Arnold and I started Open Door Toastmasters in 2004. Our club has been a President’s Distinguished Club in all but our first year when we achieved 7 of the 10 goals toward a Distinguished Club status. All subsequent years we have been a President’s Distinguished Club. Our membership varies between 35 – 40 members. We are a very friendly Club and guests are greeted and made to feel welcome. I believe that this is our biggest asset.
We have generated several District Officers, including the 2016-17 District Director, Paula Markert. Open Door has been instrumental in getting 4 new clubs started. We meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month (except in Nov. and Dec. when it is best to check our website for meeting dates because of the Holidays) – Irene Card, DTM
My Toastmasters journey, like most, has twists and even zig-zags and the story of how I wound up at Open Door started years before I knew there was more than a single Toastmasters club, period. I spent my first two years in a new club and nobody even understood what that CL manual was for. Finding that resource was an eye opener for me, which led me to realizing there is a large community of clubs and Toastmasters available as resources. Once I realized there was a well-defined path for a Toastmaster to follow, I started reaching out, going to conferences, attending contests, and even volunteering for district roles.
The funny thing about momentum is it catches up to you even when you didn’t see it coming. I jumped in with both feet and one of my first clubs I was an Area Governor for was Open Door and it was probably the first time I saw how a well-oiled machine a club could be. The people were all so warm, caring and welcoming that after attending 6 meetings, and adn hosted 4 area contests in 21 months. I just had to join them as my second club. I got more involved with the district (even hosting a conference First-Timers session), worked hard to complete my CL manual while continuing on my speech path and within 18 months completed my DTM because of the club and their supportive members. Looking back, I couldn’t have planned this but the journey was part of the process and I still have fond memories of how I got here and great expectations of where it will lead me. – Stuart Kramer, DTM, Immediate Past President
My story begins as a suggestion by my career coach. After hearing my life story she mentioned Toastmasters as a practice platform that would help me reach out and dare I say inspire those who may have my affliction. I recently spoke at a convention in front of 900 people and I utilized my Toastmasters experience to my advantage as my presentation was greatly received. I am now more poised and feel more confident not just in a public speaking forum but in life in general. This is the main reason I truly appreciate Open Door. – Todd Schwartzman
I joined Open Door Toastmasters in 2015. I am originally from China and a civil engineer by training. Growing up, I had always thought that public speaking was a skill that I was not born with. However, my fellow club members helped me to change that belief.
When I first visited the club, I was warmly welcomed and everyone was so friendly. They gave me a lot of encouragement to make the first step and give my Icebreaker speech. I have since finished my CC manual and am well on my way to finish my CL. I also served as the VP of Membership last year and am the VP of Public Relations this year.
What I gained from my Toastmasters experience was not just public speaking skills, what I learned was to always believe in myself, and to push myself out of my comfort zone to achieve more. I have a great mentor from the club and also made many good friends along the way. I am really grateful to have found my club and to have them as my support group! – Lu Ding, VP of Public Relations, CC