Toastmasters Reform: Three Core Issues

Synapse · Guest

1) District votes should be able to be proxied to Area Governors, cast
by mail, phone, web, or other remote method instead of a single "club
member only" proxy.

- District conferences, lodging, and travel have been escalating in
cost.
- In many districts, the travel time can be several hours if not a full
day by car merely to attend district conference.
- Combined, in one distirct alone the costs exceed $600 per year and 24
hrs in travel to attend District conference and cast the club votes.
- The current system is, in effect, a poll tax of significant time and
financial burden for an organization that requires only once a month
meetings and $54 in dues annually.
- I encourage all Districts to pass resolutions in support of this
measure in order to reform the system and further enfranchise member
clubs who often cannot attend for financial or time restrictions.

2) Club Officer training should be available by web-based training.

Every six months, Toastmasters International puts forward a
large effort to have officers trained in order to fulfill their duties
and have quality clubs. As part of this effort, Districts sponsor TLI
and other training in order to help clubs meet this goal. This training
is so important that it is part of the Distinguish Club program, which
sets the goal that four officers are to be trained at both the
June-August and December-February time frames.

In order to better serve our members, I am convinced that
Toastmasters International should begin an investigation into
E-learning options to provide an alternate method for completing
officer training. This could allow those with more restrictive
schedules to complete officer training remotely from their home or
office at their convenience and provide a brief quiz system for
verifying retention of the information presented. As evidenced by many
Area Governors being requested to perform one-on-one training, there is
a need for a more convenient method of officer training delivery.

In addition, e-learning quizzes could also help with officers
who have served multiple terms and believe they "already know
everything they need to know". A pre-test credit option for officers
serving in the same role again could provide them a prompt way to
demonstrate understanding of the officer roles & responsibilities or
highlight knowledge gaps which they may wish to attend a TLI event in
order to fill.

An e-learning system could help provide a higher level of
service to our members at a reasonable delivery cost per individual. In
addition, it would provide clear and consistent delivery of the core
messages for club officers to achieve their goals. By utilizing this
technology, we can reduce the wide variance in quality of experience at
officer training for those that choose this option. In addition, this
can allow us to better serve undistricted clubs that, by definition,
have no District-sponsored training. These under-served communites
could be greatly assisted by web-based training as internet and
computer access becomes more available to the far corners of the world.

E-learning, as documented below, is being utilized in the
majority of non-profit organizations of our size and scope. Online
e-learning systems have been approved by numerous states for Defensive
Driving course credit, including the state of Texas. In 2003, the
Strategic Planning Committee identified technology as one of the four
"mega issues" facing Toastmasters International.

http://www.toastmasters.org/artisan/member.asp?CategoryID=1&SubCategoryID=5&ArticleID=363&SearchText=

E-learning is a technology that is highly aligned with our needs and
goals as an organization and deserves to be sufficiently reviewed as a
potential for Officer Training worldwide.
Due to the approvals needed, as well as the size and complexity
of such an effort, it must be addressed at the International level.
Some of the research needed to investigate this option has already been
compiled, such as the works completed by Brandon-Hall and Bersin &
Associates referenced below. This pre-compiled information does
however, come at a cost. With an initial budget of $4000, this
exploratory committee could acquire, assemble, and review information,
compile a synopsis of information and feasibility, and provide
recommendations for action to the Executive Committee & Board of
Directors.
References:
2005 Nonprofit and Association E-learning Survey (summary)
http://www.isoph.com/pdfs/2005_Nonprofit_E-learning_Survey.pdf

"In 2004, more than 54 percent of total respondents indicated that they
were either using
e-learning or planned to in the next 12 months. In 2005, that number
grew to 59 percent."
"...in organizations with budgets between $5 million and $10 million,
use of e-learning reported by respondents jumped from 50.9 percent to
68.3 percent."
(2005 TMI budget: $11,142,462)
"...more than 55 percent of organizations with an international or
national focus use e-learning."
2004 Nonprofit and Association E-learning Survey (full):
http://www.isoph.com/pdfs/2004_Nonprofit_E-learning_Survey.pdf
Making E-Learning Work in the Nonprofit Sector (executive summary)
http://www.brandon-hall.com/publications/nonprofit/nonprofit.shtml

A Review of E-learning Authoring Tools
http://store.bersinassociates.com/authtools.html
Sites:
http://www.isophinstitute.com/siteIntro.aspx
http://www.nten.org/
http://www.learnsomething.com/

3) Creation of a remote meeting facilitation manual

- As previously stated, technology is one of the four "mega issues"
facing Toastmasters International.
- The ability to effectively command a conference-call or web-based
conference with ease is a highly valued skill as the workforce begins
to de-centralize and the world flattens.
- This manual would also address a second Toastmaters goal, to "create
alliances with major international corporations and associations to
grow Toastmasters outside North America.".
- Along with #2, this option would help to de-stigmatize Toastmasters
as an "good ol boy" institution and move the organization into the
global leadershop postition it seeks.

Of course, thoughts, feedback, and even sarcastic comments are
appreciated.

- Synapse

Susan Niven CSP DTM PID · Guest

D. Windham ...
That name doesn't ring any bells with me, but I am immensely curious to know
who you are! I agree with all of your proposals and, in fact, have actively
lobbied for #2 and #3 in the past.

Are you willing to share with us who you are?!

Susan.

Susan Black (Niven) DTM PID
Toastmasters International Director 1998-2000
Former TM & Lifelong Advocate (of the program at Club level)
Langley, BC, Canada

Synapse · Guest

I've submitted the first two items to my "top 3" and ID's. I personally
advocate that all Districts push to pass resolutions in support of
these concepts at their next available District conference. It is the
most clear way to send a message to TMI that this is desired by the
membership.

Dwayne Windham, CTM / CL
Distirct 55, K50 Area Governor
Austin, TX

Susan Niven CSP DTM PID wrote:

Susan Niven CSP DTM PID · Guest

Hello, Dwayne -

It is wonderful to "meet" you! Rising stars like you and Betsy are the hope
of this organization, with respect to - IMRHO - its overwhelming need to
enter the 21st Century and, I also believe, to its long term survival.

My comments on your specific suggestions follow. ALL of them are stated as
"In My Rarely Humble Opinion", and I am not going to repeat that each time.

Your first point, about Clubs being able to cast their ballots online or
some other way, rather than simply handing them over to a District Governor
to vote as he or she wishes ... or as he or she is intimidated into doing
.... is the only democratic way to fix the political horrors (and I mean that
literally) that go on in every election.

As to web-based training, well that is so long overdue that it is almost
laughable. It offers so many benefits and virtually no downside, that it is
extremely difficult to understand what possible rationale can be offered for
not doing it. Yes, it is nice if people can get together in person and learn
from one another etc., etc., etc. but that is not always possible. And when
they DO get together for training, the quality of the training often leaves
a great deal to be desired. To say nothing of consistency in the training.

You have added some wonderful specific suggestions that I haven't heard
before ... like the ability to "challenge" the training by doing a pre-test,
etc., and I heartily endorse all of those suggestions.

With respect to the "remote meeting manual", what a great idea! Some years
ago, I had recruited 20 "advanced" toastmasters to charter an advanced club
that would meet monthly, via conferencing technology. We were, however,
informed in no uncertain terms, by world hq, that this was absolutely
forbidden. Toastmasters must, after all, see and be seen by one another. (I
assume that requirement does not extend to those who have no vision.)

For about 10 or 11 years now, I have been conducting sales training for
corporations ... all using web & audio conferencing, and am also part owner
of a conferencing business. I know how valuable these tools are AND how
widely they are used in business, educational organizations, professional
services, government, the military, and non-profit organizations. Obviously
the associated skills are amongst those that many TM members need to learn
and develop in today's world.

I have a radical idea (and those who know me probably realize that I might
have had one or two of those before ...) ... how be if we set up a
conference call / web conference for those of us who believe in the need for
the organization to "get with it" technology wise, to talk about spreading
your brilliant ideas (and maybe some of ours, too!) to every District in the
TM world? Who was the famous person who said something about not doubting
that a single person could make a change in the world? Was it Margaret
Meade? Anyhow, what about it? Would you be interested in such a conference
call? I still have connections to a lot of TM leaders around the world, and
could help spread the word and encourage some like-minded people to join in.

Waiting to hear back from you, and hoping to have the opportunity to talk
with you soon,
Susan.

Susan Black (Niven) DTM PID
Toastmasters International Director 1998-2000
Former TM & Lifelong Advocate (of the program at Club level)
Langley, BC, Canada

By the way ... I agree with you also on the method you are using - re having
Districts review the proposals and pass resolutions with respect to each
one. However there may be an additional step that would help. I'll review
the current policies & procedures and check on that :)

I have not been this excited about the possibilities for the organization in
a very long time, Dwayne, and for this I thank you!

Joy · Guest

"Susan Niven CSP DTM PID" <foronlineuse@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:JwLOg.542307$Mn5.501275@pd7tw3no...

betsy_in_va · Guest

Sounds like you've put a lot of thought into these ideas. They
certainly appeal to me. What sort of security measures do you have in
mind to ensure that the proper person is submitting the votes? It would
have to be more secure than the club passwords now in use. (Maybe
something specifically issued for a one time voting purpose?)

Rod Taylor · Guest

"Susan Niven CSP DTM PID" <foronlineuse@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:JwLOg.542307$Mn5.501275@pd7tw3no...

Rod Taylor · Guest

"Susan Niven CSP DTM PID" <foronlineuse@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:JwLOg.542307$Mn5.501275@pd7tw3no...

Synapse · Guest

All who have posted in this thread expressing support should have an
email from me at this point in time. Please let me know if you do not
receive it. As this is beginning to discuss call coordination, UseNet
is probably not the best place to begin posting conference call
numbers, etc.

Thanks!

DW in Austin

Synapse · Guest

Name idea, presuming this remains tech-focused:

Toastmasters Technology Caucus

Thoughts?
- DW in Austin

Jean · Guest

Hi Dwayne

Synapse · Guest

Jean,

Although ideally one would have interactive webcasts for members to
attend "virtually" from around the world, this will undoubtedly have to
be put in place in phases.

At the most basic level, ballot by mail for ID / international voting:

ID and other cnadidates are known long before the voting, so that
ballots could be printed, numbered, and mailed to the address of record
for Club Presidents. This system has worked for proxies, why couldn't
it work for actual ballots? Instead of disempowering clubs and
encouraging them to hand over their vote to the District governor,
clubs could actually express their preferences directly.

I would think an early implementation would be an online version of
ballot by mail, with only pre-defined candidates and items voted on by
remote attendees.

A second level implementation would possibly allow streaming
video/audio over the phone or internet to recipients for a "passive"
attendance

The most complex and difficult to implement of course, would be a fully
interactive expreience to provide real-time feedback to make motions,
ask questions, and place votes.

Either way, Toastmasters needs to at least explore the ideas and
possibilities of how technology can enable a more active and
participative membership. They owe it to us to see what options are
out there, perform cost/benefit analysis, and regularly re-visit items
due to rapid changes in the technology market. Finally, a summary of
the information assembled and decisions made should be available to the
membership at large for review.

Hopefully this addresses your question, let me know if I've somehow
misinterpreted what you were looking for clarification about.

- DW in Austin

Jean wrote:

Iona Rodricks · Guest

Hello Dwayne:

The idea of web based training is an excellent idea given the virtual
world we live in these days and a training manual to boot. Super idea.
I'm sure the folks at TI are considering its implementation, however
these things probably will take time.

However, respectfully I disagree with handing over club votes to the
area governors to vote as these are 'appointed' positions and not
'voted' in positions as are all of the district positions with the
exception of the LGM and the Division Governors.
Every President and district officer must have the ability to vote
online and have a voice as opposed to handing over their proxies, as we
have seen in the past the person/officer carrying the proxy will vote
on their personal choice (s). It would be a revolutionary idea for
clubs to vote directly on TI business online, a very unique concept
indeed!

Regards,

Iona

Synapse · Guest

Agreed Iona - proxying isn't my long-term preferred option, but it is
the lowest-cost and easiest extension of a familiar concept within
Toastmasters. This would simply be a change to allow proxying to an
individual outside the club itself, since now many votes go unused
because of the time / cost required to attend District conference
meetings.

In South Texas particularly, the area is economically challenged and
remote from the main poplulation centers in District 55. For years,
their area has struggled to keep clubs alive and their representation
within the District is very low. Proxying to their Area Governor would
at least give them a chance at some sort of representation, rather than
no vote at all.

Unfortunately, I honestly don't believe Toastmasters International is
even looking at some of these things. If they are, why haven't we had a
ballot initiative to allow the technology to be used? If it isn't
"recognized" as a manner in which to conduct training officially, why
bother developing it?

Remember - Toastmasters didn't allow women into the organization until
the mid-70's, and even then it was only because the members themselves
effectively forced the ssue. The Toastmasters organization has been
notoriously slow to adapt to change, so the membership may have to make
it abundantly clear that these kinds of changes are desired to get
things moving.

DW in Austin

Iona Rodricks wrote:

Jean · Guest

Hi DW

Yes, thanks for your answer. It is difficult to address 'future'
events and circumstances that might arise. However, there is already
technology in place to help with some of what you promote... there are
already webinars and Skype conferencing is a good tool as there can be
multiple people on-line (10-12) enough to do a Club committee business
meeting, or Area business meeting... I think the more creative
solutions that can be found, the more opportunity there will be to try
different avenues to see which on works the best.

I appreciate the scenario you put forth about 'proxy' voting. Where
the Area governor can stand in and 'proxy' for those places like the
one you mentioned... terrifc! However, I'd be more inclined to agree
with the individual who pointed out the 'appointed' rather than 'voted
in' position and realise there could be an abuse of personal preference
rather than 'what is best for the Area' from the viewpoint of Club
officers in that situation.

Keep beating the drum for reform... I'm all for it. The more we talk
about it, the more we will try to find feasible solutions and the more
it will filter back to WHQ. If possible, start talking to WHQ. How
'bout an online petition to sign to send to WHQ regarding these reforms
once they are hashed and rehashed and solidly presented? Easy enough
to do by email... just got to get the word out and, if there's one
thing I know about Toastmasters, they know how to get the word out.

All the best for your success! I'd like to know more.

Warmest regards
Jean
Synapse wrote: