Greetings From Theo

Fellow Toastmasters and Friends,

Author Ben Sweetland said, "We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own." I believe we shine a light on the path of others when we help others improve. Our own lives are enriched through the experience.

This is an exciting and challenging time for our organization. We will see our organization grow as never before. As Toastmasters Leaders, we shine a light on the path of others by expanding organizational membership and extending the network of clubs. As we provide opportunities for others to learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking, we also give birth to new leaders in our organization. Through this process we brighten our own path.

The Toastmasters strategic plan focuses on:

• Growth and Retention
  • Increasing members and clubs by 5.5% annually
  • Creating measurement mechanisms to gauge retention and reasons for non-renewal
• Education Programs
  • Improving awareness that Toastmasters is the solution to developing leadership and communication skills
  • Growing education awards by 7% annually
  • Increasing the number of Distinguished Clubs and Districts by an average of 3% annually
• Revenue
  • Increasing existing non-traditional revenue streams by an average of 2% annually
  • Creating additional revenue sources
  • Increasing education material and product sales by 7% annually
• Global Impact
  • Providing a consistent experience for members and leaders regardless of locality
  • Improving efficiency in providing resources globally

I believe we will maximize our opportunities for success by focusing on our strategic goals, designing strategies that focus on key priorities, and establishing measures that quantify the extent of our progress. As leaders, we have a responsibility to communicate transparently and listen to our members to ensure we are meeting their needs. As a steward of our organization, I will work strenuously to fulfill our mission and ensure that Toastmasters is where leaders are made.

I have enjoyed success at all levels of our organization. Along the way, I have learned that achieving superior performance requires inspirational leadership. We build for the future by inspiring new Toastmasters to get involved and by finding opportunities to use their talents.

I invite you to join the cause. Light the way for others. You will discover that we are a community of leaders creating a world of service.