Clark Pfarner Division C Director
As the incoming Division C Director for District 25, my term is just beginning, and I know there is a long road ahead of me. There will be TLI sessions to participate in and coordinate, a Summit and Annual Conference to contribute to, a contest season that will require time and attention, clubs that have special circumstances to support, and much more.
I’ve been here before. We all have. While the Division Director role is certainly new to me, I’ve navigated unfamiliar territory many times before, both in and out of Toastmasters. I’ve served in several club officer roles without prior experience. I spent a year as Area Director, also without prior know-how, and just ended my term as editor for the district newsletter, Hot Topics. In each of these roles, I started without innate knowledge of the duties. As each term ended, I felt a certain level of comfort with the responsibilities – hindsight is like! Professionally I’ve encountered similar situations through career changes, new projects assigned, and roles served.
I know what to do. Strike early and plan ahead. This hasn’t always been my strong suit, which I find ironic as I know it goes a long way to reduce stress and eliminate last minute fumbles. Who doesn’t think more clearly when time is on your side? There’s little mystery about the major events planned for D25 over the next year. I can already consider what contest season might look like in eight months. Some events, like summer TLI sessions, are immediately upon us, but other aren’t demanding attention today. There is absolutely nothing preventing me – or any of us – from thinking ahead. I’m beginning to really appreciate the value in taking time to just think about something that is somewhat in the future without having to act immediately.
I’m ready to learn and adapt. I’m thankful for the network that D25 has provided and is in place. A common theme I’ve discovered within our community is the willingness of people to help, mentor, and provide examples. I will tap into the resources available, as I’m sure I’ll be tapped in the future. I know many of us have served in the role I am now serving in.
So, for the next 12 months, while I may not fully appreciate today what’s in front of me, I have plenty of time to plan, ponder, and prepare, and I look forward to working with an excellent team of Area Directors. This is going to be a great year!
