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1981 – Accredited Speaker Program debuts

The Accredited Speaker finalists convene at the 1981 International Convention to make a live presentation in front of judges. All three finalists earn the title of Accredited Speaker in the first year. The program recognizes ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ with a high caliber of professional speaking skills and expert knowledge in a particular subject.

President William Hamilton presents the first Accredited Speaker awards to Hubert Dobson, DTM (center), and Dr. Ferdinand Chen at the 1981 convention in Philadelphia.

1985 – The Board of Directors establishes ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ and District missions

In recognition of Districts taking a stronger role in ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ’ growth, the Board of Directors introduces a mission statement for the District. In its simplified form, it says:

• The Mission of every District is to serve its ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõs and extend the network of ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõs.

The Board also acknowledges the importance of ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõs to the member experience with the Mission of the ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ:

• The Mission of a ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

1985-1988 – Diverse leadership milestones

In the course of three years, those occupying the highest office of ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ made history.

• 1985-1986 – Helen Blanchard, DTM, becomes the first woman to be International President
• 1986-1987 – Ted Wood, DTM, becomes the first African American to be International President
• 1987-1988 – John Fauvel, DTM, of New Zealand, becomes the first person outside of North America to be International President

Three International Presidents: John Fauvel (1987-1988), Helen Blanchard (1985-1986), and Ted Wood (1986-1987)

1989 – Membership reaches 150,000

Members are based in countries including South Africa, the Philippines, and Singapore.

The 150,000^th member of ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ, Keith Larson of Iowa, at the 1989 International Convention in Palm Desert, California.

1990 – World Headquarters relocates

To accommodate the need for more space to better serve members and ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõs around the world, World Headquarters moves to Rancho Santa Margarita, California.

³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ World Headquarters in Rancho Santa Margarita, California