Minutes of the DEC Regular Meeting 2/13/2024

The DEC meeting convened at 6:05 PM on February 13, 2024, with the District Director presiding.

Present: Sarra Idehen, Kandi Kutkas, Sameer Deshmukh, Jimmy Bell, Al Kunz, Meg White, Madeline Armendariz-Odeh, Steven Schofield, Richard Carr, Peggy Carr, and Tammy McMorrow.

Absent:  Greg Alvord, Lionel Furness, Jaysee Jimenez, Pamela Lattin, Debbie Crutchfield, Maria Cervantes, Trevor Nelson, Annette Krause, Bryan Dowdy, Christine Groberg, Deborah Whitman, Janine Donald, David Garbrecht and Vy Nguyen.

Minutes of the December 2023 and January 2024 meetings were approved with no corrections. Motion by Peggy Carr. Seconded by Jimmy Bell.

The following items were discussed:

  1. District Leader Nominations: We have several leader position available. Nominations close 2/29/2024.
  2. Speech Contests – In-person only beyond club level for the 2024-2025 year. Adding online only.
  3. Spring Conference – Confirmed contract with Hilton Garden Inn & Suites as venue for conference. In need of volunteers.  Reach out to Meg White.
  4. Club Coach Program – Acknowledgement of George Kleeb for his work with Club Coach Program. Coach meetings every Thursday 4PM MT for clubs needing coaches with additional meeting on Mondays at 5 PM MT. Developing monthly forum for clubs with more than 12 members.
  5. Low-member clubs – Be diligent. Reach out and support. Be patient, enthusiastic. Promote the benefits of Toastmasters.
  6. Reinstating Suspended Clubs – Toastmasters International has a new incentive for reinstating clubs that were recently closed or suspended between March 2023 and October 2023. The incentive is good through June 30, 2024. Clubs eligible for this incentive are: Nampa Toastmasters, Rise and Shine, Statehouse Toastmasters, SLC Amex Toastmasters, Speak Intuit, Toastmasters @Progrexion, Klasically Speaking. Clubs taking advantage of this incentive can return to good standing without having to charter as a new club.
  7. Corporate Clubs: Easy to build up and quick to lose. Resistance against weekend officer training. How to support corporate clubs: Know corporate structure, define purpose, get an advocate or champion in the corporation to promote Toastmasters, advocate the benefits, promote the value in leadership and feedback opportunities.

Next 60 Days –

  • Club and Area Speech Contests, February and March
  • Second round Area Visits
  • Talk Up Toastmasters Membership Campaign begins February 1 – March 31

With no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 7:01 PM.

DEC meeting minutes found here: https://www.district15speaks.org/division-and-area-director-resources/

Please view the PDF of DEC Meeting 02-13-2024 Minutes here