership Conference
By Franklin Chun, DTM
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South San Francisco, California – With the theme of “Soaring to New
Heights” San Mateo County Human Services Agency had the annual Leadership
conference for their employees and other departments. The program opened
with Paul Chang as Master of Ceremonies (Toastmaster) and executive staff
introduction and welcome speeches. After the American Public Human
Services Association (APHSA) keynote speaker Sue Christie spoke, the
attendees went to their break out sessions.
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Team Building – Positive Relations
DISC Part 1 – Discover the Leader in YOU
DISC Part 2 – Discover the Leader in YOU
Ethical Decision Making
How to Manage Projects
Effective Coaching
Survivor 101
The Power of “Yes”
Effective Public Speaking
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Paul Chang spoke the closing address on both November 2nd and November 3rd.
At the Toastmaster information table, approximately one hundred San Mateo
County residents received information about the benefits of the Toastmaster
communication and leadership program from Franklin Chun, Hahn Chau of
Milpitas, Marisol Martinson, Sandy Kremer, Felicitas Flores, Marilyn
Collins, Charles Athas, and Ed Harley of the Daly City Toastmaster club
1881. San Mateo County clubs should expect a new influx of prospective
members at their clubs.
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