Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
To: The 'Top Three' District 5 Officers, who were recently elected to serve our district for the July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 term:
We, the Members of Toastmasters International, District 5, by evidence of our signatures below, ask for a return to the traditional contest format of Humorous/Table Topics in the fall and International/Evaluation in the spring.
The mission of Toastmasters International is developing communicators and leaders. We believe that the speech contests are key to fulfilling this mission. Speech contests give our members - whether as contestants, audience members, or contest functionaries, an opportunity to flex their communication and leadership muscles and to be witnesses to excellence in a higher-stake environment.
We believe that presenting both the International and Humorous Speech Contests in the fall will result in overall decreased participation in the contests and adversely affect member progress toward speaking and leadership goals, due to the following five reasons (as well as other considerations not limited to just these reasons stated here):
1. Lack of time for contest preparation, as these two contests are the most demanding of the speakers’ time and talents.
2. Lack of time for newer members to finish at least six speeches to be eligible to compete in our most important International Speech Contests.
3. Loss of opportunities for completing projects toward achieving Toastmasters International educational designations.
4. Loss of opportunities to inspire and encourage members with contestant role models to continue to achieve more than competency in presenting prepared speeches.
5. Opportunities being taken from those who support our district goals the most.
Thus, in support of the Toastmasters International mission, we, the undersigned, wish to protest the change in speech contests as proposed under your planned schedule and demand a return to the traditional contest format of Humorous/Table Topics in the fall and International/Evaluation in the spring.
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Updates
July 2, 2015
Seeing this level of support reminds me exactly why I joined this club in the first place. This momentum shows that our members truly care about keeping the contest schedule fair and accessible for everyone.
22 Comments
I have been a member of Toastmasters for over twenty five years. For decades the contests worked beautifully. Now, suddenly and without soliciting comments from District 5 members, a handful of toastmasters decide everything has to change. Mark my words; proceed on this path without the consensus of the members and it will come back to bite you. Bob Decker Mt. Helix Toastmasters
Since the World Championship of Public Speaking takes place in August, our contest should be held in the Spring. From a speaker's point of view, the energy and enthusiasm will disappear after waiting 8-9 months to compete at such a high level.
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Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
To: The 'Top Three' District 5 Officers, who were recently elected to serve our district for the July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 term:
We, the Members of Toastmasters International, District 5, by evidence of our signatures below, ask for a return to the traditional contest format of Humorous/Table Topics in the fall and International/Evaluation in the spring.
The mission of Toastmasters International is developing communicators and leaders. We believe that the speech contests are key to fulfilling this mission. Speech contests give our members - whether as contestants, audience members, or contest functionaries, an opportunity to flex their communication and leadership muscles and to be witnesses to excellence in a higher-stake environment.
We believe that presenting both the International and Humorous Speech Contests in the fall will result in overall decreased participation in the contests and adversely affect member progress toward speaking and leadership goals, due to the following five reasons (as well as other considerations not limited to just these reasons stated here):
1. Lack of time for contest preparation, as these two contests are the most demanding of the speakers’ time and talents.
2. Lack of time for newer members to finish at least six speeches to be eligible to compete in our most important International Speech Contests.
3. Loss of opportunities for completing projects toward achieving Toastmasters International educational designations.
4. Loss of opportunities to inspire and encourage members with contestant role models to continue to achieve more than competency in presenting prepared speeches.
5. Opportunities being taken from those who support our district goals the most.
Thus, in support of the Toastmasters International mission, we, the undersigned, wish to protest the change in speech contests as proposed under your planned schedule and demand a return to the traditional contest format of Humorous/Table Topics in the fall and International/Evaluation in the spring.
Updates
July 2, 2015
Seeing this level of support reminds me exactly why I joined this club in the first place. This momentum shows that our members truly care about keeping the contest schedule fair and accessible for everyone.
22 Comments
I look forward to participating in and watching each of the contests. Having such dispariate contests at the same time would force those that take preparation seriously to choose one or the other and dilute the field for both. Please return to the format that encourages all members to strive towards greater skill and execution.
I have been a member of Toastmasters for over twenty five years. For decades the contests worked beautifully. Now, suddenly and without soliciting comments from District 5 members, a handful of toastmasters decide everything has to change. Mark my words; proceed on this path without the consensus of the members and it will come back to bite you. Bob Decker Mt. Helix Toastmasters
Since the World Championship of Public Speaking takes place in August, our contest should be held in the Spring. From a speaker's point of view, the energy and enthusiasm will disappear after waiting 8-9 months to compete at such a high level.
I support this petition.
Combining them is not a good idea.
Combining them is not a good idea.
I'm in support of this position.
I am in support of this petition.
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I look forward to participating in and watching each of the contests. Having such dispariate contests at the same time would force those that take preparation seriously to choose one or the other and dilute the field for both. Please return to the format that encourages all members to strive towards greater skill and execution.