One of the most common questions we're asked as Toastmasters is about using our skills beyond the organization. If you haven't yet been asked this question, don't worry - it will come! As a district leader, you may hear this more ofte than others. There are all kinds of answers including value in work and school, but one that's sometimes overlooked is leadership in your local community.
Why lead in your community? Leading in your community is a win-win-win situation. Many community initiatives rely heavily on volunteer involvement, and these include everything from cleaning up a local park to disaster relief and offering safe spaces for young people to engage. What's often missing is someone who has the skills, knowledge and willingness to take charge. It might not even be your own idea, but by taking a leadership role, you can make important things happen. Leadership in your community has benefits for you, too. In today's world, so many job, business and other opportunities are based on relationships and networking, and involvement in your community will connect you with other leaders whose influence could be a benefit for both of you. Last - but never least! - is the benefit to your local Toastmasters community. Connections in your community can help draw members to your own club, create a new community club, or draw interest from a local corporation or other organization to host a club. The benefits just keep building on themselves!
How can you contribute in your community? There are so many ways! Some contributions are occasional, like heading up a team to clean up a local park or roadway to celebrate Earth Day or another environmental awareness occasion. Others might relate to your personal life, such as leading a group in your place of worship, or coaching a local athletic team - your child's or simply one that you enjoy. Whatever your interest - animals, sports, community well-being, business growth, or something else - there are all kinds of opportunities to use and grow your leadership skills.
Where can I find places to lead? Organizations of all types need volunteers, and this has increased significantly in recent years. Veterans' associations and community care organizations raise funds to help those in need and provide services and resources such as medical equipment, visitors for shut-ins, and drivers to appointments. Some organizations provide services such as help with reading or filling out forms, or working through government regulations. Others provide programs for young people as they learn new skills and build connections with others, and still more support animals in need, adult and child victims of abuse, and so much more. To find something of interest near you, check out local bulletin boards, neighbourhood groups on your social media channels, or simply keyword-search your area of interest, for example "animal rescue near me".
While not everyone comes to Toastmasters to build leadership skills, our tagline "Where Leaders Are Made" isn't accidental. Members begin building leadership skills right away by serving in club roles, and others, like you, continue these through district leadership roles. Practicing your leadership skills in your community adds to what you've already learned and helps to make you a more diverse and skilled leader in Toastmasters and beyond. The skills you're building today aren't just valuable here - take them out into the world, and apply them in your work, your family, your community, and your life!