Attitude Equals Altitude was Rae’s theme in 2007-2008 as the District 21 Governor where he oversaw and directed the daily operations of a volunteer leadership team of 90 members located throughout the province of B.C. While serving in that role he developed and monitored the District’s annual operational budget (approximately $150000.00).
Additional responsibilities included overseeing & directing the organization and delivery of two District conferences (budget $40000.00 per event); overseeing and directing the organization’s communication processes i.e. mass e-mail communication, conference calling and the District’s website (co-webmaster responsible for content and trouble shooting). As District Governor he was a member of an International leadership team of peers located throughout the north western USA, collectively striving for success of their districts.
organized and officiated at events at the Area, Division & District level with 400 or more in attendance. Rae was a Co-Emcee with Marian Gushue-Geiger at the District 21 Spring 2011 Conference in Osoyoos.
District 21 Toastmasters 2011-2012 For Service Above & Beyond
Rae was presented the D21 For Service Above and Beyond Trophy, in absentia at the District 21 Fall Conference in November 2012 for his long-standing service to District 21 Toastmasters.
He was presented the trophy at the December meeting of Okanagan Advanced Toastmasters (OATs) by Marian Gushue-Geiger on behalf of D21.
In 2007 he was awarded Toastmasters International's Excellence in Education and Training Award at the Annual International Convention in Phoenix Arizona in recognition of exceptional leadership and achievement in educational programming and training.
Rae recently served as Conference Co-Coordinator, organizing a Toastmasters conference for some 200+ Toastmasters in Kelowna at the Capri in May of 2014. That role involved leading a team of volunteers.
He was awarded the DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster) designation in 2008, Toastmasters International's highest educational award. He was recently awarded his second Advanced Communicator Gold designation and is working on his 18th time through the Competent Communicator manual. His long-term goal is to complete one CC per year.
He is currently the President of Kelowna Flying Solo Toastmasters Club
#723 and has been a member of the club for over 20 years.
Toastimonials: (Toastmasters testimonials)
"I have worked with Rae in the Toastmasters International Skills and have witnessed his superior communication and leadership skills first hand. He has mentored and coached many people to success in the Toastmasters International program and beyond. He is a excellent facilitator and event organizer . He provides entertaining programs where the participants have learned something of quality and value. I wholeheartedly recommend Rae." August 11, 2012 Mark Kelly, President Kelowna Flying Solo Toastmasters
Serving as District 21 Toastmasters District Governor (07-08)
"I value your leadership & the examples of "walking your talk" that you demonstrated to me! Thank you. You have shown to many members that Toastmasters Leadership at District level is possible outside of the lower mainland. Cheers my friend to job well done! --- Marian, Kelowna
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"Rae was someone you could always go to to ask for advice. I found him supportive, helpful & diligent with all his duties." --- John, Victoria
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"For his dedication to Toastmasters as District Governor, his support to all his Division Governors, Rae maintained his composure and appeared calm, cool & collected throughout any problems that crossed his desk,. Rae set goals for the District, inspired all the Toastmasters there, a true sign of a good leader. --- Gerry, Ucluelet
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"You are a man after my own heart. Your approach to leading the District was straight from the MBA school. Unfortunately, you are ahead of your time. Thank you for always teaching me. You are the best!” --- Tom, Vancouver
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“Dear Rae, thank you and again I say THANK YOU! Your clarity of thinking through situations that arise is commendable. Your focus on Toastmaster goals and ethics helps your fellow Toastmasters become the best they can be. Stepping out of the club setting and being supported by you at the District level helped me achieve my goal. Thank you!” --- Joanne, Vernon
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“You came in as LGET unaware of the enormity of what was to follow. You brought your good-will, honesty and willingness to learn. It has been absolutely fabulous having you on the 2006-2007 team and then as our District 21 Governor. You exemplify the “fearless” leader role model in your cool, calm & collected approach. Thank you for your dedication.” --- Francoise, Kamloops
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“Always calm and looking relaxed, you were the envy of all past District Governors. Thanks for leading District 21. We have learned from you about commitment, dedication and to keep a sense of humour. Hope you learned lots as well.” --- Margaret, Victoria
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“The amount of work, enthusiasm and dedication it takes to be a District Governor cannot be appreciated by anyone else, unless they have been there. Rae, you not only fulfilled your role and duties to the best of your ability but to an extent that everyone (members 2007-2008) should owe you a big, big thank you.” --- Doug, Vancouver
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“Rae is the consumate professional in leading organizations in their quest for success. Rae sees the possibilities, has the vision to simplify complex problems, and chart paths to solutions. He is also a very talented Master of Ceremonies as evidenced by his wit, his quick ability to think on his feet, and is the one you want to have with your team to smooth over any hiccups that may occur during your corporate and community events. Rae also sets a good example by continuing his own training and his mantra "Constant and Ever Improving to Meet the Challenges of Today's World" Linda S.
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“Serving as an Area 22 Governor for the 2007 to 2008 term of Toastmasters International, we had the good fortunate to have Rae Stonehouse as our District 21 Governor. Rae has a strength for detail, thorough in his output, and ability to think objectively, not to mention a team leader who is thoughtful to his team players.” Kathy B.
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“Rae Stonehouse was the District Governor when I was Lt. Governor of Education & Training on the District team for Toastmasters in BC. Rae was always supportive, and well prepared. His sense of humour kept things light even when we all had too much to do. He is compassionate, and does his homework. Just as importantly, Rae set a great example for all of us as he willing to pushed himself to grow as a leader. Rae is easy to work with, there was never a strain to get along. He did his job and allowed us to do ours, in our own way. We're better friends now than when we started our journey in leadership together. He has remained supportive and with many practical contributions, to Toastmasters in BC. He's a comfortable, trusted and valuable friend! Joanne Morrison, DTM Past District 21 Governor, 2008-09 Toastmaster in BC, Canada”
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“Rae and I were District Governors in Region 1 Toastmasters at the same time, 2007-2008. My experience with Ray was that he was visionary, focused and hard working. He was committed to doing what was necessary to achieve his goals. Sherry T.
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“Rae and I first met in Vancouver at Johnny Uy’s Presidential Reception in Vancouver, BC, when I was campaigning for International Director. We rolled up our sleeves and started working together in Burnaby, BC, shortly after Rae was elected Lt Governor of Education & Training. I have witnessed the personal leadership growth in Rae over a few short years. He was very shy when I first met him. I suggested he create or wear a "Hi, I'm Rae. I'm shy, please talk to me!" sign. He never did, but in Toastmasters, shyness doesn’t last long. Rae told me that he got a lot of mileage out of that in some of the motivational speaking that he’s done since. He’s now a self-proclaimed “out of the closet” introvert. (That makes a pair of us!) Rae lead a leadership team of some 90 District officers in one of the largest Districts in the world. They were so close to being Distinguished they could taste it. To put things in perspective, my District has 70 clubs and Rae’s has 253 clubs! He did a phenomenal job of building a team who bought into his vision for District 21. He participated as part of an International team, i.e. Region One, and contributed to the support and betterment of his fellow District Governors. Rae wasn't afraid to let his thoughts or feelings be expressed when they differed from the group. He has continued to support the District as the IPDG, and this year, when he had planned to cut back and focus on speaking, he finds himself as the President of three clubs, (one community, two advanced) a Division Governor & the Webmaster. I appreciate Rae Stonehouse and his dedication to excellence and service. In all the time we have known each other, he has balanced his commitments with humour and grace. I highly recommend Rae for any endeavour he reaches out for. Sincerely, Suezy Proctor, DTM PID” July 21, 2009
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“I have had the opportunity to work side-by-side with Rae while serving in the Toastmaster Leadership. As a group, we progressed up the chairs together serving our respective Districts. During these years of leadership, we had the opportunity to share and interact on a regular basis. I have found Rae to be a strong leader. Rae face challenges in leadership that others did not experience. District 21 is not only geographically large, but is sparsely populated. Thus challenging to develop and maintain urban and rural Toastmaster Charters. My observation was Rae’s ability to successfully seek out others to delegate contributed the success of the District Programs. Rae enthusiastically recruited others to help in the District efforts, his contribution did not stop there; he mentored and supported each to ensure their ultimate success. We all were able to learn for Rae’s efforts of continued and ongoing support of his team. Rae as a teammate is important to acknowledge as well. During the years of leadership, we had our difficulties and successes. At every turn, Rae was there. A cheerleader, a supporter and interested party; now in our second year after graduation, we have been scattered to the winds. We continue to stay in touch. I feel the same enthusiasm then and now. Michael Rusnack DTM Select Distinguished District 15 Governor 2007-2008”
