Why Toastmasters International History and District 7 History?

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

That statement is probably that of the poet and philosopher, George Santayana, in 1924. 

In our Toastmasters organization that concept would not be very applicable, as:

"The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth."

We look toward and strive for the future growth opportunities. 

However, there is a place for remembering the accomplishments of the past.  We keep lists of the Past District Governors; District conferences and TLI dates, locations, and attendance;  individual award winners in the yearly District contests; individuals designated as Toastmaster, Division Governor, and Area Governor of the Year; Club of the Year; annually our District meetings and locations; and numerous other compilations of information.  Reviewing the past information enables one to gain a sense of historical past accomplishments and that awareness can provide incentive to pursue future ones and to compare with the past.   It helps one to be aware of the District's part of Toastmasters history.  It all provides a foundation of knowledge and understanding from where we came and on which we can build. 

David R. Lewtas

District 32 Historian

Past District 32 Governor