Originally published 22-1 Sep 1986
By Melodye Kunnas CTM, District Governor
The theme of the International President, Theodore C. Wood, DTM, for 1986-87 is, “Keep the Spirit Alive.”
District’ 42 has living Spirit! Our remarkable achievements to date are evident in Helgi’s summary. Hats off to Helgi Goodman and his team for guiding us to 10th place in the World of Toastmasters.
We have a tremendous challenge before us. We cannot stop. At minimum, we must maintain, that proud standard and our goal must be to exceed it. I believe we can. I’ know we can ‘work and grow together’ in a common vision, to become NUMBER ONE – TOP DISTRICT IN THE WORLD.
We need the magical power, combination; of excellence in activity and excellence in spirit to achieve our goal. Consider the difference between activity and spirit: World Headquarters measures the success of a District in. terms of activity, membership growth, educational completions, etc. When we focus on excel in these activities, our energy becomes concentrated in physically doing. Focusing on spirit means, we have to ‘feel’, and direct our energies toward identifying and building the feeling which inspires us to get involved in accelerated activity.
We are a District body of over 2,600 members. We expect differences in views J toward activities. In feelings, we can become one. Each of us needs to feel safe in our expression. To be assured of understanding, acceptance and support when we try something new and to feel recognized and valued for our contributions. When we ‘feel’ this positive spirit, we free ourselves to excel in activity. In our organization of communication and leaders hip, our desire to help people ‘free, their spirit’ must be equal to our desire to excel in activity’.
Let us talk up SPIRIT, in clubs, areas and divisions every time we meet. Let us pinpoint obstinate obstacles and turn them into positive pleasures. Let us plan activities and fun where we can show our spirit.
We seek spirited, active involvement by the individual members, for it is only when you succeed that we will succeed. It is you the individual member who really makes the difference. Majeed, Carol and I dedicate ourselves to bridging potential gaps created by distance and views and to be visible in our support of your efforts and accomplishments.
We will aim high in hope and work. Let us bond to shape our future as a District. We will “KEEP OUR SPIRIT ALIVE” and plan to be NUMBER ONE – TOP DISTRICT IN THE WORLD.
S OURCE OF
P OWERFUL
I NSPIRATION
R ICOCHETING
I N
T OASTMASTERS
