Per the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, District 28, District 62 (the rest of Michigan’s lower peninsula and the east side of the UP), and Division A of District 11 (northern Indiana) will be merging to form a new District 216. This new district will continue to have the same mission and goals, as presented by the Board of Directors.

Events

There will be a number of transition-related events as this process moves forward. These will be posted on our Events page and announced on our homepage as they’re scheduled, as well as in our newsletter.

Transition Team Overview

In preparation for this new district, a team of leaders, called the District Transition Team, is being formed to develop recommendations across a spectrum of operational aspects. This team is composed of members from each district working across three committees.

The Three Committees

District Alignment Committee

The District Alignment Committee (DAC) is chaired by Mike Carter, DTM, PDD. This committee includes current Division leaders or their designee, and makes recommendations on the formation of clubs into areas and divisions for the upcoming year. If you need to reach this committee, email Mike at MikeCarterTM@gmail.com.

Thanks to the following people who have agreed to serve on this committee:

• Chris Harwood, D62, S Division
• David Trottier, D28, N Division
• Dawn McCrory, D11, A Division
• Fred Louis, D28, O Division
• Joel Toussaint, D28, W Division
• Merek Roman, D62, N Division
• Pamela Sheffey, D62, C Division
• Tracy Gibson, D28, E Division

District Leadership Committee

The District Leadership Committee (DLC), chaired by Bruce Frandsen, DTM, PID, PDD, is composed of past District leaders, such as past District Directors. Their objective is to consider the future district leadership, interview, and nominate individuals for many of those leadership positions. This committee is still being formed. If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact Bruce at BAFrandsen@gmail.com. At a future time, Bruce will communicate a call for leaders to learn who is interested in leadership within the new district.

District Transition Committee

The third committee, the District Transition Committee (DTC), is chaired by Carol Prahinski, DTM, PID, PRA, PDD. This committee is charged with examining the various responsibilities of the District and making recommendations. This DTC team is not responsible for the implementation, which will be done after our recommendations have been accepted.

The District Transition Committee will contain several subcommittees:

• Technology & Websites
• Club & District Leader Training
• Recognition Programs & Incentives
• Public Relations & Communication
• District Events (including conferences, business meetings, and contests)
• District Operational Procedures
• Finance & Assets
• Other (district history, other committees)

This committee is still being formed. If you are knowledgeable on one or more of the DTC topics and interested in joining the committee, contact Carol at Prahinski@gmail.com.

Coordination

Rhonda Maurer, DTM, PRA, PDD, is coordinating these three committees and others. She is responsible for the transition of three new districts (215, 216, and 219). We thank her for her leadership throughout this process.

Questions or Suggestions?

If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns about the transition to D216, share them with Carol at Prahinski@gmail.com.