Why are we here?

There are times when all good Toastmasters get philosophical. They ask themselves the hard, deep and meaningful questions, and they do not flinch. Not even when it's a superbly sunny windless Wellington Sunday afternoon, and they're inside, with an agenda that would make the staunchest stoic wince.

Fade in on the Division E Director, Area Directors and associated personnel sitting around a table, in a meeting room at TradeMe HQ.

Here we are after our meeting. Simon Lin (Area E1 Director) who works at TradeMe showed us around . What an amazing work space! Everywhere there was something special to check out, including this retro caravan.
L-R: Amanda Hillock, Gael Price, Rob Barton-Howes, Kai Chan, Alice Chu

Why do we do it?

Why do we give up several hours of precious free weekend time to talk about the upcoming Club Leadership Training sessions, to review feedback from the last, chat about the upcoming conference, ensure that all clubs are on track for the contest season, discuss membership levels ...?

Yes, we asked ourselves that question and recorded the answers. They're interesting, challenging, and even if we say so ourselves, inspiring!

The answers

Here they are - the reasons why the members of the Division E Toastmasters Committee are here, rather than there, basking in the summer sun.

• To make a difference - if we do what we do well we provide opportunities to initiate growth, we empower, and educate
• To be of service - to give back, to practically support others on their journey, to witness, appreciate and enjoy watching people grow in competence and confidence
• To help ensure that all Div. E Toastmaster members are given the opportunities to develop to their fullest potential through monitoring club health.
• To take hold of the opportunities on offer. Taking on organisational roles facilitates learning about leadership, people and time management, communication ... which in turn spills over into other areas of life.
• To become a role model. Leading by example enables others to see that, yes, they could do similar which also opens the possibility of becoming a mentor.
• To practice. Toastmasters provides a unique "safe fail" environment at all levels, including here. Commend Recommend Commend rules. Feedback will be given!
• To have fun. It's great to do things with others. It can be a laugh! There's companionship and fun.

Perhaps you'd like to share them with others, particularly with those who are considering taking on a role. They need to know what is in it for them, as well as for others.

After we got the serious stuff done with the place where New Zealander's buy and sell just had to be explored. Thanks Simon. This was fun. Being part of the team has its perks! :)

Gael found a ukulele - "Haeri Mai everything is Kapai"

We whizzed down 4 floors on the slide - well, Amanda and Alice did.

Rob Barton-Howes and Kai Chan on the circular staircase that winds around the slide which you can see in the background top right.

Amanda Hillock looking excited to be here. We took a photo of her on the slide but she slid so fast it was a blur. This one is much better.

Old record covers on the wall. Next to them is an ancient player in a wooden case. We had an experimental fiddle to see if we could make it go, but alas, no.

Inside the caravan , complete with the regulation period mock wood grain formica surface finish on table, drawers and doors. As you can see it functions as an informal meeting room. Handy in a large open office. L-R: Alice Chu, Amanda Hillock, Gael Price, Rob Barton-Howes