April 2017
Top 5 Toastmasters Club Myths
Which do you think are true?
There are many interpretations of what clubs are required and not required to do. Here are five common Toastmasters club myths and the true policies:
- Myth No. 1: Clubs do not have to vote in all new members.
Toastmasters clubs are private associations that conduct membership by invitation only. All members, whether they’re new, dual, reinstating, or transferring, need to be voted into the club before their membership can be added. The vote determines whether their membership will be approved, which means a new member may or may not be accepted. - Myth No. 2: If the club did not vote a member in, the club cannot vote a member out.
If a member was not voted in, they can still be removed by the club by following Protocol 3.0. This is how club officers can remove a disruptive member from the club. - Myth No. 3: Club officers have the authority to change how a club operates.
While club officers can recommend changes to their clubs, such as meeting times or locations, the changes must be passed in a club meeting where a quorum is present. - Myth No. 4: Clubs are required to participate in the Distinguished Club Program (DCP).
Although every club should want to participate in the DCP as it highlights target goals that foster a quality club environment, the DCP is optional, and there is no participation requirement. - Myth No. 5: Membership Applications aren’t required in all instances.
Clubs need to complete a membership application for every new, dual, reinstating or transfer member that joins and keep the signed applications on file indefinitely—even if the member is no longer with the club.
Learn more by reading the Club Constitution for Clubs of Toastmasters International.
Join us in Vancouver!
Don't miss out on the most exciting event of the year—the 86th Annual Toastmasters International Convention, August 23–26 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Be on the lookout for Early Bird pricing—registration opens later this month!
Meet Google's Chief Evangelist for Brand Marketing
Watch and share this exclusive interview with Google's Chief Evangelist for Brand Marketing, Gopi Kallayil, ACS. A long-time Toastmaster, Kallayil uses the skills he developed in Toastmasters to present to customers' leadership teams and facilitate conversations.
2017 International Speech Contest Semifinals
The Speech Contest Semifinals lead up to the World Championship of Public Speaking®. Districts are randomly assigned to one of the 10 International Speech Contest Semifinals. Semifinalists advance to the World Championship of Public Speaking at the International Convention in Vancouver.
Nominate an Outstanding Toastmaster
Each year, the International President selects several Presidential Citation recipients, who will be recognized during the Hall of Fame at the 2017 Toastmasters International Convention. If you know an outstanding member who has made significant contributions to the organization, nominate them no later than May 1.
Submit Club Charter Forms Early
More clubs charter in June than at any other time, so please send your new club forms early to avoid delays. If you have questions about the chartering process, read the How to Build a Toastmasters Club guide (Item #121) or email the New Clubs team.
Look Professional with Branded Business Cards
Make a lasting impression at your next club meeting, open house or event! Use the branded business card template to create your cards—whether you're running low or in preparation for your new role. Hand them out to prospective members so they can easily contact you if they would like to join your club.
Keep Your Club Officers in Good Standing
Club officers who have not paid their dues will not have access to Club Central to conduct club business. Please verify that your club officers have paid their dues so they can continue logging into the Toastmasters International website to conduct club business. Unpaid club officers will only have access to Club Central for 30 days after their membership expires. Lack of payment may also result in discontinued communications from World Headquarters. If you have any questions, please review the FAQ page or email the Club and Member Support team.
Give Your Guests a Warm Welcome
Turn club visitors into members by giving them all the information they need in the Guest Packet. Save 10% from April 1–30, 2017. Use promo code GPACK. Not valid with any other offer.
Join us in Vancouver!
Don't miss out on the most exciting event of the year—the 86th Annual Toastmasters International Convention, August 23–26 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Be on the lookout for Early Bird pricing—registration opens later this month!
Meet Google's Chief Evangelist for Brand Marketing
Watch and share this exclusive interview with Google's Chief Evangelist for Brand Marketing, Gopi Kallayil, ACS. A long-time Toastmaster, Kallayil uses the skills he developed in Toastmasters to present to customers' leadership teams and facilitate conversations.
2017 International Speech Contest Semifinals
The Speech Contest Semifinals lead up to the World Championship of Public Speaking®. Districts are randomly assigned to one of the 10 International Speech Contest Semifinals. Semifinalists advance to the World Championship of Public Speaking at the International Convention in Vancouver.
Nominate an Outstanding Toastmaster
Each year, the International President selects several Presidential Citation recipients, who will be recognized during the Hall of Fame at the 2017 Toastmasters International Convention. If you know an outstanding member who has made significant contributions to the organization, nominate them no later than May 1.
Submit Club Charter Forms Early
More clubs charter in June than at any other time, so please send your new club forms early to avoid delays. If you have questions about the chartering process, read the How to Build a Toastmasters Club guide (Item #121) or email the New Clubs team.
Look Professional with Branded Business Cards
Make a lasting impression at your next club meeting, open house or event! Use the branded business card template to create your cards—whether you're running low or in preparation for your new role. Hand them out to prospective members so they can easily contact you if they would like to join your club.
Area Directors: Receive Credit for Round 2
To receive credit in the Distinguished Area Program, area directors must submit reports for 75 percent of their clubs for both rounds of visits. After each club visit, submit an Area Director's Club Visit Report online through District Central. Second-round submissions are due May 31.
Is Your District on Track to Become Distinguished?
With only three months left in the 2016–2017 program year, the best way to make sure your district is on target is by regularly monitoring the District Performance Reports.
Prepare for District Leader Transitions
District elections will be held soon, and managing the transition to the next program year is critical for success. View the Leadership Transition webpage for suggestions on how to begin your planning. If you need help, please email the District Leader Support team.
Travel to District Leader Training
Incoming 2017–2018 district directors, program quality directors and club growth directors will soon receive a special invitation to register for August training that provides information on airfare and hotels. Please do not purchase plane tickets before you receive this invitation. Review Policy 8.3: District Leader Expenses.
Welcome 2017–2018 Region Advisors
The newly appointed 2017–2018 region advisors have been announced. Be sure to check the list to see who your new region advisor will be. Region advisors will support you in fulfilling your district mission by coaching, training and advising. Learn more about the region advisor role and how you can apply in the future.
Quarter 3 Certification Page and Narratives
Please submit your Quarter 3 Certification Page and Narratives to World Headquarters by April 30. Before this date, please enter all financial transactions through March 31 into the district accounting system, reconcile bank accounts as of March 31, notify World Headquarters to close the books and then email the completed Monthly Narratives and Certification spreadsheet. The Quarter 3 Certification Page needs to be signed by the district director and finance manager.