Membership drive a success Men of distinction reach out to the community
Following the success of its back-to-school event, Toastmasters Club 1600 staged a membership drive over the weekend, in a bid to further revitalize the non-profit organization which works to develop public speaking and leadership skills amongst members.
According to club president, Pedro Young, the success of the membership drive is indicative that many men are ready to further refine themselves and give back to the community.
"Seeing the caliber of interested persons was heartening. We feel the event was successful because of the high level of interest expressed by members of the public, but we have to now wait and see if that translates into real membership," said Mr. Young who sees "new blood" as crucial to the organization's survival. "Building our membership base puts our organization in a position of strength which will enable us to not only host more community events but to also create change in terms of the number of positive male role models in our society."
For four hours this past Saturday, club members spread the word about the international communication organization of which Club 1600 is The Bahamas' first branch. An all-male unit, the historic Club 1600 has been a cornerstone in the development of Bahamian men for decades, going back to the days when Premier Lynden Pindling (later Sir Lynden) presented the club's 1969 official charter to founding president Ernest T. Strachan.
"Our club has a rich history. For men looking to improve their communication and leadership skills and make invaluable contacts, then this is certainly the organization of choice," said Mr. Young. "We saw a lot of interest over the weekend. It's now up to these men to follow through and attend their first meeting. The club provides numerous direct and indirect benefits in terms of self-development."
Last month Club 1600 held a back-to-school hair cut event in Union Village in honour of fallen member Neil Percentie. The 35-year-old died on September 7, when a gunman opened fire on a vehicle in which he was a passenger.
"Percentie was the victim of a senseless killing," said Carlos Palacious, the club's vice president of public relations. "We wanted to do something to keep his memory alive. One of his dreams was to ensure that every young man had the opportunity to become a better person."
On Saturday, August 26, dozens of boys from Union Village – Percentie's old neighborhood – benefited from free haircuts provided by Mobile Barber Shop owner and Club 1600 member, Orthnel Smith.
"A fresh haircut provides boys with a sense of pride in the way they look. It's the first step in personal grooming and helps to boost self-esteem getting them in the right frame of mind to return to the classroom," said Mr. Smith. "The parents were pleased because it was something they could scratch off their back-to-school, to-do list. I came to them. They didn't have to go to the barber."
Another Club 1600 member, Craig Ferguson provided the boys with free hotdogs while they waited to get their hair cut.
"Although Toastmasters is a leadership and development organization and not a civic organization, it's important to ensure our presence is felt outside of the club and in the wider community," said Mr. Ferguson.
From noon to 4pm on Saturday, September 1, The First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters Club 1600 held a membership drive at the Mall at Marathon.
Dozens of boys took advantage of free haircuts sponsored Toastmasters Club 1600, in conjunction with the Mobile Barber Shop and Hank Frank Hotdog Heaven.
Members of Toastmasters Club 1600 attended St. Ambrose Anglican Church on Sunday, August 26, for their official first quarter church service.
By Precision Media
