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District News

Find out about our latest District 56 news and events.  Do you have news you wish to share?

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Beat the Clock Membership Building Award

Posted May 7, 2023
District News

Clubs that gain five new, dual, or reinstated members between May 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023, will receive a Beat the Clock award ribbon, a one-time 10% discount from your Toastmasters International store order, and a Toastmasters International gift certificate. Amount TBD. The members must pay for at least 6 months. Offered to the first 50 clubs. 

Marketing Mondays: Club Marketing Guides

Posted February 25, 2023
District News

Join the February 27th virtual Marketing Monday session from 8 PM to 8:30 PM to help your club’s marketing efforts, add new members, and set them up for success on their Toastmasters journey!

In this helpful 30-minute Marketing Monday session we will share over 40 marketing materials including handouts, templates, and guides for clubs to use, as well as tools to help clubs create their own. 

Register now Meeting Registration – Zoom – sign up once, attend as many Marketing Mondays Micro Sessions as you can!


#clubgrowth #marketingmondays #clubretention #toastmasters #communication #leadership #district56toastmasters #houston

Congratulations, Get to Know Me Tag Winners!

Posted February 12, 2023
District News

Congratulations to all the winners of the Get to Know Me Tag – My Toastmasters Journey Club Video Challenge!

The competition for these challenges is heating up! There were no “missed opportunities” this time. Everyone who participated is a winner – their club now has a great way to reach potential new members. These videos look so inviting on the home page of a club’s own website. If you missed the vote, go visit these clubs and see how they’re showcasing their members and encouraging people to join in the fun of Toastmasters!

Be sure to bookmark the District 56 Incentives page for more opportunities, and register for the weekly Monday Marketing sessions if you haven’t, yet – wait, you haven’t, yet?? – if you’re not signed up for Marketing Mondays, you’re missing out on a great resource.

Video Marketing Strategies: Marketing Monday TONIGHT!

Posted February 6, 2023
District News
Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/tmd56mm to register – register once, and you’re registered for all!

Come learn how to make compelling, fun, and quick club videos for your club website and social media pages. This is a hands-on session where you will walk away with a new club video to post instantly.

Get to Know Me Tag – My Toastmasters Journey Club Video Challenge

Posted February 2, 2023
District News, Uncategorized

On December 12, 2022 during the Marketing Monday session, Neurological Buzz District 56 Toastmasters members learned how to create a Get to Know Me Tag – My Toastmasters Journey video. The shared google drive with a recording and handout can be found here 12.12.22 NEUROLOGICAL BUZZ – Google Drive

Get to Know Me Tag – My Toastmasters Journey Club Video Challenge – Deadline February 1, 2023

Contestants were asked to email their club Get to Know Me Tag – My Toastmasters Journey Club Video challenge entry to Elizabeth Ruiz, Club Growth Director, at [email protected] on or before February 1, 2023. Only qualified club videos have been uploaded to the District website and social channels where members will vote on first, second and third place. First place club winner receives a $100 Toastmasters International Gift Certificate. Second place club winner receives a $50 Toastmasters International Gift Certificate. Third place club winner receives a $25 Toastmasters International Gift Certificate.

 

You Be the Judge

Here are the qualifying entries received for the Get to Know Me Tag – My Toastmasters Journey

Tomball Toastmasters

Dining Out Toastmasters

Conroe Speaks

Deerwood Toastmasters

Please review each of the Get to Know Me Tag – My Toastmasters Journey videos above, then use the Google Form below to vote for your First, Second, and Third Choices. Voting will close on February 11, 2023, at midnight.

Click here to vote!

Calling All Toastmasters: Club Mentors Needed!

Posted January 24, 2023
District News

Calling all Toastmasters: Want to earn your DTM while serving others? Become a Club Mentor!

  • Share your knowledge
  • Build teamwork skills
  • Earn credit toward the Distinguished Toastmaster Award (DTM)

Register now for Club Mentor Training on Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 10 AM – 11 AM. The facilitator is Distinguished Toastmaster, Robert Bailey.

To Register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkdOGtrj8qG9NHX7tH9jFe51dzivCjTA1i
Details on what, who, when, why, where, and how about being a Club Mentor may be found here https://toastmastershouston.com/club-mentor/

We need YOU! Register now.

For questions, email the Club Growth, Club Quality Chair, Troy Rockett at [email protected]

#clubmentor #leadership #communication #toastmasters

DISTRICT CLUB

CLUB NEWS

Find out about our latest District 56 club news and events.

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DISTRICT CLUB

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

Find out about our members, their experiences, and how they have benefited from Toastmasters.

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DISTRICT CLUB

ANNUAL AWARDS

In District 56, special annual awards are presented to Toastmasters in various roles for their contributions throughout the year.

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JWilliams

Jocelyn V. Williams, DTM

District 56 Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Jocelyn V. Williams has been a member of Toastmasters since 2003, serving at every level within District 56—from Club Officer to Area and Division Director, and most recently as Club Growth Director and Program Quality Director. Now serving as the 2025–2026 District Director, Jocelyn is honored and energized to lead with purpose and passion. With over two decades of service, Jocelyn remains inspired by the transformative power of Toastmasters and the joy of helping others grow. Her leadership is anchored in the belief that together, we can achieve excellence, deepen our connections, and empower every member. Let's make this a year of lasting impact—together!

DonnaFossmeyer

Donna Fossmeyer, DTM

Program Quality Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Donna has more than 30 years of Toastmasters experience servicing at the club and District levels. She is committed to helping the members and District 56 reach Distinguished status.

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Samantha Traylor, DTM

Club Growth Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Samantha brings more than a decade of committed service to Toastmasters at the club and district levels. She has served in all officer roles, mentored and coached clubs, secured corporate donations, and supported her Division in achieving Select Distinguished status in the 2023-2024 yr. Passionate about member and club experience, she is dedicated to helping District 56 grow, thrive, and reach Distinguished status.

DeanRobertson

Dean Robertson, DTM

Public Relations Manager

Distinguished Toastmaster Dean Robertson, Public Relations Manager for District 56 Toastmasters! With a robust background in leadership and dedicated service, Dean has consistently uplifted members through various officer roles at both the club and district levels. Believing that clear communication is the cornerstone of all success, Dean's primary goal this year is to significantly enhance the flow of information to ensure every District 56 member is well-informed and connected to the pulse of our vibrant community.

CJeterv2

Caroline Jeter, PM5

Administration Manager

Caroline Jeter has been an active member of Toastmasters since 2021, serving in a variety of leadership roles including VP Education, Treasurer, club sponsor, club mentor, and Area Director. For the 2025-2026 Toastmaster year, Caroline is proud to serve as Administration Manager. Passionate about helping others, Caroline finds joy in supporting members as they grow in confidence, achieve their goals, and reach new milestones. She looks forward to contributing to a successful year of service, leadership, and organizational excellence.

BeckyNoe

Becky Noe, DTM

Finance Manager

Becky Noe is a CPA with over 27 years of accounting experience working in both operations accounting, internal audit and internal controls. Currently, Becky is building an internal audit function for a soon to be publicly traded organization. Becky joined Toastmasters in 2015. She has served in a variety of club officer roles. This is her third time serving as Finance Manager for District 56.

ElizabethRuiz_gbk

Elizabeth Ruiz, DTM

Immediate Past District Director

"I've witnessed profound transformations in our members' communication skills and personal growth, igniting a passion for leadership that resonates in every corner of our diverse community. Serving alongside dedicated individuals committed to excellence has been an honor beyond words—a journey where every challenge conquered has led to unprecedented triumphs!"

MarkVine

Mark Vine, EH5

Division L Director

Mark has been in Toastmasters since 2021 and during this time he has had the privilege to have held several leadership roles within his Home Club Deerwood Toastmasters, including VPE & President. This was followed by becoming an Area Director for Division L 41 during the 2024-25, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and is very excited to be continuing his Toastmaster Journey, as Director of Division L in District 56 in 2025-26!!! Mark firmly believes that “We Rise by Lifting Others” and greatly values the networking, leadership and educational opportunities Toastmasters has provided; particularly the friendships he has developed over the past few years.

Kyle

Kyle Ray, IP4

Division M Director

Kyle Ray serves as Division M Director for District 56, where he’s committed to helping clubs thrive through connection, encouragement, and clear goals. Having joined Toastmasters in 2012, Kyle now engages members with a steady hand and his heart for growth to every Toastmasters journey—believing that great leaders are built one speech, one meeting, and one relationship at a time.

Linda Goldberg, DTM

Division N Director

I joined Toastmasters in 1994 because my boss told me to join. I have stayed because of the confidence I have gained, the wonderful people I have met, and what I continue to learn from our diverse group at every meeting. I enjoy the sharing of stories in Toastmasters and find that we have more in common with others than we have differences.

PattiBlue

Patricia Clarkson, DTM

Division O Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Patricia Clarkson has been a proud member of Toastmasters since 2023, bringing energy, heart, and vision to every role she’s held. From Club President, VPE, VPM, and secretary, to Area Director and Club Coach Chair, Patricia now steps into the role of Division Director with deep commitment and a servant leader’s mindset. She believes in the life-changing power of clear communication and confident leadership. Patricia is passionate about encouraging others to step into their purpose, and she sees Toastmasters as a powerful space for growth, connection, and transformation. Her goal this year is to support, strengthen, and inspire every club she serves—one meeting, one member, one moment at a time.

EllenWieczorek

Ellen Wieczorek, DTM

Division P Director

I have had the honor of serving in various leadership capacities within Toastmasters, including President, Vice President Education, Vice President Membership, Vice President Public Relations, Secretary, Treasurer, and Area Director. These experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of club and district operations. As Division Director, I am committed to supporting our clubs, developing future leaders, and advancing the mission of Toastmasters International with integrity and excellence.

Tosin Esho, DL5

Division Q Director

Tosin Esho will serve as the D56 Division Q Director for the 2025/2026 term. He has held various officer roles and is dedicated to helping Toastmasters and clubs achieve their goals.

IrwanKwik_r

Irwan Kwik, DL5

Division R Director

Irwan joined Katy Toastmasters in April 2017 to improve his public speaking skills. He set a goal to complete ten speeches within eight months. Katy has been in his first city in the USA for eleven years. He likes to challenge himself mentally and physically, such as hiking with his family and friends. His slogan is "There is No Such Thing as a Perfect Time." His goal for 2025 in Toastmasters is to achieve the DTM award. During his 8-year tenure in Toastmasters, he has served as Club President, Club VPPR, Club VPE, and Area Director.

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