It is appropriate to use District funds for training District leaders and should be a top priority when developing a District budget. A maximum of 15% of the total budget can be allocated to officer training.

As part of District leader training, you can include educational sessions on communication and leadership for non-officers, but District funds cannot be used to subsidize separate sessions for non-officers. Administration of training should be kept as simple and cost effective as possible.

See Protocol 7.1 District Events for additional information.

Successful District training events require thoughtful planning and attention to detail. Use these timelines to guide you by clicking on each category and step below.

As part of the Distinguished District Program, at least 85% of your District's Division and Area Directors must attend training. The District Director will submit the Division and Area Director Training Report through District Central by September 30. 

STEP 1: Select training date(s) and general location.

Training may be held before the District year begins or as soon as Division and Area Directors are elected or appointed to office. If this is not possible, hold training no later than September 30—the earlier the better!

• Select a date that does not conflict with important local events or holidays
• If your District is geographically large, train Area Directors by Division or group Divisions together. One-to-one training should rarely occur.
• During the year, conduct additional training at District meetings, including executive committee meetings

STEP 2: Plan the training agenda.

Use Toastmasters International training programs when planning your training agenda and sessions.

• Determine the needs of your group of trainees, considering the feedback participants supplied after the previous training
• Refer to the Division and Area Directors Training for core curriculum materials
• The first Division and Area Director training must be a minimum of four (4) hours
• When planning the training agenda and sessions, allow time for:
  • Discussion and exercises to practice new skills
  • Questions and answers
  • Breaks

STEP 3: Make location arrangements.

Find a facility that will provide a suitable training environment and book adequate time to set up, complete your training agenda, and tear down. Also be sure to:

• Order supplies from World Headquarters at least six to eight weeks in advance
• Arrange for proper set-up of tables, seating and equipment, including A/V equipment and session materials
• Download training materials and prepare visual aids

STEP 4: Choose the best trainers, educators, and motivators from experienced members in your District.

Being a good session leader requires the same dedication that it takes to give a good speech. Find session leaders who have:

• Subject matter expertise
• Strong facilitation skills and experience
• The motivation to train others

Notify session leaders well in advance of the training sessions, involve them in the planning process, and provide materials ahead of time. Also, instruct them to keep the training session focused but flexible according to the needs of each group of trainees.

STEP 5: Invite officers early and often.

Urge officers to attend the training session using all available media (social media, newsletter, fliers, emails, telephone calls, etc.). Emphasize how each leader will personally benefit—leadership development, networking, and personal growth.

STEP 6: Host your training.

Ensure training sessions start and end on time. Pay close attention to the training schedule and make sure your session leaders follow it.

Provide support for trainers and participants during the event.

Encourage participants to contact session leaders or District leaders if issues arise that cannot be adequately addressed during a training session. Urge participants to review the handbooks and materials noted in each training’s Facilitator Guide. The answers to most questions can be found in these valuable resources.

STEP 7: Get feedback.

During each session, leaders should ask for feedback from participants to help shape future training events. Every training session should be evaluated against these criteria:

• Did the content meet the needs of participants?
• Was the material useful?
• Was the presenter knowledgeable and well-prepared?
• How can training be improved?
• What other topics should be covered?

STEP 8: Provide follow-up support during the year.

Hold formal or informal review sessions at District conferences, Executive Committee meetings, Division Council meetings, Area Council meetings, and other events.

STEP 1: Select training dates.

You must train club officers twice per year.

• First Training: Between June 1 and August 31
• Second Training: Between November 1 and February 28
  • Clubs that send officers to club officer training receive credit toward the training goal in the Distinguished Club Program.
  • For clubs to receive credit, your District's Program Quality Director must record the training information on the Club Officer Training Report page of District Central. Record the training information online by:
    • October 31: For June through August training period
    • May 31: For November through February training period

STEP 2: Plan the training agenda.

Use Toastmasters International training programs when planning your training agenda and sessions.

• Determine the needs of your group of trainees, considering the feedback participants supplied after the previous training
• Refer to the Club Officers Training for core curriculum materials
• When planning the training agenda and sessions, allow time for:
  • Discussion and exercises to practice new skills
  • Questions and answers
  • Breaks

STEP 3: Make location arrangements.

Find a facility that will provide a suitable training environment and book adequate time to set up, complete your training agenda, and tear down. Also be sure to:

• Order supplies from World Headquarters at least six to eight weeks in advance
• Arrange for proper set-up of tables and seating and equipment, including A/V equipment and session materials
• Download the training materials from the Toastmasters International website and prepare visual aids

STEP 4: Choose the best trainers, educators, and motivators from experienced members in the District.

Being a good session leader requires the same dedication that it takes to give a good speech. Find session leaders who have:

• Subject matter expertise
• Strong facilitation skills and experience
• The motivation to train others

Notify session leaders well in advance of the training sessions, involve them in the planning process, keep them posted on progress, and provide materials ahead of time. Also, instruct them to keep the training session focused but flexible according to the needs of each group of trainees.

STEP 5: Invite officers early and often.

Urge officers to attend the training session using all available media (social media, newsletter, fliers, emails, personal telephone calls, etc.).  Emphasize how each leader will personally benefit—leadership development, networking, and personal growth.

STEP 6: Host your training.

Ensure training sessions start and end on time. Pay close attention to the training schedule and make sure your session leaders follow it.

Provide support for trainers and participants during the event.

Encourage participants to contact session leaders or District leaders if issues arise that cannot be adequately addressed during a training session. Urge participants to review the handbooks and materials noted in each training's Facilitator Guide. The answers to most questions can be found in these valuable resources.

STEP 7: Get feedback.

During each session, leaders should ask for feedback from participants to help shape future training events. Every training session should be evaluated against these criteria:

• Did the content meet the needs of participants?
• Was the material useful?
• Was the presenter knowledgeable and well-prepared?
• How can training be improved?
• What other topics should be covered?

STEP 8: Provide follow-up support during the year.

Hold formal or informal review sessions at District conferences, executive committee meetings, division council meetings, area council meetings, and other events.