The deadline for candidate declarations has been extended to March 20, 2024 . However, do not delay in submitting paperwork.
As a reminder, ALL candidates must be reviewed by the DLC. Therefore, nomination paperwork for all candidates must be submitted to the DLC prior to the deadline. Additionally, Division Directors are eligible to be re-elected to one (1) succeeding term. Nomination paperwork must still be submitted if seeking re-election. Minimum volunteer requirement for Division Director candidates is to have served six (6) months on the District Council and typical membership requirements apply.
Are you or someone you know interested in a district leader position? To be nominated, elected, and hold office, a member must meet the following requirements:
• Be a member in good standing of a club in good standing
• Meet the qualifications of the position as stated in the Candidate Application
• Complete all required forms: Candidate Application, District Officer Biographical Information, District Leader Agreement and Release Statement
All forms are available from the Toastmasters International website’s Elections Toolkit page under heading Candidate Campaign Guidelines: https://www.
All candidates must submit the forms listed above and a photo to be posted with biographical information on the district website to the District Leadership Committee Chair, by March 20, 2024.. If you have any questions regarding the nomination process, check out the Elections Toolkit on the Toastmasters International website or email those questions with the subject “Nomination Questions” to [email protected].
Gerald Toyomura, DTM
District Leadership Committee Chair
Immediate Past District Director, District 49
Exclusive Opportunity: Pathways Workshop at YOUR Club meeting!
Explore 'How to get Started?' to Base Camp Management and more customized for your club's needs at YOUR Club meeting!
Yes, YOU heard it correctly-- we do the workshop at your meeting.
Calendar filling up fast.
For more information and to book an appointment Email [email protected]
Elevate Your Toastmasters Experience: Unlock Exciting Incentives
At Toastmasters, we believe in recognizing and celebrating your journey to becoming a confident and effective communicator. To make your experience even more rewarding, we're thrilled to introduce our exclusive Incentive Program!
Participate, Engage and Win! Here's How:
Toast-a-monials: Deadline December 31, 2023
Members who submit a 60-second video of their transformation story in Toastmasters for the district YouTube channel will be entered into a drawing for district bookstore credit. It is a chance to win $10 or $20 store credit! Submit your video to Jan Cerizo (Club Quality Chair). Email [email protected]
Club Promotion Video Challenge: Deadline April 30, 2024
Clubs that submit a 60-second club promotion video for the district YouTube channel by April 30, 2024, will be entered into a drawing for district bookstore credit. It is a chance to win $10 or $20 store credit! Submit your video to Jan Cerizo (Club Quality Chair). Email [email protected]
20 is Plenty: February 1 - March 31, 2024
Clubs that renew 20 or more members between February 1 - March 31, 2024, will be recognized at the Spring Conference and be entered into a drawing for district book store credit. It is a chance to win $75, $50 or $25 store credit! Contact CGD Aiko Hemingway Email [email protected]
New Club Incentives: Deadline June 30, 2024
Clubs (with at least 80% new members) that are newly chartered before June 30th, 2024 will receive a club banner. New clubs will be recognized at the Spring Conference. Contact CGD Aiko Hemingway Email [email protected]
New Leads Incentives: Deadline March 31, 2024
Members who bring a new lead, if the lead opens a new club (with at least 80% new members) by March 31, 2024, will receive $50 district bookstore credit and will be recognized at the Spring Conference. Contact CGD Aiko Hemingway Email [email protected]
Speechcraft Incentives: Deadline April 30, 2024
Organizers, who had at least 5 participants enroll and successfully finish the program by April 30, 2024, will receive $50 district bookstore credit and will be recognized at the Spring Conference. Contact CGD Aiko Hemingway Email [email protected]
Talk Up Toastmasters Membership Building Award: February 1 - March 31, 2024
Clubs that gain five new, dual or reinstated members between February 1 - March 31 will receive a Talk Up Toastmaster award ribbon and will be entered into a drawing for district book store credit. It is a chance to win $75, $50 or $25 store credit! Contact CGD Aiko Hemingway Email [email protected]
Beat the Clock Membership Building Award: May 1 - June 30, 2024
Clubs that gain five new, dual or reinstated members between May 1 - June 30 will receive a Beat the Clock award ribbon and enter a drawing of district bookstore credit incentives of $25, 50 or 75. Contact CGD Aiko Hemingway Email [email protected]
District 49 is requesting nominations for District Leaders to serve in the 2024-2025 100th Anniversary Toastmasters year. Call for candidate declarations is January 15, 2024. Nominations deadline to run for District leader positions is March 8, 2024.
Taking on the challenge of district leadership provides an opportunity for the member to build transferable professional skills through experience in strategic thinking and planning, team building and management, and marketing.
The District Leadership Committee is searching for enthusiastic and dedicated members interested in supporting fellow members through the District Mission of building new clubs and supporting all clubs in achieving excellence. We are looking to fill the following leadership positions: District Director, Program Quality Director, Club Growth Director, and four Division Directors.
Are you or someone you know interested in a district leader position? To be nominated, elected, and hold office, a member must meet the following requirements:
• Be a member in good standing of a club in good standing
• Meet the qualifications of the position as stated in the Candidate Application
• Complete all required forms: Candidate Application, District Officer Biographical Information, District Leader Agreement and Release Statement
All forms are available from the Toastmasters International website’s Elections Toolkit page under heading Candidate Campaign Guidelines: https://www.toastmasters.org/leadership-central/district-leader-tools/district-management/elections-toolkit
All candidates must submit the forms listed above and a photo to be posted with biographical information on the district website to the District Leadership Committee Chair at [email protected] no later than February 10, 2024. If you have any questions regarding the nomination process, check out the Elections Toolkit on the Toastmasters International website or email those questions with the subject “Nomination Questions” to [email protected].
Gerald Toyomura, DTM,
District Leadership Committee Chair 2024-2025
Immediate Past District Director, District 49
Past International Director Gloria Shishido, PDG, DTM, Club Retention Chair, invites you to serve as a Club Coach! Help a struggling club and also earn one of the requirements for your Pathways DTM (if the club attains "Distinguished" status).
To volunteer or learn more about being a Club Coach, contact Gloria Shishido via email at [email protected]
Aloha District 49 Toastmasters!
The year 2020, for me has been an exciting year that has been juxtaposed with both happiness and sadness, clarity, and ambiguity, yet steadfast and guided by a Vision and Goals that kept me as an individual on track. In the beginning we had set dates for our conference, speech contests, meetings at every level of our organization and things were moving according to plan. The first half of the 2019-2020 Toastmasters term was stellar. Our vision, "Soar" was accepted by the membership and we moved forward. Then COVID-19 entered our lives.
The second half of our year was initially certainly different from the first half. It was filled with division, confusion, misunderstandings etc. Our conference was postponed, our speech contest was initially cancelled, and meeting formats changed when I ordered the membership not to meet in person until June 1, 2020. At first people were upset, thinking I had jumped the gun. However, I stood my ground against opposition. As a district leadership we continued to move forward.
We had to live our Vision of "Soar." We had to Prove to ourselves that we could be better. We continued to work hard and innovate as we made small steps forward. Our world became virtual which opened District 49 up to not only ourselves, but to the world. The small steps became larger steps until we realized we were running and were back in the race.
We regained our Wind, we “Soared” as we moved forward. Our Speech contest was back; our Convention was back; our Officer training program was back; our Divisional meetings were back and with full quorum for every meeting. District 49 not only survived COVID-19, we found a cure, it is called togetherness and living with hope. We are Toastmasters and Symbolically, District 49 beat COVID-19!
Based on our combined efforts, District 49 is a Distinguished District. As of this writing we are the only District in Region 2 that is Distinguished. We became distinguished in all areas, Membership Payments, Paid Clubs, and Distinguished Clubs status. We reached this goal because we stayed the course, followed our Vision, and met our Goals while under the most diverse deplorable conditions imaginable. The only time Toastmasters International cancelled a Convention was during World War 2. The COVID-19 year will go down in history as the second time Toastmasters International cancelled a Convention.
This year also has a new milestone for Toastmasters, it is the year that District 49 Soared to new heights as a collective membership and reached the top as an Ohana! We clearly showed what teamwork can accomplish. It is with Great Pleasure and joy that I thank all of you for granting me the opportunity to Serve as your District Director for the 2019-2020 term.
I pray all of you Enjoy your 2020 Conference! You earned it. You are the Best!
Mahalo Nui Loa,
John Coleman, ACG, CL
District Director 2019-2020
Aloha!
We are so pleased you could join us today. This year has been a year for the cinema. “Lights, Camera, Action.” We are all in this movie and we get to write the ending. We are ending the Traditional Program and are embarking on a 100% Pathways Program. COVID 19 also happened, and it provided challenges especially with our in-person club meetings. Yet, as Toastmasters we found a solution, virtual meetings. We are stronger in numbers today and we have become virtual experts.
We are Distinguished! This conference was prepared with you in mind. Our guest speakers will motivate us in our journey to becoming better speakers and leaders, and our breakout sessions will help us run a more effective club meeting. Have fun and enjoy the conference!
Sepiuta Holakeituai, DTM
Program Quality Director
Aloha District 49 Toastmasters!
The bigger the challenges faced the bigger the reason to celebrate achievements. Achievements in Toastmasters are rarely made alone, as we take time today to recognize those achievements let's also remember to thank those who have supported success along the way.
We have overcome challenges with club retention posed by COVID-19 and that is the result of our member clubs working to provide a supportive and positive learning experience. Our club sponsors and mentors worked hard this year following leads and building new clubs. We are thankful for our club coaches who have stepped up to support and work with our struggling clubs to reach distinguished club status.
It's time to celebrate! With everyone's continued efforts we'll have another great year and I look forward to working with you again.
Let's take District 49 to the top once again!
Kory I. Ikeda, ACB, ALB
Club Growth Director
Congratulations to the winners of this past weekend's contests. The top two in each Division qualify for the District International Speech Contest on May 30th.
Division A:
Division B:
Division C:
Division D:
Toastmasters International and Rotary international announced strategic partnership between both organizations. For more details, see the announcement on the Toastmasters International website.
Toastmasters in District 49 have started partnerships with local Rotary clubs in Hawaii and provided speakers for the following Rotary clubs:
Robert Cravalho, AS, DTM, PDG:
Gwen Navarrete Klapperich, IP4:
Terry Chodoosh
Willie Jones, WCPS, EC4
Slava Slavik, CC, PM5, PI4
Shout out to Phoenix Rising Kapolei Toastmasters and Andrea Ciletti for a wonderful article in Howzit Kapolei about Toastmasters and Phoenix Rising Kapolei Toastmasters club.
When you think about getting up and presenting a brief to a room filled with high-ranking military officers…” This sounds like a recurring nightmare someone might have — but it’s part of Andrea Ciletti’s job.
Two years ago, Ciletti joined the Kapolei / University of Phoenix branch of Toastmasters International, a membership organization that helps people improve their speaking and presentation skills.
Aloha and welcome my fellow toastmasters to our 2019-2020 toastmasters year.
The District mission is “We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.”
How do we fulfill this mission?
We provide an arena where members can learn within a safe, fun, intellectually exciting and creative environment. Toastmasters gives us the leadership, communicative and personal growth skills training at a self-paced rate that provides a continuous and inspiring arena for learning. Toastmasters International inspires us to, “Build a better you”!
Empowered by this, leads us to wanting to share the values and benefits we’ve enjoyed with the world. Enviably, our District grows as we build new clubs; extending our reach to share Toastmasters.
Our theme this year is, “Seek a Bold New Horizon, Soar with Toastmasters.”
Two years ago marked a new era to our educational program. Toastmasters International, with the help of Toastmaster Ambassadors and Guides across the globe, introduced the Pathways educational program. This definitely was a new horizon for everyone; leaving behind paper and moving into an online learning system.
In the District, we are on the cusp of another new horizon! The introduction of the District 49 Speakers Bureau. This endeavor supports the District mission and we are excited about this new fresh persona for our District.
“Build a Better You.”
WE are and have always been in the profession of “building a better You” with our educational programs which gear us up as we develop leadership skills, while we enhance our communication talents. The District Speakers Bureau gives invited Toastmaster Speakers opportunities to apply their learned skills and increase awareness of Toastmasters to organizations and communities. Please check out the District 49 Speakers Bureau.
Please browse through District 49’s website and see the other upgraded features – interactive calendar, leadership team, training and events; intended to help you with information and tools to reach your goals and become Distinguished.
These are exciting times. Let us, collectively embark to “Seek a Bold New Horizon and Soar with Toastmasters” while “building a better you.”
Mahalo Nui Loa,
John Coleman, ACS, CL
District Director 2019-2020, Toastmasters District 49
Mālō e lelei and Aloha my District 49 Ohana!
Our dynamic leader, John Coleman has chosen an awesome theme for our year: “Seek a Bold New Horizon, Soar with Toastmasters.” As we seek these new horizons (a better you, management, a voice, etc…), let Toastmasters help you reach your goals! I know what Toastmasters has done for me, and I know it can help you as well.
For those inquiring about Toastmasters, Toastmasters is an amazing organization that brings people of different backgrounds together whom share the same goals: to become a better speaker, and a more effective leader. Click on “Find a club” on the top right of this page and let your journey begin! Don’t hesitate; this will be the best investment you can make for your future.
As your Program Quality Director my main responsibilities are:
- Club Quality and mentor retention,
- Division, area, and club officer training,
- District conference,
- District-wide speech contests, and
- Education programs and Toastmasters materials.
If there are any specific training topics you are keen to learn about, please email me at [email protected].
Together we can SOAR and reach our potential!
Sepiuta Holakeituai, DTM
Program Quality Director 2019-2020, Toastmasters District 49
Fellow District 49 Toastmasters and guests, as we seek a bold new horizon and soar with Toastmasters this year, remember to bring a friend or two along on your journey. Toastmasters is not a school or a classroom, it's a place where members help each other achieve their leadership and communication goals. Think back to why you joined and what growth you've seen in yourself. Isn't that something worth sharing?
At the District Conference this past May I shared that I joined Toastmasters after the constant nagging of my coworkers and friends. Sometimes that extra encouragement is what it takes to build membership and build new clubs. Share the benefits you've received from your Toastmasters membership with guests and turn guests into new members. Our members and member successes are the best sources of inspiration and marketing, share them.
Let's soar with Toastmasters!
If you have leads for new clubs or know someone having difficulty finding a club, please email me at [email protected].
Kory Ikeda, ACB, ALB
Club Growth Director 2019-2020, Toastmasters District 49
The top District 49 event of the 2018-2019 Toastmasters year, the Annual District Conference, took place on the first Saturday in May, 5/4/2019, at Pagoda Hotel in Honolulu.
The conference featured two keynote speakers, Table Topics Speech Contest, International Speech Contest, business meeting with elections of the new district leaders, silent auction and raffle, Toastmasters bookstore, buffet lunch, and endless opportunities for networking and creating new friendships.
District Director Kenn Nishihira opens the conference and recognizes district dignitaries and general sponsors.
Wendilee Atkins introduces corporate sponsor Central Pacific Bank
George Carroll introduces corporate sponsor University of Phoenix
Program Quality Director John Coleman annonces educational achievements of the district.
District 49 Distinguished Toastmasters.
2019-2020 Elected District Leaders: Program Quality Director Sepiuta Holakeituai, District Director John Coleman, and Club Growth Director Kory Ikeda
Table Topics Question for all contestants: "What's the most amazing true story you've ever heard?"
Video-recording of Emily To's speech has been submitted to the semifinals of the International Speech Contest.
Rose Kirland - conference toastmaster
Eliot DeRego and Elaine Glover - Credentials
Gerald Toyomura and his team (Kyle Buyuan, Becky Kanenaka, Michelle Kwock, Ken Siu, Anastasia Tagayuna, and Emelyn Viloria) in charge of raffle and silent auction.
Conference badges printed and completed by by Sherry Imamura-Ryan, designed by Slava Slavik.
Registration Assistants - Florie Barry, Rhodora Orias, and ...
Bookstore chair Jennifer Yamane and her assistants Jerome Bautista, Mark Komatsu, and Matt Orias
Contest chair Nelson Nakagawa and contest toastmaster Aileen Gravelle
Photo-booth - Kyle Nishioka
Sound - Kelly Kolii
Media Consultant - Jicky Ferrer
Facilities - Royden Koito and Rick Myers
Conference Timers - Trevor Lee and Elmer Pang.
(Contest timers were Elaine Glover and Aiko Hemingway - no photography during contest)
Dean Masai - projector setup
More candid photos...
Conference Chair - Shirley Watanabe
Assistant Chairs - Anne Myers, Kenoi Kolii, and Rose Kirland
Conference Toastmaster - Rose Kirland
Conference Timers - Trevor Lee and Elmer “Bill” Pang
Administration Manager - Kory Ikeda
Bookstore Chair - Jennifer Yamane
Bookstore Assistants - Jerome Bautista, Mark Komatsu, and Matt Orias
Program Booklet Chair - Lina Carahasen, Assistant - Rose Suemoto
Contest Chair - Nelson Nakagawa,
Contest Co-Chair - Anne Myers
Contest Toastmaster - Aileen Gravelle
Contest Chief Judge - Wayne Nakamoto
Contest Ballot Counters - Robert Cravalho, Joy Frelinger, and Don Glover
Contest Timers - Elaine Glover, and Aiko Hemingway
Contest Sergeant-at-Arms - Eric Fletcher
Credentials - Eliot DeRego
Education Chair - John Coleman
Facilities Chair - Royden Koito,
Facilities Assistant - Rick Myers
Stage Director - Wendilee Adkins
Stage Assistant - Sean Cross and Sepiuta Holakeituai
Finance Manager - Wendilee Adkins
Logistics Manager - Wayne Nakamoto
Media Consultant - Jicky Ferrer
Parliamentarian - Raymond Liu
Parliamentarian Mentor - Ron Mobley
Photo Booth - Kyle Nishioka
Public Relations Manager and Hospitality Chair - Caron Lau
Webmaster, Photographer - Slava Slavik
Registration Chair - Sherry Imamura-Ryan
Registration Assistants - Florie Barry, and Rhodora Orias
Raffle/Drawing and Silent Auction Chair - Gerald Toyomura
Assistants - Kyle Buyuan, Becky Kanenaka, Michelle Kwock, Ken Siu, Anastasia Tagayuna, and Emelyn Viloria
Sound and Music - Kelly Kolii
End of March and beginning of April is always time to enjoy the division speech contests. This year, Division B and Division C had their International Speech and Table Topics contests on Saturday March 30, followed by contests of Division A and Division D on Saturday April 6. Big thanks to all contestants for their hard work and congratulations to the winners!
The top two speakers in both contests in each division will compete on the district level at the District Conference on May 4:
Terry Chodosh
Chris Marzoeki
Harlan Mattos
Danilo Orias
Maureen Gary
Julian Downey
Kathleen Helfrich
Dale Rosenfeld
Daniela Fournier
Chris Marzoeki
Karen Spangler
Danilo Orias
Emily To
Kyle Cavalier
Charles Woolfork
Wen He
1st place - Terry Chodosh - Hawaii Kai
2nd place - Chris Marzoeki - Kihei
3rd place - Anastasia Tagayuna - City and County of Honolulu
1st place - Daniela Fournier - No Ka Oi
2nd place - Chris Marzoeki - Kihei
3rd place - Leilani Caywood - Winners Circle II
Anastasia Tagayuna
Terry Chodosh
Malia Bohlin
Chris Marzoeki
Leilani Caywood
Aiko Hemingway
Larissa Ho
Daniela Fournier
Franz Kraintz
1st place - Harlan Mattos - Aloha
2nd place - Danilo Orias - Pineapple Country
1st place - Karen Spangler - Pineapple Country
2nd place - Danilo Orias - Phoenix Rising Kapolei
3rd place - Harlan Mattos - Aloha
Kyle Bischoff
Holly Holloway
Harlan Mattos
Danilo Orias
Karen Spangler
1st place - Maureen Gary - Waimea
2nd place - Julian Downey - Transportation
3rd place - Kyle Cavalier - First Hawaiian Center
1st place - Emily To - Kona
2nd place - Kyle Cavalier - First Hawaiian Center
3rd place - Chris Hampton - Hilo
Julian Downey
Maureen Gary
Emily To
Kyle Cavalier
Chris Hampton
1st place - Dale Rosenfeld - East Kauai
2nd place - Kathleen Helfrich - East West
1st place - Charles Woolfork - East Kauai
2nd place - Wen He - Downtown Business Associates
3rd place - Deslyn Jaquias - Kauai
Charles Woolfork
Walter Flood
Deslyn Jaquias
Wen He
Harmony Bentosino
Kathleen Helfrich
Dale Rosenfeld
While most of us may have entered Toastmasters to learn to make speeches, that benefit is but the beginning of the good which may come to us and the good which we may do for mankind.
Ralph Smedley
People that know me often tell me that I am crazy for toastmasters. They can’t believe how much time I spend for Toastmasters or how much meetings I attend. So much speeches to give, all for free. The reason is simple. I believe wholeheartedly in the program because it has transformed me into a leader, who lives life to the fullest, and who loves everyone. That in itself is a miracle! When I first became a Toastmaster, I was terrified of speaking in front of people. I had never seen myself as a leader. But, something great happened as I followed the programs.
Before I knew it, I discovered that I was developing a new kind of courage, a deeper self-confidence and a much better sense of self-esteem.
Today, because of Toastmasters, I am the founder and president of a successful Land Surveying Company. I used all the leadership skills I learned to communicate exactly what my vision was and my expectations of my team were. In less than year, we have surpassed all our goals. Thanks to Toastmasters! My life have never been fulfilling as now with more love, more joy, more happiness with my family and friends. Our District is filled with passionate Toastmasters, who are committed to assuring that each member has an opportunity for growth. Together let’s all reach for our highest goals!
My vision for the District is to continue the District mission of building new clubs and supporting all clubs in achieving success, through the balance of the workload and responsibilities, giving everyone an opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun. My goals are to grow the District in clubs and membership by 10% or more. And to accomplish this by May 31, 2019, so we can focus on transitioning the new leadership team in the month of June, setting them up for success.
Let us share the joy in helping people find their way to a more meaningful and rewarding life.
Sincerely,
Kenn Nishihira, DTM
District Director, Toastmasters District 49
Mālō e lelei & Aloha my District 49 Ohana!
Our fierce leader, DTM Kenn Nishihira has chosen a great theme for our year: "Let Them Know We’re Toastmasters!" As we show others the blessings we’ve received as members of this great organization, the people of Hawaii will be enthusiastically searching for clubs to join.
Toastmasters is an amazing organization that brings people of different backgrounds together whom share the same goals: to become a better speaker, and a more effective leader.
If you know of a group of people, an organization, or a company in which Toastmasters can help, please contact me at [email protected].
Our goal is to build new clubs, and support our current clubs. If you’re interested in supporting this goal to build or support our current clubs, join us in our many committees:
- Club Growth Committee
- Club Extension Committee
- Club Retention Committee
- Club New Resource Committee
- Club Sponsor Committee
- Club Mentor Committee
- Club Coach Committee
Together the world is limitless!
Sepiuta Holakeituai, DTM
Club Growth Director, Toastmasters District 49
It seems like yesterday that I penned my first message in the new term 2017-2018 back in July. And look where we are now… nearing the close of the term on June 30, 2018.
We started out the year with the positive vision to go “Beyond Barriers” for a better future!
We planned our work and worked our plan! Transparency and servitude to our membership, the launch of Pathways, strategic and aggressive marketing for membership growth and to build new clubs, District adoption of Concur finance system, stellar club officers, membership trainings for District members statewide and the District Operating Procedures Manual are some of the admirable achievements we can be proud of this term! Yes, we achieved so much this year and can stand proud for these admirable accomplishments.
Toastmasters International recognizes district success through the Distinguished Program. Congratulations to the Distinguished clubs, Areas and Division B for earning a well deserved Distinguished status 2017-2018! Although the District falls short of this recognition, we realized our vision.
Thank you for your collaboration, commitment, compassion, tireless efforts and passionate dedication. Without you and your positivity we could not have succeeded!
Success isn't just about what you accomplish to win the contest or the title -- it's about what you inspire others to do along the way. The measure of our success is where we stand in times of challenges, controversy and change. Two examples of change are Toastmasters International Pathways and one conference. Success is leaving a good path, the path for a sustainable District.
As Margaret Mead stated “measure success in terms of the contributions an individual makes to fellow human beings.” The contributions we’ve made aspire so many to reach farther and to climb higher in their own personal pursuits and journeys. District educators: Willie Jones, Robert Cravalho, Ed Tate, Annabel Chotzen, Beth Yoshimura, Gloria Shishido, Debra Chong, Jeff Beard, Anne Myers, Jicky Ferrer, Elaine Glover, to name a few, gave contributions that inspired ambition, ignited enthusiasm, energy and excitement within our membership!
Our marketing campaign, ’‘Let the World Know about Toastmasters”, via social media, print, word of mouth, radio and television raised hope for those toiling upwards. We rock!
We laid the foundations this year for success. Now let’s continue on the path for growing a sustainable District together.
As I near the close of the term, I extend my personal thank you for each day I’ve had the privilege and honor to serve you. I’ve gained so much - knowledge, friendships, courage, confidence, trust and enriching values.
To the District Executive Committee, District Council, all Committee members and members of District 49 -- a heartfelt MAHALO. I could not have done this without each of you! Everyday of this journey, together, has been so meaningful. Thank you!
As I prepare to enter the new fiscal leadership team as your Immediate Past District Director, I remain only a phone call away to help.
May peace, happiness and joy be with you always!
Sincerely proud to be a Toastmaster,
Rose Kirland, DTM
District Director
808-276-5093
“Only a phone call away to help”
Photos by Kyle Nishioka
For 20 Years, Jeff Beard has volunteered to sponsor Toastmasters clubs in Oahu prisons at Halawa and Waiawa, going every week to support the inmates as they run their own public speaking clubs.
Over the years, Jeff Beard has heard speeches about how to rappel into a jewelry store, how to make a tattoo machine out of materials scrounged in prison, "and lots of stories about fishing and diving," he said. He has heard speeches about heartbreaking loss, aching regret and the promise of one more chance.
For 20 years, Beard has volunteered to sponsor Toastmasters clubs in Oahu prisons at Halawa and Waiawa, going every week to support the inmates as they run their own public speaking clubs.
"It really is an honor to listen to these speeches." he said.
On a warm night at Waiawa Correctional Facility last week, the speeches by the inmates unintentionally followed a theme of inspiration.
"Even if you don't put your best foot forward, put any foot forward. Just move in the right direction." Jeremyal Leedy said in his speech. Leedy serves as president of the Hooponopono Paahao Toastmasters Club at Waiawa, a group the inmates sometimes call "the gentlemen's club."
This started when Beard, a member of the Pearl City Toastmasters, called the Department of Public Safety to see if he could start a club in their Ala Moana office building. Toastmasters is an educational nonprofit that helps members develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills. Its members are usually business people and professionals. Beard's call was routed to the director of education, who listened to his pitch and said, "I want this for the prisoners."
That was in 1998. Since then. Beard has been faithfully supporting the clubs. Three years ago, fellow Toastmasters member Keith Webster volunteered to help so Beard could take some nights off. If one of them isn't present at the facility to sponsor a meeting, the meeting can't be held.
At one of his first meetings, he heard a speech from a Halawa inmate who said the first time he had tried Toastmasters. He was so nervous he just stood there swearing until he was kicked out. "He came back."
Webster said. "He gave a speech about how he was raised and where he came from." Webster gives that example to show the usefulness of the program. "I thought, this is important that these men can get up and tell their story."
Each meeting runs according to a structure established by Toastmasters International. . There are four speakers who know ahead of time that they're scheduled to speak and how long their speech is supposed to be. There's a grammarian who catches glitches during the presentation and an "ah counter" who makes notes of every extraneous utterance.
"You had one 'ah' and one 'um’," the evening's ahi-counter, Isaac Villegas, reported to his fellow member. Part of the meeting is set aside for feedback. Beard said that giving criticism is as hard as receiving it graciously, so club members get a lot of practice doing both. "You excelled in eye contact, even with new people in the room. You may want to use bullet point topics to help yourself out," Jeremiah Lopez told another club member.
Sean Musko used feedback from his first speech to hone his presentation and try again. "My first time, I tried to memorize the whole thing, and I ended up skipping half my speech," he said. This time, he worked from notes, stepping away from the podium to tell a story about squandering a job opportunity and using his time in prison to make himself into a stronger person. It 'was a polished, engaging speech.
"I always doubted myself. I doubted my education," he said. "Speaking at Toastmasters is an effort to get back confidence in myself."
Iokepa Leialoha, vice president of the club, said he's been a member the longest, and he's watched members come and go. Toastmasters tends to be that way, even at clubs out in the community. People come with a specific goal in mind - to become better speakers and leaders - and they leave when they’ve reached their goal or if they feel it's too overwhelming.
"Sometimes it's 20 guys at a meeting. Sometimes it's seven," Leialoha said. "I really like watching people 'ow over time. Some speeches have brought me to tears."
"The amazing thing is to watch week after week, people get better," Webster said. "It's just a matter of practice. That's the thing about public speaking. At first, it's just getting past the nerves and remembering to breathe. Later, you can work on techniques."
Waiawa is a minimum-security facility that houses 334 male felons. All are required to participate in educational programs and work-lines as they work toward their release. Participation in Toastmasters is voluntary.
Webster is hoping to recruit other Toastmasters members to volunteer for these meetings or help start others on the outside for when these inmates are released.
"There are lots of ways to fall down. There have to be ways to lift people up:' Webster said.
As he brought his 10-minute speech to a close, club president Leedy held out his hands to the audience in a gesture politicians practice to get just right.
"It is what you make of it, gentlemen," he said. "You have your stars. You have to align them."
Reach Lee Cataluna at 529-4315 or [email protected].