Do you remember the first time you joined Toastmasters? Do you remember the time when it changed your life? I do. I remember when I first stepped into the door as a nervous freshman in college. I remember the first time I won my first club contest (It was speech evaluation). I remember how the skills I learned got me a job at NASA and later at Cisco (yes in Japan, my American future boss knew about Toastmasters) and even now today as I have been striking out on a new path.
I feel that Toastmasters has done a lot of good in my life and I believe in your life, too. However, we have a long way to go. There are approximately 4,500 Toastmasters in Japan, but if you think of the number of people who do business presentations, who speak at local community organizations, and people who hold seminars, etc. there are still a lot more people we can reach and help.
While more than 100 clubs are concentrated in Tokyo and Kanagawa, I feel the need is much greater outside the Tokyo Metropolitan area. For the long-term growth of our organization and Japan society as a whole, local regions and local leaders from Kawagoe(A) to Okazaki(J) need Toastmasters to get their message out to the world.
Considering the long-term decline in population and the rise of social media we cannot keep to the old ways. We will be left behind. So, I have started working with the current leadership on a long-term strategic plan for District 76. So, that Toastmasters can continue to provide value and be a positive driver for change.
Our focus for this year will be:
- Improving membership experience on Pathways
- Growing to 220 Toastmaster clubs
- Implementing strategic media marketing strategy
This cannot be done by one or even a few individuals. This needs the support of each and every one of you. As Toastmasters we have a mission to not just have fun (but let’s do that too) but to also empower more individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. We support each and every member in building confidence and personal growth. A journey of 1,000 miles starts with a first step. A movement of 10,000 people starts with the first follower. We can be the change that District 76 needs and what Japans needs. So, will you help? Please say “Yes, I can!”
