by Kim Chow

On 06 Jan 2001, I attended the joint Club Officer Training for Areas C4 and C7 as a club officer of D'Utama Advanced club. I went expecting the usual Div C format. But, what unfolded that day made me feel very proud as a Toastmaster.

I wish to salute the leadership of the two Area Governors :-
Area C4 Governor, Peter Siew, CL
Area C7 Governor, Kiang Faang Pyng, ATM-S.

All eleven clubs from the two areas including two brand new clubs sent their officers to the training.

The two Area Governors told me that the training was not limited to club officers only. It was also opened to ordinary members who could be club leaders in the future. Some clubs sent more than ten enthusiastic members! Two clubs that are located outside the Klang Valley - one in Kuantan, the other in Seremban - sent six or more members. All in all, there were over 80 excited and responsive participants.

The entire event, including the simple lunch, was fully paid by using funds from the District allocation. Amazing!

The format for the training caught my attention and interest right from the beginning. The Area Governors told me that the second round was a follow-up of the first round. When I heard that, I regretted for not attending the first round.

In the first round, the participants were educated on the DCP program. They were also shown how to draw up a DCP progress chart.

In this second round, each club was asked to display their respective DCP progress charts. The VPE of each club was asked to announce the latest DCP achievements, followed by the president who announced strategies for improvement.

Imagine, I heard over TWENTY mini speeches! Delightful and insightful speeches - delivered with sincerity and conviction. Most, if not all, the speakers drew rounds of laughter from the audience for their witty remarks. What a spellbinding experience!

The other segments were also very relevant to the club and to the functions of the club officers. The trainers, who included DPRO Tham Chee Wah, DVG Low Yat Seow, Past AG Ho Fong Ming, were in excellent form.

I also wish to salute the leadership of Division C Governor, Low Yat Seow, ATM-S. He told me that he seeks advice from the top three officers of District 51 for the proper management of events such as Club Officer Training. This ensures that the administration in Div C is according to the rules and policies of Toastmasters International.

Indeed, Division C is EXPERIENCING THE BREAKTHROUGH !!!