We have 3 focus areas for the PQD Corner. First, we are conducting several training sessions for “Free Toast Host”, so check the District calendar for details.
Second, it is time for the second-round of Club Officer Training. November 3rd is the first training which will be online. We are looking forward to again featuring the newest training materials.
Third, we have our Hall of Fame and Leadership Intensive, to be held November 7th in Colorado Springs at the T. Rowe Price Center. Ticket price is $25, which includes morning refreshments and lunch. Past International President Radhi Spear is our keynote speaker. She will share thoughts on how clubs can become healthy and stay healthy.
Monthly Highlights
Catch up on the most exciting events and achievements from our district.
Leadership Insights
Gain valuable perspectives from our district leaders and enhance your skills.
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District Director's October 2026 Focus
Program Quality Director's October 2026 Message
Greg Howell, DTM
Club Growth Director
Focused on Growing District 26 to 157 Clubs
As Club Growth Director, my mission is to support District 26 clubs as we
- Link together,
- Lead with purpose, and
- Launch new opportunities for growth.
I am dedicated to helping clubs become stronger and more sustainable so every member can thrive and reach their educational and leadership goals without obstacles.
Check out the Club Growth Corner on our D26 website! We have added MANY resources to help you plan and promote club events, whether it is holding a Community event to introduce guests to your club, or bumping up the excitement in your social media feeds.
Stay Informed with Our Newsletter
Previous Monthly Newsletters
September 2026
Annual Success Plans: Do we need them?
District 26 leaders — it’s time to power up your year! Success Plans are more than a requirement — they are your roadmap to excellence. When every leader submits their plan, we build alignment, momentum, and a district-wide commitment to achieving greatness.
We hit 100% completion last year. Let’s do it again! Rally your teams, finalize your goals, and submit your Success Plan by September 15. This is your moment to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact — and to keep your club shining in the Distinguished Program.
Fill out the sections as a team and discuss how you will achieve your Education Goals, Membership Goals and Training/Administration goals.
Ready to make it happen? Let’s strive for 100% and set the pace for another extraordinary year.
Plan Your October “Community Event” Now
September is the ideal time to start planning your October Community Event — formerly known as an Open House — to showcase the many benefits of Toastmasters membership and connect with potential new members. Kick it up a notch by promoting an Event, not a Meeting!
Each club is encouraged to host two Community Events this program year—one between now and December, and another between January and March. Consider aligning your event with a membership‑building program such as the Smedley Award (Aug 1–Sept 30) or Talk Up Toastmasters (Feb 1–Mar 31).
The September issues of the newsletter featured Club Growth Director in a photo with the 2026-2027 Toastmasters International President, Stefano McGee, DTM.
Greg has this to say: This was my first year attending District Leader Training and the Annual Toastmasters Convention — and what an experience it was!
During training, I collaborated with fellow Club Growth Directors, exchanging ideas and exploring new approaches to strengthen our District. These conversations helped refine my plans for membership growth and new club development.
Highlights of the week were sharing the excitement of the keynote sessions, celebrating with members from our District, and connecting with many new faces who quickly became friends.
August 2026
We have a new focus for the 2026-2027 Toastmaster Year.
It is LINK –LEAD – LAUNCH.
LINK is about staying connected toone another and recognizing thatevery member and every leader canmake a meaningful difference in thesuccess of our clubs.LEAD
with 3 actions:
1) Encourage every officer to attend training. Gain fresh ideas and tools to createstrong clubs.
2) Renew membership dues early and consider paying ahead 2 terms before duesincrease on August 3rd.
3) Begin planning your club’s success by setting goals in the Club Success Plandocument.
LAUNCHyour club to Distinguished! Together we can strengthen our clubs andbuild the momentum needed to achieve this goal.
July 2026
June 2026
In June, Early bird training for the incoming District Officers Team and incoming Club Officers for the 2026-2027 Program year was offered. In addition, the District was inching closer to finishing the 2025-2026 Year as a Distinguished District. Highlights from this month:
April 2026
2026 Contests – 1st Place Division Winners for Online, Table Topics and the International Speech Contest
Which Members were chosen to present the following Breakout Sessions at the District Conference:
- Confidence is just One S.T.O.R.Y. Away
- Turn Your Club H.O.T.
- Creating a Culture of Feedback That Works
- Steps to 30 Members: a Step-by-step Playbook for Sustainable Club Growth
- Finding Gold in the Rough – Flaws That Shine
- How Skilled Toastmasters Present Complex Information
May 2026
May began with the 2026 Annual District Conference and 3 District level speech contests. May continued strong with 12 new sessions of Storytelling with Data and 6 additional online events.
Aurorators Toastmasters is the first D26 Club to have achieved Smedley Distinguished Club status. Member, Darryle Brown shared that they did it by setting it as a goal, watching their progress on the “Districts Dashboard” and motivating members to grow their own skills.
David Gardner, DTM, Midday Madness Toastmasters Club, from Albuquerque NM came to meet and network with D26 Toastmasters. The conference exceeded his expectations, as did the friendliness of the D26 folks. He learned a lot about building clubs, and found that the Sunday workshop (with Bob Hooey and Marty Dickinson) has transformed his view of club officer roles.
1st Place Online Contest Winner, Amy Champion, Earlybird Toastmasters Club, from Durango CO, shared that the conference was full of great speakers, great competitors, and was a really welcoming and wonderful environment
More Area Directors are needed for each Division. Contact Ruth Prentice, DTM, District Director – districtdirector[at]d26leaders.org
Check our D26 website for more information!
March 2026
Division‑Level Contests Are Underway
March brings the excitement of Division‑level Table Topics and International Speech Contests. Whether you’re competing, volunteering, or cheering from the audience, this is your moment to step up, support your fellow speakers, and celebrate the courage on display.
Membership Renewals and Incentives
It’s time to renew your membership and keep your club strong. Two district incentives are available this month—perfect motivation to submit dues early and help your club finish the year with momentum.
Support the Annual D26 Conference
Our Annual Conference is powered by member generosity. We’re seeking sponsors and silent auction contributions to help create an inspiring, high‑impact event for the entire District.
Step Into Leadership as an Area Director
If you’re ready to grow your influence and mentor others, consider serving as an Area Director. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to build leadership skills and make a lasting difference.
February 2026
February offers AREA Speech Contests, additional Club Officer Training
sessions, and continues the planning for the Annual conference.
Nominations for District leadership positions are open until March 1, 2026.
Check our website for more information and to register for events!
January 2026
January offers more Round 2 Club Officer Training, with Area Speech Contests coming in February, and the District Leadership Committee is accepting nominations.
Check our website for more information and to register for events!
December, 2025
Here is what is happening in District 26. December offers Earlybird discounts for the Annual Conference, while December/January supports Round 2 Club Officer Training and Club Speech Contests.
November Edition
These next two months are bursting with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Check out our upcoming events and secure your spot today!
October Edition
October and November are packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Explore our upcoming activities and register today—your next great experience starts here!
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