Komen Toastmasters marked its 20th anniversary on Nov.19, 2017. In honor of the occasion, a special open house was held at 10:30 a.m. at the Southwest Library. Members of the public were invited to learn more about Komen Toastmasters, which has been dedicated to helping people become better speakers and leaders for 20 years. In 1996, Komen Toastmasters was founded to help members of and volunteers with the Susan G. Komen Foundation advocate on behalf of those with breast cancer. It is now a community club open to all.
“I love seeing shy people blossom with the confidence of being able to express themselves without fear. I have seen members overcome stuttering problems and a stroke victim use Toastmasters as part of his speech therapy recovery program. I have transitioned in my career thanks to Toastmasters. This program works,” says Vann-Di Galloway, president of Komen Toastmasters.
Komen Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive environment where members have the opportunity to overcome their fear of public speaking and sharpen presentation skills,” says Regina Curry, vice president of education for Komen Toastmasters. “Other benefits include the opportunity to increase one’s confidence, build critical thinking skills and become an effective listener,” Ms. Curry says.
“Komen Toastmasters has been instrumental in improving my ability to speak in front of large groups with confidence,” says Berkeley Hirsch, Komen’s vice president of membership.
Chartered with 22 members in 1996, Komen Toastmasters (Club 8714) is in District 27. Komen Toastmasters meets on the first and third Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at the Southwest Branch Library, on Wesley Place SW, between K and I Streets SW, in Washington, DC. Komen meets in the large basement conference room. For more information about the club, please visit: http://8714.toastmastersclubs.org/.
About District 27
District 27 comprises more than 100 corporate and community clubs in DC, Maryland and Virginia. To learn more about District 27 please visit: www.d27tm.org.
About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., the organization’s membership exceeds 345,000 in more than 15,900 clubs in 142 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter. For more information about Club 8714, contact Josh Ghaffari (josh.ghaffari@gmail.com).