Candidate Corner

Candidate Corner:

  • Bill Vardas: “Candidate for Division B Director”
  • Paola Perina: Candidate as PRM
  • Natalia Liaropoulou: Candidate for Two Positions: Division E Director and PRM

Bill Vardas: “Candidate for Division B Director”

BILL VARDAS

NOMINATED CANDIDATE, DIVISION B DIRECTOR

FLOOR CANDIDATE, DIVISION G DIRECTOR

Dear Members of the District Council,

My name is BILL VARDAS, and I live in Athens, Greece.

The DLC has nominated me for the position of DIVISION B DIRECTOR for the upcoming program year 2021-2022.

I have been a Toastmaster and a member of the Kifissia Toastmasters Club for over 5 years now, and I have enjoyed every single moment of it! I have participated in many events, made many friends and acquaintances, met some fascinating people, had lots of fun, and obviously have learned a lot, both in public speaking and in leadership!

My leadership roles, so far, have been:

  • Club Elections Chair 2018
  • Club President 2019-2020
  • Area B1 Director 2020-2021 (current position)
  • Division B Speech Contests Chair 2021

The position of Division Director is the natural next role for me.

I was born and lived most of my life in Canada. There, I held several leadership positions in non-profit and community organizations. The most notable one is the Secretary-General of the Canadian Hellenic Congress, representing over 300,000 Canadians of Greek descent. I moved to Greece 11 years ago. I own a successful property management business. In my spare time, aside from Toastmasters, I listen to music, watch movies, do some yoga and meditation, and socialize both in-person and online.

As Division Director, my objectives for the upcoming program year 2021-2022 are:

  • Guide and support the Area Directors so they can support the Clubs in the best possible way
  • As we return to in-person meetings, ensure that all clubs in my Division have reestablished their geographical footings by securing their physical spaces and attracting back members.
  • Spearhead a technology project to assist clubs with hybrid meetings
  • Support club growth by assisting prospect clubs become chartered and seeking new opportunities for prospect clubs

I have a rich and diverse experience, both socially and in leadership.

I ask for your vote.

Thank you, in advance, for your support.

BILL VARDAS

+30 69 3030 4484

bv_xyz@yahoo.com

P.S. Since my Division will be split due to Alignment, I am also a Floor Candidate for Division G Director.

Paola Perina: Candidate as PRM

What can a Public Relations Manager do for you? Yes, for you as a Toastmaster, or for you as an Officer?  I started asking myself that question just about a year ago, when I accepted the role of PR for Division A.  I began my office by pondering how I could best serve the Clubs, the Area Directors, the Division as a whole, and ultimately, how could I best serve Toastmasters’ mission?

My strategy was clear from the beginning:  I would ask, listen and deliver.  I would support, educate and create a plan that would include members, Clubs, and Officers.

Together with VPPRS (there are 30 in Div. A), we had a brainstorming where I could listen to their needs and co-create a plan of action that would be inclusive;

I re-organized our social media channels to increase outreach with the general public and foster a sense of community amongst members.  Our following on social platforms increased by 823 people in the July 2020April 2021 period.  No money was spent to achieve that result;

Next, I set up a “Testimonial Campaign” by designing the campaign structure and then got 3 VPPRs onboard to work on the project:  together, we published 43 high-impact testimonials, both in the form of written interviews and video testimonials.

With the team, we developed a  “Toastmasters Where?” The campaign showcasing every single Club in our Division and publishing a dedicated post to our Official Facebook and LinkedIn pages.  I got many inquiries from the public who saw both the testimonials and the featured Clubs in various cities and regions.

Together with a PR Colleague, I began a talk-show style series of interviews called “TalkMasters.”  We interviewed members from various Clubs about diverse subjects.  We also organized a “Townhall” with our Division’s Director, dedicated one episode to the Toastmasters/Rotary alliance and one episode to get the members to know District Officers through Q&A.

In 2020 and 2021, I held several webinars about Social media management, creative content development, and automated marketing across multiple Toastmasters Districts. (D59 – D95 – D71)

From March to June 2020, I was part of the Moonlit Project international team:  through this project, we created a series of ready-to-use marketing materials. We made them available to all Clubs across Europe.  I was in charge of analyzing and producing a report on Toastmasters’ competition and coordinated the development of ready-to-use media.

Since January 2021, I am D109 Conference PR Chair.  To promote the Conference, I have created a comprehensive plan (using a mind map format) that works on different levels and uses state-of-the-art strategies specifically developed to promote virtual conferences.  I coordinate a team of 6 people and keep an ongoing collaboration with all Conference Chairs.

Toastmasters is my passion, Public Relations and Marketing are my passion, building relationships is my passion.  Vote for me as D109 PRM for 2021/22 and let my passions work for you, your Club, Area, or Division.

Together we are stronger!

Natalia Liaropoulou: Candidate for Two Positions: Division E Director and PRM

My fellow Toastmasters,

I have the honor to run from the floor for the position of Division E Director (2021-2022) on the online elections of District 109 in Continental Europe.

It is my duty to allow Division E to succeed for the benefit of its members. In doing so, I will consider the interests of the members, the long-term consequences of our efforts, the Division’s reputation for high standards in a country (Switzerland) where Toastmaster’s life is an important aspect of social, professional, and personal life.

For further information, especially why a Division Director from another Division is the BEST choice for Division E, click on this link: https://www.canva.com/design/DAEdKZW48AM/3KWdEDRfu9RM9EcrZs5kMQ/watch?utm_content=DAEdKZW48AM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink

My fellow Toastmasters,

I have the honor to run from the floor for the position of Public Relations Manager (2021-2022) on the online elections of District 109 in Continental Europe.

By voting for me, you vote for:

  • Diversity in our District 109 Core Team: I come from Greece.
  • Experience: I have been a Toastmaster for 6 years
  • Toastmasters Educational Program for volunteers: I am not a professional Public Relations Expertise, but YOU will me the opportunity to learn.

For further information, especially my strategic plan for District 109 Public Relations, click on this link: https://www.canva.com/design/DAEQ_Swib5o/FJWvu5aY01Sd9iFL2dJCLg/watch?utm_content=DAEQ_Swib5o&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink