HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4727, by Representatives Skinner, Wensman, Thomas, Dunn and Pflug

       WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize and honor the contributions of individuals and organizations that reflect standards of excellence that enhance the well-being and quality of life of the citizens of the state of Washington; and

       WHEREAS, Toastmasters International is a leading movement in making effective oral communication a national and international reality for all persons; and

       WHEREAS, Toastmasters International, through its member Toastmaster Clubs, helps men and women of all ages learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking, vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of all mankind; and

       WHEREAS, Toastmasters International, through its member Toastmaster Clubs, provides a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop the communication and leadership skills which foster self-confidence and personal growth; and

       WHEREAS, Toastmasters International member Toastmaster Clubs usually meet each week for one to two hours and usually contain three main elements:  Prepared speeches, impromptu speeches, and evaluations of speeches, providing feedback on the positive aspects of the speeches and friendly suggestions for improvement; and

       WHEREAS, Toastmasters International, through its member Toastmaster Clubs, benefits individuals, companies, communities, and countries by providing potential leaders in all walks of life the skills, discipline, and confidence needed to succeed; and

       WHEREAS, Toastmasters International currently has over eight thousand member Toastmaster Clubs world-wide made up of approximately one hundred seventy thousand members with over three thousand four hundred members in the state of Washington, and is growing by approximately two hundred fifty new members world-wide each day;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the Toastmasters International and its member Toastmaster Clubs for the contributions they have provided the citizens of this state; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the week of January 31, 2000, through February 6, 2000, be recognized as Toastmaster Week, and that all persons be encouraged to participate in the beneficial programs Toastmasters International provides through its member Toastmaster Clubs; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to Steven J. Kennedy, Public Relations Officer, Toastmasters International, District Two of the state of Washington.

           I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

          Resolution 4727 adopted by the House of Representatives

                             January 26, 2000.

________________________________               _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk             Cynthia Zehnder Co-Chief Clerk