Serving

The joy of serving

A couple of interesting activities take place in April if you are a member of the Dawnbreakers Toastmaster club in Edmonton.

The first is the International Speech Competition to which all members have the opportunity to demonstrate our annual efforts of subdued Um, s and Ah’s, memorized speeches and improved body posture.  A chance to demonstrate the adjustments made with feedback from our peers and the personal improvements made while in Toastmasters.

With this first activity we not only take a personal challenge of our skills, but we also represent the entire group as the finalists move up to the next level.  Although I did not move past the regional level of the speech competition, my experience gained from competing in a formal competition raised my awareness on what is looked for and more important how to improve on my skills for the future.  By joining the competition, I let the entire Toastmasters community know that Dawnbreaker club members are willing to put in an effort and do not shy away from a challenge.


The second activity is the annual drive for new members and the preliminary planning for, and enticement of new executive members that will fill the roles required to keep our club operational.  The privilege of serving on the executive team comes from permission granted by your peers to guide the club based on common goals and values.  With this activity we have an opportunity to serve others and grow as individuals by sharing our efforts for the betterment of our community all while being backed with a network of educational tools, training events, and opportunities to network with others.

I signed on as Vice President of Membership not because I take exceeding joy in recruitment of new members, or that I have a plethora of friends and neighbors to recruit from, rather I realize that all members have a duties to participate in the club and serve there fellow members at some time as being an active participant in that community of your choosing. 

I have had the opportunity to participate in both activities while in my second year with the club.  I could have chosen to be a free-rider and allowed others to pick up the work, or gone to extreme and burnt myself out by creating unrealistic expectations that may have created animosity to the group.  Like wise I could have bypassed joining in on the competition letting ‘somebody else’ represent the club

 I have chosen to participate in balance, and serve my club at a level and effort that adds value all parties involved.  By serving my club in the speech competition, I have improved my own skills and gained experience.  By serving as VP or membership I have assumed a role that give focus for the group.

What I really glean from my experience in serving my club is that the little extra efforts reaps benefits far beyond what is immediately measured.  I have made friends and contacts, developed new skills, and demonstrated responsibly towards my community.

May we all have the opportunity to experience the joy of serving, in an enlightening and positive way,

Now go out and make it a great day.
Serve others, and reap the rewards of your efforts.

Blaine