2018_04

DISTRICT 24 DOUBLE DOZEN
NEWSLETTER
News from the Club Growth Director
New Pathways!
What Path Will You Take?
Submitted by: Linda Wilson, Club Growth Director
It’s almost here! The new
Toastmasters Pathways learning
experience will finally launch in District
24 in early May. What does it mean to
each one of us as Toastmasters?
What are the opportunities?
By now, many of us have heard a presentation by
one of our District 24 Pathways Guides. Some may
have also obtained information through blogs,
webinars, online learning forums, or websites for
districts that are already using Pathways. This
information has highlighted the positive aspects of
the new program and provided some tips to begin
preparing for the transition.
There have been discussions about the improved
features, with five core competencies and 10
dynamic learning paths made up of 60 projects,
with over 300 transferable competencies. The
advantages of individualized learning, convenient
on-line accessibility of resources and projects, and
mastering real-world transferable skills have been
highlighted. There have also been many questions
and concerns.
Yes, there will be major changes, and for many of
us, change isn’t easy. On the other hand, as
Benjamin Franklin so aptly stated, “When you’re
finished changing, you’re finished.”
All of the benefits that drew us to Toastmasters and
continue to keep us as members will remain the
same with Pathways. They remain true to the club
mission and core values envisioned by Ralph
Smedley in 1924 when he first started the program
for the purpose of helping members improve their
communication, public speaking and leadership
skills.
As far as club growth, by reflecting more up-todate,
real-world communication and leadership
scenarios, the new Pathways learning experience
will appeal to potential new clubs, particularly
corporate clubs, as they look to augment their
current training programs. Likewise, Pathways will
offer enhanced benefits as we support all clubs in
membership retention.
As we prepare to embark on this major change with
the potential for new opportunities and growth, this
quote by Charles Darwin comes to mind, “It is not
the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive
but those who can best manage change.”
With the plethora of possibilities provided by
Pathways, one question remains: What path will
you take?
While the current educational program will continue
to be available to club members during the next two
years as we transition to Pathways, the new
program will provide even more opportunities for
club members to learn and grow, to develop
communication and leadership skills. Members may
complete their current goals and embark on a new
exciting journey with Pathways!
District 24 Double Dozen |4 | April, 2018