Hello, fellow Toastmasters,

District leadership and Toastmasters International is closely monitoring the developments of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The well-being of our members is a top priority. As you may or may not know, COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and state officials declared a state of emergency for Arizona.
Information for clubs:

Toastmasters International has allowed for all clubs to hold online meetings. 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 handshake rule at your club and practice all recommended preventive health measures. The CDC recommendations can be found here:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html

Information about area contests:

The district will be enacting a “No Audience” rule for the remaining area contests. Only contestants, judges, and functionaries will be allowed to attend the contests in person. We ask for everyone’s help and support during this challenge. We know contestants like family members and club members to attend. We understand many Toastmasters enjoy attending speech contests. However, restricting attendance at these events will help reduce the risk of the virus spreading and will help protect all of our members. All who are contestants, judges, or functionaries, if you are sick or at risk please notify the area director immediately and do not attend contests.
Information for division contests:

Division contests may be conducted online. Considerable District work is required before accommodating the virtual contest option and leaders are discussing how to implement procedures.
We will continue to keep you updated as future details become available. For more information, please see the Toastmaster International Page: https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/news-and-announcements/covid-19 or email the D3 Trio at 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