Governor’s Message July 1, 2009:

Hello District 56 Toastmasters and welcome those of you who will one day be part of our Life-Changing Organization.

First and foremost, I want to express a great big thank you to Eddie Merla, DTM and Immediate Past District Governor and also his District Leaders for a strong year. It was a year to be remembered for Ike, the collapse of the financial industry, corruption at high levels and a historic presidential election. Eddie’s theme could not have been more timely - “Conquer Your Fears and Achieve Your Dreams.” This was certainly a year of overcoming and facing challenges and our District weathered these turbulent times.

Toastmasters is indeed an incredible organization. It is the greenhouse in which we cultivate our Communication and Leadership skills. I have observed this phenomenal process in my Toastmaster career. As one navigates the lesson plan of the leadership track and focuses on leadership, he or she grows as a speaker. Very few will rise to the polish and excellence of a Patrick Henry or a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   They may not deliver messages that mobilize an entire nation, but they do approach that level of significance.

It is because of this phenomenon that I have chosen our theme for our 2009/2010 term: Legacy Leadership – From Speaker to Messenger.

Leadership simply has to leave a legacy. Otherwise, can it really be considered leadership? True leadership should leave a lasting impact! Leadership must start with a worthy cause. As we hook our hearts to a worthy cause and deliberately practice Legacy Leadership, we will be transformed from mere mechanical speakers into a Great Messengers.

My goal is to help people tap into their own personal greatness. I believe we all have latent greatness that just needs a cause and an opportunity to grow.

I look forward to serving you as District Governor this term. Keep your hearts hooked to a worthy cause and indeed we will accomplish Greatness together.