本項翻譯係經世界總會授權，版權亦屬世界總會及中華民國國際演講協會所有，
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呼籲優秀的領導人站出來

譯者：邱少為 Alex, Ping Tung

對於這些被選任，進入國際演講會理事會服務的人來說，是一種榮耀，也是責任。我有幸在1996到1998年擔任國際理事，2000年到 2005年擔任國際幹部，其中包括一任 2003到 2004年的世界總會長。

As our organization continues to expand rapidly in cultures worldwide, the need for Board members who are strong strategic thinkers becomes even more critical. Consider this: When my term as International President concluded in August 2004, Toastmasters had just over 200,000 members. By 2010, membership had grown to 262,000, a growth rate of 31 percent in just six years. Such growth must be carefully managed to ensure that members continue to receive high value and exceptional support.
當我們的組織不斷快速地，在全世界不同文化中擴展，對於國際演講會理事成員，須具備優異的策略思考的要求，也就更勝以往。試想：我在2004年8月的總會長任期內，演講會會員剛超過20萬人。如今，2010年，會員人數已經來到26萬2千人，六年中成長了31%。我們必須戒慎恐懼地確保所有會員，都能持續獲得質優價高的資源。

Before the appointment of Toastmasters’ region advisors, part of a Board member’s responsibility was to provide operational support to district leaders. This is no longer the case. Operational support is now provided to district leaders through both the region advisors as well as the expanding District Services team at World Headquarters. This shift in support gives Board members the time required to focus on the organization’s vital strategic direction. 
在被任命為演講會區域顧問之前，部分理事會理事的職責，是提供地區總會領導者，在運作方面的支援及協助。以後情況不一樣了。目前提供這項支援及協助的，是區域顧問，以及世界總會的地區總會服務團隊。這樣的調整，主要是要讓理事會理事，有更多時間專注在組織等重要策略方面。

Role of the Board
理事會的角色
Each year, Toastmasters International elects members to serve the organization on its Board. Collectively, the Board guides Toastmasters International and shapes its vision and policies. The directors’ strategic role is to ensure the overall strength and growth of the organization. Specific areas for which the Board is responsible include: 
每年，國際演講會透過選舉，決定理事人選來服務大家。理事會以委員會議方式，指導國際演講會，並且決定願景及政策。理事們扮演重要的角色，要確保整個組織全面性的成長與茁壯。理事會明確的責任範圍包括：

Board Composition
理事會的組成成員
The Board consists of 14 international directors, each elected to two-year terms from the 14 global regions. In even-numbered years, directors from even-numbered regions are elected. In odd-numbered years, directors from odd-numbered regions are elected. In addition, five international officers also serve on the Board; they hold the offices of Second Vice President, First Vice President, International President-Elect, International President and Immediate Past International President. The Second Vice President, First Vice President and Inter-national President-Elect are chosen every August at the Annual Business Meeting, held during the Toastmasters International Convention. 
理事會由14個國際理事組成，每2年從全球14個區域中投票選出。在偶數年，由編號偶數的區域中選出；奇數年則由編號奇數的區域中選出。此外，5位國際幹部也是當然的理事，分別是第二副總會長、第一副總會長、國際總會長當選人、國際總會長、以及前任國際總會長。其中第二副總會長、第一副總會長、國際總會長當選人，於每年8月國際年會中的年度事務會議時選出。

Candidates
候選人
Have you ever considered becoming a candidate for the Board of Directors? The first step is to become familiar with the qualifications. First, you must have served as a district governor and have the skills and experience to fill the role. Each August, soon after the Convention, individuals declare their candidacy for the following year and submit a document describing their relevant experience and skills that qualify them for the role. Both officer and director candidates send campaign mailings to district governors, lieutenant governors and other Toastmasters leaders, stating their qualifications for service on the Board. 
您是否曾經考慮成為理事會理事的候選人？第一步是要熟悉條件資格。首要條件是，您必須擔任過地區總會長，並且擁有勝任這個職務的能力和經驗。每年8月緊接在國際年會之後，有興趣的個別候選人，可以提出申請競選下年度的席次，同時提供文件，證明擔任地區總會長時的相關經驗，和優異的能力表現。國際總會幹部及理事候選人，都必須將競選文宣寄給每位地區總會長、副總會長和其他演講會領導人，說明他們可以進入理事會服務的資格。

Nomination
提名
The International Leadership Committee (ILC) is responsible for nominating international officer and director candidates from the pool of applicants. This committee may also seek out qualified applicants and encourage them to be candidates. The ILC is tasked with nominating two or three candidates for Second Vice President and one, two or three candidates for international director for each region from which a director will be elected that year.
國際領導委員會負責從眾多申請者中，提名國際幹部和理事候選人。同時委員會也會尋覓，並鼓勵合乎資格的人出來參選。委員會歷經種種程序後，提名 2到 3名候選人競逐第二副總會長職位；並從當年可以參選的區域中，各提名 1到 3位候選人競逐國際理事。

Each year, 17 people serve our organization on this very important committee. The Past International President of two years ago chairs the ILC, while the Past International President, whose term as Immediate Past International president just ended, serves as vice chair. One additional Past International President serves on the committee as well.
每年有 17個人，會在這個重要的委員會，當選並且為我們的組織服務。卸任 2年的國際總會長，將擔任國際領導委員會主席；前任國際總會長擔任副主席。另一位前國際總會長也會參與其中。

One representative from each of the 14 regions is also appointed by the International President. These appointees consist of past international presidents, past international directors and past district governors. Some of these appointees may have served with the candidates, either at the district or international level, and may have first-hand knowledge of their abilities, experience and leadership qualities.
國際總會長從 14個區域中，各指派一位代表。這些被指派者，包括前國際總會長、前國際理事、和前地區總會長。他們可能在地區，或是國際層級，可能和候選人共事過，可能對於候選人的能力、經驗和領導力有第一手的資料。

How does the ILC arrive at its decisions regarding nominations? The approach is multifaceted:
The ILC members conduct interviews with each candidate to discuss his or her experience and qualifications for the office being sought. Nominees are asked questions about their experience on boards of other organizations, policy creation, strategic planning and financial oversight. The ILC looks for indications of strong strategic thinking, a vital ingredient for the future success of Toastmasters and a key to being a successful Board member.
國際領導委員會如何對這些候選人做出決定？過程是多面向性的：
委員會成員會安排和每一個候選人面試，討論候選人的經歷和資格，是否符合該項職務所需。被提名者會被問及，過去在其他組織的理事會的經驗、政策的制定、策略的規劃、和財務監管等。委員會盡力尋求，擁有積極的策略思想性格的理事會成員，冀望能創造演講會更成功的未來。

Each November, a survey is sent to Toastmasters leaders worldwide, asking their preference of the declared officer candidates. Each December, a similar survey is sent to Toastmasters leaders regarding declared director candidates in regions where elections will occur. The results of these surveys are tabulated and provided to the ILC.
在 11月份，全球的演講會領導人，都會收到一份調查，詢問他們對於這些宣布參選的幹部候選人的看法。類似的調查，在 12月份也有一份，是針對宣布參選的理事候選人。調查結果在彙集整理後送交國際領導委員會。

If you receive such a survey, please respond to it thoughtfully; it’s your opportunity to do your part in shaping the future of the organization. As you make your choice, I encourage you to be mindful of the strategic nature of the Board’s responsibilities. Things to consider are: Does the candidate demonstrate the ability to think and act strategically? Is it apparent that the candidate’s focus is on the future of the organization rather than the day-to-day operations? You must have confidence that the candidate has the experience and ability to oversee a global organization. Your feedback is important, so please be sure that your opinion is expressed to the ILC.
一旦收到這類的調查，您必須深思熟慮後再作答；這是在塑造演講會未來的過程中，您有機會參與的部份。希望您在做出決定之前，需瞭解理事會的職責，是需要有策略性的精神。您要考量的是，候選人是否具有策略性思考，及行動的能力？候選人是否明顯地將焦點放在組織的未來，而不僅僅是忙碌於眼前的工作？您也必須對候選人具備監督全球組織的能力和經驗有信心。您的回饋相當重要，所以一定要確認您的意見，確實傳達到國際領導委員會。

Once the interviews and surveys are complete, the ILC reviews and discusses the information submitted by the candidates, the interview and survey results, and any ILC member’s personal knowledge of or experience with the candidates. The ILC also reviews the results of a 360-degree leadership assessment for officer candidates. The ILC chair announces the candidates in February and the director announcement is made in April. Those who are not nominated, but have met eligibility requirements, may still be nominated by a member at the Annual Business Meeting and run from the floor if they choose to do so. 
一旦完成面試和調查，委員會將重新審查，和討論候選人提供的資料、面試和調查結果，以及任何委員會成員對於候選人的個人認知和共事經驗。委員會也會針對幹部候選人，再做一次全面性的領導力評估。隔年2月，國際領導委員會主席將宣布幹部候選人名單，並於4月宣布理事候選人名單。對於那些沒有被提名，但符合資格者，仍然可以在年度事務會議中由會員提名，再從頭規劃參選。如果他們願意的話。

Election
選舉
After the nominations occur, candidates may send another mailing to district governors, lieutenant governors and other Toastmasters leaders, stating their qualifications for service on the Board and asking for support. During the International Convention, candidates have an opportunity to meet delegates and Toastmasters leaders at the Candidates Corner to talk about the future of Toastmasters, as well as discuss strategic issues that will bring even greater growth and success to the organization in the years to come. At the Candidates Showcases, members have the opportunity to hear candidates respond to questions about strategic topics that affect Toastmasters.
在提名之後，候選人可以再寄一份文宣，給所有的地區總會長、二位副總會長及其他演講會領導人，去闡述自己具備進入理事會服務的資格，並尋求支持。在國際年會期間，候選人還有機會在「候選人角落」，對有投票權的代表，和演講會領導人暢談對演講會未來的藍圖，討論帶領組織在往後幾年，有更好的成長和成就的策略。在「候選人展示會」，會員們有機會聆聽候選人，針對影響演講會的策略的這類議題提出看法。

Toastmasters International needs strong leaders who can confidently and strategically guide the organization to greater heights. It’s a weighty challenge, but from personal experience I can tell you that it is one of the most rewarding responsibilities you will ever accept. To learn more or to begin your journey as a candidate, visit http://www.toastmasters.org/CandidateInfo.
國際演講會需要優秀領導人，很自信地、有策略性地帶領組織更上層樓。這是個艱鉅的挑戰，但是我以過來人的身分向您保證，這絕對會帶給您，絕無僅有的收穫。想知道更多訊息，或者開始踏出成為候選人的第一步，請造訪這個網站 http://www.toastmasters.org/CandidateInfo 。

Ted Corcoran, DTM, is a 25-year member of Toastmasters and served as International President in 2003–2004. He belongs to several clubs, including the Fingal Toastmasters and the Sword Club, both in Dublin, Ireland, and is the author of the book, The Leadership Bus: How to be a Truly Effective and Successful Leader.
作者：Ted Corcoran, DTM, 25年年資的演講會會員，在2003-2004擔任國際總會長。他隸屬於多個分會，包括位於愛爾蘭都柏林的芬格分會、寶劍分會。他也是《領導巴士：如何成為有效率的成功領導人》一書的作者。

譯者：邱少為Alex, Ping Tung Toastmasters Club

附註：
At the Annual Business Meeting held in August, each Toast-masters club represented is eligible to cast two ballots in each election. Past and current Board members and district governors also carry a single vote.
8月份舉行的年度事務會議，每個分會的代表在每一場選舉都有2張選票。卸任及現任理事會成員和地區總會長也各有一張選票。

Whether you carry your club’s vote, your individual vote or the votes of many clubs as a district governor, I encourage you to research and understand the role of the Board and what the Board expects of its directors and officers. Then review each candidate’s background, experience and ability to effectively contribute as a Board member and cast your vote for the future of Toastmasters International.
無論您手中的選票是代表分會的、是個人的或是地區總會長代表許多分會的，我都希望您能深入研究去了解理事會的角色，以及符合理事會期望的未來理事和幹部。然後重新審查各候選人的背景、經驗和能力，評估是否能勝任理事會的職務。您的選票將決定演講會的未來。