District 211 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m. Central
Location: Zoom
Presiding Officer: Burchell McGhee, Program Quality Director
Call to Order
Program Quality Director Burchell McGhee called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dr. Shantay Wakefield Tigner delivered an inspirational message emphasizing persistence, incremental progress, and the importance of taking one step at a time toward personal and professional goals.
Donna Gerig reviewed the District Mission and Toastmasters International core values: Integrity, Respect, Service, and Excellence.
Quorum Certification
Wendy Persavento confirmed that 25 of 39 eligible District Executive Committee members were present, establishing a quorum. The attendance record was submitted.
Adoption of Agenda
The agenda was adopted without objection, with corrections to name spellings, the addition of earned Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designations, and updates to report presenters.
Administration Manager Report
The minutes from the August 24, 2026, District Executive Committee meeting, submitted by Administration Manager Jill Vahlin, were summarized.
The report covered division activities, financial updates, public relations, club growth, program quality, and district leadership priorities.
Draft DEC and District Council meeting minutes will be posted on the District 211 website within two weeks of each meeting and updated following formal approval.
Division Director Reports
Division A – Mathew Kanour
Area Directors continue completing club visits and identifying opportunities to support clubs with low membership. A division team meeting is planned to review membership challenges and support strategies. Division A is targeting at least 90% club officer training participation during round two.
Division B – Anne Warth
Ten of 25 official club visits have been completed, with additional visits underway. All but two clubs submitted Club Success Plans by the September 30 deadline, and 19 clubs have achieved at least one Distinguished Club Program (DCP) goal.
Several clubs held anniversary celebrations and open houses to promote membership growth. Area Directors continue supporting struggling clubs and preparing for upcoming speech contests.
Division C – Christina Evans
Seven of 27 club visit reports have been submitted, representing approximately 25%. Five clubs have fewer than eight October membership payments, prompting additional membership support efforts.
The McLean County Indian Association expressed interest in a Youth Leadership Program and a potential Gavel Club. Volunteers are needed to coordinate these initiatives.
O'Fallon Toastmasters launched a Speechcraft program, and Effingham Toastmasters returned to good standing with 12 members. Planning is underway for International Speech and Table Topics contests.
Division D – Leigh Kottwitz
Area Directors continue club visits and membership outreach, with a goal of visiting at least 75% of clubs.
Efforts to establish a community club in Moberly, Missouri, continue. Downtown Columbia Toastmasters conducted a demonstration meeting for the Mid-Missouri Project Management Institute, reaching more than 100 business and government leaders.
A volunteer is needed to support the Alpha Club prison program in Jefferson City.
Division E – Jim Zboran
Of 27 active clubs, 20 have achieved at least one DCP goal, and 17 clubs had at least four officers trained during round one.
Areas 52 and 53 completed their first-round club visits. Area 52 held its first Area Council meeting on October 5 and established plans for quarterly meetings.
Midwest Navigators completed a virtual club visit on October 21. Clubs are planning joint meetings, open houses, officer training, and upcoming speech contests.
Finance Manager Report – Elias Hayes
The financial report covered activity through August 2026.
District reserve account balance: $66,440.74
District realignment allocation: $32,056.32, included in the reported reserve balance
Membership revenue: $5,816.50
Operating bank account balance: $2,518
Banking expenses: $42
The Finance Manager clarified that a $2,500 transfer between district accounts was not an operating expense.
September reconciliation is underway, along with preparation of the first-quarter financial report.
The financial report was placed on file for audit.
Public Relations Report – Arlene Santiago
The October 6 district newsletter reached 1,217 recipients and achieved a 51% open rate and 4% click rate.
District social media engagement continues to grow, with 102 Facebook group members and 32 LinkedIn members.
Members were encouraged to submit club events, educational achievements, and articles for upcoming district communications.
A dedicated public relations email address has been established: PRM@d211toastmasters.org.
Additional LinkedIn promotion is planned for the next newsletter.
Club Growth Director Report – Gary Vaughn
District 211 began the Toastmasters year with 125 clubs.
Following October membership renewals, the number of clubs meeting minimum payment requirements initially dropped to 102 and subsequently increased to 107.
Approximately 79 clubs, representing 74% of the district's current total, have 12 or fewer members and are eligible for club coaching support.
The Club Growth Director introduced an initiative encouraging clubs to organize open houses or guest days during February or March 2027. District leadership will assist participating clubs through promotional support and volunteer participation.
Division and Area Directors were encouraged to contact clubs experiencing membership challenges and recognize those demonstrating membership growth.
Program Quality Director Report – Burchell McGhee
Club Officer Training
As of October 26, 80 of the original 127 clubs (63%) had trained at least four officers. An additional 18 clubs had trained three officers.
Final documentation and corrections for round one are due by the end of October.
Round two of club officer training will emphasize:
Continuous club success and root-cause problem-solving
Membership engagement and retention
Succession planning and club leadership development
Planning is underway for in-person training in three geographic locations, with virtual training under consideration due to scheduling and coordination challenges.
Division and Area Director training participation reached 93%, exceeding the district's 85% goal.
Spring Conference
The District 211 Spring Conference is tentatively scheduled for April 16–17, 2027, in Quincy, Illinois.
The conference is expected to include the International Speech and Table Topics contests and a visit from the Toastmasters International President-Elect.
Planning, volunteer recruitment, and promotion are underway. A member survey has been distributed to gather feedback on attendance and participation.
District Director Report – Estelle Foster
District Director Estelle Foster submitted a written report, presented in her absence by Burchell McGhee.
The report emphasized two primary district priorities:
Unifying the newly established District 211
Developing a strong leadership pipeline for future district leadership
Division and Area Directors were encouraged to complete club visits by November 30 and identify opportunities to mentor and develop future leaders.
The report also emphasized open communication, collaboration, and continued support for clubs and members.
Unfinished Business
No unfinished business was reported.
New Business and Announcements
Pathways Support Meetings
Maryann Reichelt announced upcoming virtual Pathways support meetings in November and December, with adjustments to the regular schedule to accommodate the holidays.
Upcoming Events
November 10, 2026: Quad City Easy Speakers Open House
November 10, 2026: Webster Groves and Lakeside TAC Leaders virtual joint meeting
November 30, 2026: Deadline for first-round club visits
April 16–17, 2027: Tentative District 211 Spring Conference, Quincy, Illinois
Closing Remarks
Area Director Colleen Lange delivered closing remarks emphasizing the importance of building member confidence through positive recognition, repeated practice, and normalizing nervousness.
District leaders were encouraged to create supportive environments that help members develop confidence in speaking and leadership.
Adjournment
With no further business, Program Quality Director Burchell McGhee declared the meeting adjourned.
The next District Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 23, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Central via Zoom.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Vahlin
Administration Manager
Toastmasters District 211
Minutes prepared from the October 26, 2026, meeting recording and transcript.