The experience of an Area Governor    Paul Lee

You have heard the expression, “You don't know how to be a father until you are one.”  I can say the same for being area governor: I did not know how to do it until I was Area C4 Governor this term.  I had no idea about area, division, and district clubs until Bright Huang (Immediate past Division C Governor) invited me to be Area C4 Governor ( actually my club is part of C2). I had to learn many things quickly, and I needed the help and advice of many people.

My goal in Toastmasters has always been to become a good public speaker in both English and Mandarin.  I have been in Toastmasters for more than eight years as a member, SAA, PRVP, MVP and president.  When I first joined Toastmasters, I never imagined myself becoming a club president let alone an Area Governor. It has been my experience that just when I think life is getting a little boring, it sneaks up behind me and gives me a kick in the butt. Don't misunderstand.  I love new challenges! 

As Area C4 Governor I was faced with many challenges to my management skills.  For example,

1.      Convention planning:  Division C conducted a Spring Convention last year, and three clubs of C4 are cooperating clubs.  Luckily Past President of Innovative, Ling-Ling Chang involved the editor in chief for the Journal in planning the Fall Convention. Her team: Michelle Chen, Vivian Tsao, Ben Chen, Samuel Chen ( the President of Innovative) were fully supportive and did a great job.  Of course Bright Huang and Howard Chang also gave invaluable help.  The Journal has had one of its best years ever!

2.      Officer training and contests:  I enjoyed the challenge of helping to train new officers.  Learning by doing is the spirit of TMs. Grace Chen of CECI, Steven Liu and Peter Pan and others of NLFD showed their enthusiasm and passion to support the training for success. We held all of the contests in CTCI for promoting our new baby club and got positive feedback. Clear Chen, Dr. T.S. Jap and Michelle Chen as the coaches have worked tirelessly to support CTCI.  Now CTCI is on track because the culture of CTCI fits the culture of Toastmasters.  Valerie Chen (the President of CTCI) has showed her outstanding leadership as well.

3.      Establishing new clubs:  U_SWOT had a demo meeting in March and will charter soon.  We also plan to create a new club in III this term.  PECL takes the major role to support these two clubs. The effort comes from Rachel Yang (Area C4 Governor next term), and Jo Wu. ( the President of PECL).

4.      Deliver speeches and HPL Training:  I have delivered my re-do CTM, CL and ATM-B this term.  Attend HPL meetings: (High Performance Leadership):  I was asked to attend the training at least six times this term.

I have learnt a lot from Toastmaster this term.  Thanks to Bright Huang for inviting me as Area C4 Governor. Thanks to Marian Hsiao (Division C Governor), Mike Yang (Division C Governor to be next term), Ling-ling Chang, and Jo Wu.  Without your support, my Area Governor term would not have been a fruitful year.  Although in the beginning, I hesitated and I was not sure I would be able to accomplish all the goals, I still continued to visit clubs and focused on the mission of the area and the district.  I was afraid serving as the area governor will take a way time from my job and my family, but I was able to accomplish just as much in my personal life.  I even developed leadership skills that will be valuable in my future plans.  If you are thinking about serving as an area governor, don't worry, there are many people who are experienced and willing to help you develop your potentials.  This will be a rewarding experience for you as well.

Paul Lee Area C4 Governor