Effective October 1, 2018, Toastmasters International membership dues for members of undistricted clubs will increase from 33.75 USD to 45 USD every six months—equivalent to 7.50 USD per month.

There is no increase to the new member fee, which remains at 20 USD.

This dues increase will go directly toward furthering the mission of Toastmasters International. For undistricted clubs, 25% of international dues will now be placed in a reserve account, which will provide starter funds to support new and developing markets and allow for enhanced online club officer training.

The funds of this reserve account will be used at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Although your club cannot access and utilize the account independently, the reserve will be used to support club and membership growth in your geographical area.

It is the Board of Directors’ responsibility to determine the dues amount, as directed in the Bylaws of Toastmasters International, Article IV: Revenue, Section 2: Membership Dues Payment. Additionally, Policy 8.0: Dues and Fees, Section 10, requires the Board to review the dues, fees and submission processes at least every three years beginning in 2009.

In August 2017, the Board of Directors made the decision to increase dues to 45 each semiannual period for members of all clubs, effective October 1, 2018.

The Board recognizes that the increase will likely affect October renewals, particularly among members who participate in multiple clubs. However, the Board also believes membership continues to provide exceptional value and is confident that the timing of the increase will have minimal impact on clubs’ ability to become Distinguished in 2018-2019.

It is not. As directed in Policy 11.0, the Board of Directors is responsible for approving and overseeing the budget and financial matters. Rather than providing the annual budget, which is a planning and management tool, the organization makes available its annual financial results and its annual United States Internal Revenue Service filing, known as Form 990.

As you consider the dues increase, think for a moment about seminars, conferences, and college or university classes that cost hundreds, even thousands, of dollars. Toastmasters International membership, at 90 USD per year, provides education and invaluable practical experience. You gain feedback and support from peers and develop the confidence and transferable skills that will help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

Toastmasters International does not offer discounts for having multiple memberships or provide lifetime memberships to individuals—the costs to the organization are the same regardless of how many memberships you may hold.

Yes. Starting September 1, 2018, club officers will be able to add new members with October begin dates and pay renewals for the October–March period online with the correct dues amount.

Updated new membership applications will be available for download from the Toastmasters International website by September 1, 2018.

Members of new clubs that charter by September 30 will pay six months dues in advance at the old rate of 33.75 USD. The subsequent prorate paid by those members will be at the new rate.

Article III of the Addendum of Standard Club Options requires clubs to indicate the amount of dues and fees they collect from their members. Depending on how much your club currently charges members (membership dues plus club dues), it may be necessary to change your club’s Addendum of Standard Club Options. Please remember that a majority favorable vote with quorum present is required to change the Addendum of Standard Club Options.

Any active club officer can make changes to their club’s Addendum of Standard Club Options simply by logging in to www.toastmasters.org/login. Officers will log on with their personal user name and password.

• Once logged in, go to Leadership Central and click on Club Central
• Select the applicable club name and number
• Under Conduct Club Business, click on the option Change my club’s Addendum of Standard Club Options

Or send an email to clubconstitution@toastmasters.org with the relevant information. Upon receipt, the information will be filed with your club’s original documents.

You can still add the member online or send in a membership application with a join date prior to October 1. The dues will be at the previous rate. The renewal payment for the October–March period will be at the new rate.

Your club will be billed for the additional amount due for the October 2018 period.

For questions, please email duesincrease@toastmasters.org or call +1 720-439-5050 ext. 402.