Hello, fellow Toastmasters,
As the coronavirus continues to spread, we grow more aware and concerned for the health and safety of our members. President Trump has declared a National State of Emergency and have asked individuals to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has announced the closure of schools.
District 3 leaders have received several emails from Toastmasters International and held an emergency meeting of the District Executive Committee (DEC) on Tuesday 3/17/2020. The following information outlines what the district currently knows and what plans we have. As we get new updates, we will continue to communicate them to you.
Information for clubs
Meetings:
Toastmasters International has allowed for all clubs to hold online meetings. District 3 highly encourages you not to hold in-person meetings until further notice. If your club chooses to continue to meet in person, please do not attend meetings if you are sick or at risk; adopt a no contact rule at your club and practice all recommended preventive health measures. The CDC recommendations can be found here: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Dues:
Effective immediately, the paid membership benefits for all current paid members and clubs has been extended to April 30, 2020. Clubs that meet the April renewal requirement by April 30, 2020 will receive Distinguished Club Program credit for submission of on-time dues renewals for this period.
Information about Speech Contests
The District Executive Committee (DEC) has voted to cancel the 2020 Speech Contests. We realize many members have put in considerable time preparing for speech contests. We apologize to the winners from area contests that will not be able to compete at the division and district levels.
Information about District Conference
Toastmasters International has instructed all districts to cancel all area, division, and district events prior to June 30th 2020. Due to this mandate, the District 3 2020 Conference on May 15th and 16th will be canceled. We will be refunding all ticket sales and are currently looking into the best way to do this. Those who purchased tickets will be contacted in the coming weeks.
If you have reserved a hotel room, please call the casino and cancel your reservation.
The District Council meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting on May 16th at 2 pm. Details will be provided at a later date.
For more information, please visit www.toastmasters.org/covid19 or email Trio@aztoastmasters.org.
Your 2019-2020 District Leadership Trio Team,
District Director: Jim Eng, DTM
Program Quality Director: Peter Salazar, DTM
Club Growth Director: David Hopper, DTM
