Milestone: Local youths grow communication, leadership skills with Toastmasters

Members of Sequim’s Toastmasters club watched with pride as Youth Leadership Program graduates on April 5 gave short speeches about what they have learned over the past eight weeks in their Toastmaster-sponsored leadership training.

The training consisted of eight one-hour sessions for young people under the age of 18 to develop their communication and leadership skills through practical experience.

Skwim Toastmasters Terry Barrett and Cyrrah Gunia co-facilitated the program after homeschooling mom Christie Jolly came to the club asking how she could get her own children involved.

“Toastmasters International Clubs are open to ages 18 and up,” Sequim club president Lindy MacLaine said.

“The Youth Leadership Program is an opportunity for the club to be of service. Our club funded the class materials and provided facilitators. Of course, we hope someday these kids will join a Toastmasters club, wherever they are, knowing first-hand the value they can gain.”

“These eight kids are tremendously talented,” program facilitator Barrett said. “It was a joy to see them take the lessons and run with them.”

The lessons included evaluating their own speaking ability, preparing and giving speeches, giving impromptu talks, controlling their voice, vocabulary and gestures, giving constructive feedback, parliamentary procedure and more.”

Gunia, program co-facilitator, said she was particularly drawn to the opportunity because she homeschools her own children.

“Homeschooling is a high value of mine and a community I care about. I got to ‘pay it forward’ in a way. It’s so important for kids to find their voice and use it with confidence. I had a great experience facilitating the Youth Leadership Program — these kids are golden. I hope to do it again in the future.”

The series requires up to 25 young people, a cooperating organization (such as a school or church) and a venue. To help get a Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program going, contact Barrett by email at mt45barrett@msn.com or by phone at 503-206-2582.

Skwim Toastmasters is part of Toastmasters International, a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that “empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.” The Sequim club meets at 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Gathering Place 135 Fairway Drive. For more information about the club, visit 907529.toast mastersclubs.org.