Prince Rupert, it's time we talked.

Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Our club's mission is to provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

The Club Meets Every Week

The Prince Rupert Toastmasters Club meets each Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Lester Centre of the Arts. Get directions to the Lester Centre of the Arts (map opens in a new window). Visitors and newcomers are always welcome.

Reach Milestones At Your Own Speed

In a club meeting, you practice giving prepared speeches as well as brief impromptu presentations, known as Table Topics. There is no rush and no pressure: The Toastmasters program allows you to progress at your own pace.

Build Leadership Skills for Real Life

Anyone who is a strong leader has to first be an effective communicator. In Toastmasters you will hone your speaking skills, and you will develop leadership abilities — through evaluations, listening, mentoring, serving as club officers and filling roles in club meetings.

Meet the Club's Leadership Team

Michael Gurney
President

Michael grew up in the Lower Mainland and moved to Northwest BC in 2011, where after six years with the Port of Prince Rupert, he now provides communications consulting services to clients around the province. In addition to Toastmasters, Michael's volunteer involvement encompasses North Pacific Cannery, Harbour Theatre Society and the BC Heritage Fairs Society. Michael's passions include history, live theatre, music and multimedia production, hiking and kayaking.

Reid Skelton-Morven
Public Relations

Reid grew up in Prince Rupert, and his appetite for entrepreneurial ventures has led to a wide variety of jobs, ranging from bartending to industrial marine first aid, to law enforcement as an Aboriginal Student Constable with the RCMP. Reid founded MotivNations, a social enterprise that provides self-mastery programs and modern entrepreneurial skills training for youth. He also runs Skeena Exterior Cleaning and Coatings, which made him a finalist in the 2017 ThriveNorth Business Challenge.

David Armstrong
Logistics

David Armstrong was born in Victoria, BC. He moved many times when he was young to places such as Halifax, NS, Terrace, BC, and even Destin, FL, USA. When he was in grade four he finally settled in Prince Rupert, BC. David is currently 15 years old and one of the two captains of his soccer team based out of Terrace, BC. David has completed his Competent Communicator and has hopes of completing his Advanced Communicator Gold sometime in the future. David hopes to attend University in the near future and to play on a high level soccer team, while also focusing on his studies that will relate to public speaking. David Also hopes to do something in the farther future with his speaking abilities.

Leslee Bruce
Administration & Finance

Leslee recently retired from the position of Finance Administrator at Ridley Terminals Inc. While practiced at accounting, payroll and pension, her passions also include literacy and music. Leslee sings in the Prince Rupert Rotary Community Choir — a group that performs at many civic functions — and is committed to a healthy lifestyle. Reflecting on her accomplishments so far, Leslee says her proudest achievements include raising her two children to adulthood, and serving in the community.

Sarah Dantzer
Club Growth & Membership

The mother of an active toddler, since moving here Sarah has been active in the community. Currently a director with Transition Prince Rupert as well as Toastmasters Prince Rupert. Inspired by the natural beauty and community, Sarah created the Rupert Rubbish Round-Up. In 2018 it celebrated its third year with nearly 100 volunteers and over 2000 kg of garbage cleaned up. From this grew the Overlook Community Garden, with dreams of many more community gardens to come! Sarah is a budding entrepreneur, as she is currently enrolled at the West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy. Catch Sarah on the campaign trail this autumn as she runs for City Council #DantzeristheAnswer

Michal Sluka
Education & Training

Michal was born and raised in the Czech Republic; he and his wife Eva moved to Canada in 2008. Michal is a real estate agent with Realty Executives. In addition to the Prince Rupert Toastmasters, Michal is a member of the Prince Rupert Rotary Club, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station #64 and he also serves on the board of directors of both Prince Rupert Tourism and Community Futures of the Pacific Northwest. He loves outdoor recreation, including golfing, fishing and snowboarding.

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