February 2, 2008

Friends,

From my very first Icebreaker speech to my year spent serving as a District Governor, my Toastmasters “story” is filled with lessons that have made me a better citizen, manager, friend, and volunteer leader. Since announcing my candidacy, for International Director from Region III, last August, I’ve been able to personally visit six of the nine Districts in our Region, I’ve listened to dozens of our members’ stories and, more important, I’ve learned something new or I’ve had a previous lesson reinforced.

Hearing your stories validate the approach that I take any time I visit one of your Districts.  I always ask myself two critical questions: “What is the need?” and “How can I add value?”  By listening to the concerns, questions and stories of the members and leaders in each of our Districts, I’ve learned how to better serve your needs and I’ve gained a better understanding of the diversity that makes up Region III.  When combined with my core values, the lessons I’ve learned from this year’s campaign will help to build a foundation that will make me a successful Director on our Board.

As we face the challenges that the second half of our year together is sure to bring, I am looking forward to working with you to identify the needs of your District and finding a way that we can add value for our members in addressing that need.  As I’ve said before, “We have one year to serve and the rest of our lives to think about it.”  I’m privileged to be able to serve this year as an International Director candidate and work with committed leaders such as you.  Side by side, we can tackle the needs of our members and face the questions that the proposed governance changes are sure to bring.

I appreciate your support and want an opportunity to earn your vote at the Region III conference in June and at the Toastmasters International convention in August. I'm looking forward to working with you because we are all, "Toastmasters, Building Our Futures Together!"

                                                                            In Proud Toastmasters Service,
                                      Tim Swearingen