Under the theme, ?Communicate? Lead? Succeed!? toastmasters in The Bahamas hopes to emphasize a renewed concentration on the basic aim of their founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley?s dream. Dr. Smedley?s dream was simply to help men and women develop the skills of, ?Better Speaking, Listening & Thinking? - Vital skills that promote self actualization, enhance leadership, foster human understanding and contribute to the betterment of mankind. This year, Toastmasters in The Bahamas are reaching out to the wider community in an effort to use the skills learned in the program to influence change in various elements of our society.
Toastmasters International, Division I is a part of District 47, which includes all of South Florida and the Bahamas. Division I leads the way as the governing body for Toastmasters in The Bahamas. Among the events planned for this year, The Division will host its annual Professional Development, Communication & Leadership Symposium during Toastmasters Month in October 2009. This event targets the corporate community and will provide attendees with the information and resources they need to effect positive change in their business and private lives. Toastmasters also plan to work with several youth groups in terms of training and mentoring them in effective communication and leadership skills.
At the helm of the organization is Division I Governor DTM Anthony Longley. Other members of the Division Executive Council 2009 - 2010 include: Division Asst. Div. Gov. Education & Training, TM Rachel Ferguson, ACB/ALB; Asst. Div. Gov. Marketing, TM Deanna Morrison, ACS/ALB; Asst. Div. Gov. Public Relations, TM Suncher Outten, ACB/CL; Asst. Div. Gov. Family Islands & Club Rescue Chair, TM Andrew Albury, ACG/CL; Area 80 Governor, TM Denison Balfour, ACB/ALB; Area 81 Governor, TM Glennette Reckley, ACG/CL; Area 82 Governor, TM Demekas Foster, ACS/CL; Area 83 Governor, TM Elbert Thompson, ACB; Area 84 Governor, TM Chato Outten, ACS/CL; Area 85 Governor, TM Nakera Symonette , ACS/CL; Area 86 Governor, TM Dwain Wallace, ACB/CL; Secretary, DTM Terrence Pratt; Dues chairman, TM Lakeisha Johnson, CC; Executive Assistant to Division Governor, TM Sharmaine Goodman-Davis, ACG/CL; Comm. & Leadership Symposium Chair, TM Nadia Hope Johnson, ACB/ALB; Contest Chair, TM Indira Sands, ACB/CL; Club Lead Chair, TM Vanessa Scott, ACS/CL; Division Webmaster TM Tanya Cartwright; Division Asst Webmaster, TM Crystal Knowles and Sergeant-at-Arms TM Randy Dean, CC.
When asked, why should one choose to join toastmasters as opposed to another organization? Division Governor DTM Anthony Longley noted that, ?The Toastmasters program is a rather unique self enhancement program. One of the things that make Toastmasters so effective is that, members get immediate feedback. The program is very structured and the resource material seems limitless. There is also a mentorship program so, new members benefit from the guidance and counsel of more experienced members. Since we learn in a club setting which creates an environment of fun and excitement, members feel more comfortable making their mistakes among familiar faces and getting feedback from them. Toastmasters is considered, the laboratory for communication & Leadership training?.
The Division Governor also noted that the benefits of Toastmasters can be summed up in one word, ?Confidence!? It is said that people fair public speaking more than they fear dying. Toastmasters can help one defeat that fear of public speaking. It builds self confidence. Not everyone aspires to be a public speaker but Toastmasters training helps people communicate better whether in large groups or in a one on one setting like a job interview or performance appraisal. Additionally, membership in Toastmasters is cost effective. There is no other program where members can pay in some instances, less than $100 a year and receive a life time of communication and leadership training. It pays for itself several fold with dividends.
Mr Longley admits, ?Toastmasters organization has had a tremendous influence on my life. Through Toastmasters, I have developed communication skills which I was able to transfer into my daily work as an insurance professional. I have learned leadership skills which I am able to apply to many other aspects of my life on a daily basis. I am able to coach and mentor other individuals in my business, in Toastmasters and in the wider community thereby, helping them to realize their dreams and accomplish their goals. Many of the successes I have had during my adult life are in one way or another, connected to the training I have received in Toastmasters.?
As Division Governor, DTM Longley?s duties include serving as a member of the executive committee and District Council; Reporting regularly to the District Governor and Lieutenant Governors on Division progress; Serving as Chairman of the Division Council; Upholding the bylaws of Toastmasters International and the District Administrative Bylaws; Supporting and leading the Division through a team of Area Governors and Providing motivation, guidance, supervision and support to the Division Council as well as ensuring that each toastmasters Club realizes its mission and fulfills its responsibilities to its members by providing District support and resources to the clubs through the Area Governors. He is also responsible for coordinating activities with-in the Division.
Some of the Division Governor?s goals for this year include, ensuring that Division I achieves the highest award level of President?s Distinguished Division; rebuild all weak clubs to charter strength and expand the base of clubs throughout the islands of the Bahamas thereby, allowing ever-greater numbers of Bahamians the opportunity to benefit from the Toastmasters programs.
DTM Anthony Longley has been in the Insurance business for 25 years with the last 2 decades being with ColinaImperial Insurance Ltd. He is currently, a Principal in the firm of Assured Financial Services & Insurance Agents & Brokers (AFS) -- a new and innovative, independent insurance Agency which opened its doors in March 2009. DTM Longley joined the First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters Club 1600, in May of 1987. As a Club officer, he served as Sergeant-At-Arms; VP-Public Relations; VP-Membership; VP-Education; President of Club 1600 (1987-1998) and Action for Achievement Club 1095 (2002-2003). Additionally, the energetic toastmaster has served at the District level as an Area Governor and District Sgt-At-Arms.
To learn more about toastmasters in The Bahamas, Toastmasters International and District 47 have user friendly web-sites. Division I is in the process of reconstructing its web-site. This should be back on line by October 2009. In the meantime, one can log onto: www.toastmasters.org or www.toastmastersd47.org or contact Division Governor Longley at 242 322 6735. A variety of Toastmasters Clubs meet each day of the week at convenient times. Persons interested in joining a Toastmasters club or in forming a club at their place of work, church or other organization can contact the Public Relations Officer at divisionipr@gmail.com or Search for Toastmasters International Division I (Bahamas) on face book.
Our photo shows members of the Division Executive Council 2009 ? 2010.
Photo by Anthony Morley
