This last weekend I was fortunate to be surrounded by the Leaders of District 74 during a strategy session. The passion, commitment and dedication among the group was palatable.

There were two resounding themes that stood out for me, which were:

1. Toastmasters has changed all their lives and continues to improve them by helping them become the best versions of themselves.

This is not a short-term journey, rather a lifetime of learning and improving. How has Toastmasters changed your life?

Can you afford not to continue this journey of self-improvement? I heard something the other day that resonated with me. It was that your Education Budget should be greater than your Entertainment Budget. Is yours greater?

During this difficult time our priorities have had to change. However, self-improvement and self-development have never been more important, so your membership to Toastmasters should be one of your top five priorities.

2. Every member matters

As a member of our organization, your goals and your journey are important to us. What are your goals for the last four months of this Toastmaster year? How are you going to achieve them? Does your club know what they are?

As you answer these questions remember that although the Toastmaster programme is self-paced, the more you put into your journey the more you get out of it. The more skills you learn, the more opportunities you will have to hone your existing ones.

So, make sure that you get the most out of your semi-annual dues.