Founded in 2011, the everyone belongs™ Toastmasters Club has received rave reviews from the Area Governor, and has been praised as fostering a caring and safe environment for all members. As of April 9, 12 members from the past year have graduated, and now the club will welcome 10 new members.
Toastmasters, for those who are unfamiliar, is an international organization that allows people the opportunity to master the art of public speaking, receiving feedback from peers rather than an instructor or coach. For DDRC clients, this is a chance to speak out and be heard in a supportive environment.
The club is overseen by Crysta Trask, the DDRC’s Creative Coordinator. Trask believes that Toastmasters is an ideal way to build self-esteem and confidence, while developing speaking and leadership skills. Participation also provides practice of basic conversation skills that are essential for successful social inclusion.
“We do all of this in a safe, relaxed, and non-judgemental environment,” Trask said. “We celebrate individual successes equally, and we delight in group successes.”
The everyone belongs Toastmasters Club was founded by long-time DDRC client Marilyn Wilson, who passed away last July. Wilson’s views on public speaking were that “the more you do it, the better you will be.” This has been proven by our club’s members: as of the end of March, each member of the everyone belongs™ Toastmasters club has received their “Competent Communicator” designation, awarded after their tenth and final speech.
Theresa is one of the members who has completed her Toastmasters journey at the DDRC. She shared her experiences with new members who might be anxious about public speaking.
“When I first started Toastmasters, I was kind of worried, so I asked people about it and asked for advice,” Theresa said. “I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve come a long way. I like Toastmasters now.”
Area Governor Dennis Falconer visited the everyone belongs group in March, and commented that our club “has taken the ethos of Toastmasters and offers something more than words can describe to this wonderful group of people.”
Members of the club meet every Thursday in the Learning and Leadership Centre.