by Michelle Debenport Public Relations Manager
Hello, Toastmasters of District 25!
“D25 is on the March,” and we’re not just talking about public speaking. Recent research has shown that we have an incredible opportunity to combat loneliness in our communities.
According to a recent survey by Cigna, 58% of Americans report feeling lonely.* This is a staggering number, and it’s clear that many people are struggling to find the social support and meaningful interactions they need.** However, as District 25 members, we can make a difference. Our network of over 100 clubs across north central Texas provides us with an ideal opportunity to reach out and connect with people who may feel isolated or alone. Whether we meet in person, online, or as a hybrid, we can provide a safe and welcoming environment where people can connect, grow, and flourish.
At Toastmasters, we strive to develop our members personally, engage the community, and develop our leadership skills. In our clubs, we learn skills that can have a profound impact on both our lives and the lives of others. But we also know that the connections we make along the way are just as important as what we learn. We have the power to give others the same gift of life-changing friendships and support systems that we have built within our clubs.
What do you say, D25? Let’s march forward and reach out to someone who may be feeling lonely. Let’s invite them to join us on this journey and show them the power of our community. Together, we can make a difference and combat the loneliness epidemic in our communities.
Thanks for being a part of D25, and let’s keep marching forward!
* 58% of Americans report feeling lonely says, “The Loneliness Epidemic Persists: A Post-Pandemic Look at the State of Loneliness among U.S. Adults” https://newsroom.cigna.com/loneliness-epidemic-persists-post-pandemic-look
** According to a 2020 U.S. REPORT: “to further explore the impact of loneliness, in our culture and in our workplaces, Cigna fielded a national survey of 10,000 U.S. adults. One of the key determinants of loneliness in America is “a lack of social support and infrequent meaningful social interactions.” https://www.cigna.com/static/www-cigna-com/docs/about-us/newsroom/studies-and-reports/combatting-loneliness/cigna-2020-loneliness-factsheet.pdf
