Two meetings set for Wednesday, March 8 will discuss the possibility of launching a local Toastmaster’s Club in Haines.
Toastmaster’s is a nonprofit, educational group aimed at helping people improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills, according to the organization’s website. Its clubs operate worldwide.
Chamber of Commerce executive president Debra Schnabel is spearheading the local effort. She said she hopes a local chapter could lend civility to public discussions and be of use to residents in public positions. “One of the group’s goals is to ‘find the leader in you,’” Schnabel said.
“I’m trying to find out if we have enough interest to start a Haines chapter. Fifteen people told me they’re interested. This is a way to answer the questions of people who are apprehensive or don’t know what the commitment involves,” Schnabel said.
Brian Benezar, president of a Juneau chapter of the group, will be on hand.
The meetings will be held at the public library’s reading room from noon to 1 p.m. and again from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Schnabel said there’s a possibility that Haines and Skagway could jointly form a Lynn Canal Toastmaster’s chapter.