District News

Apply Now to Be a Region Advisor — The Region Advisor is instrumental in helping Districts grow through coaching, guiding, training, and collaboration. If you are interested in becoming a Region Advisor, or would like to learn more about this role, visit the Region Advisor webpage. Applications for the 2027-2028 program year are due by September 30.

Add a Club Extension Chair to Facilitate Growth — Receive dedicated assistance in building new clubs from the club extension chair. This core member of your District Marketing Team can help you manage club-building efforts for the District through the Toastmasters Lead Management (TLM) system.

Keep Your District is on Track for Distinguished — The following items are due by September 30:

• At least 85% of Division and Area Directors Trained – submit through District Central
• District Success Plan – submit through District Central
• District Market Analysis plan – submit through District Central
• District Communication Plan – submit through District Central
• Approved District budget – submit through District Central or email to districtreports@toastmasters.org

You’re Ready for Your Next Big Opportunity — Take on the role of a lifetime by serving on the Toastmasters International Board of Directors. Visit the Candidate Qualifications page to review resources for candidates, watch an informative video about what it takes to be a Board Member, and submit a Letter of Intent. The deadline to submit a Letter of Intent is October 1, so don't delay!

Submit Round One Club Officer Training by October 31 — It is best to enter club officer training sooner than later to provide an opportunity for officers to raise any concerns before the last day (October 31). Remember to continue focusing on the importance of club excellence by sharing the Club Excellence Curriculum.

Appoint Your District Leadership Committee Chair by November 1 — The District Leadership Committee (DLC) is responsible for nominating candidates for District office, following the procedures outlined in Protocol 9.0: District Campaigns and Elections. The District Leadership Committee Chair must be appointed no later than November 1, and the remaining committee members appointed no later than December 1. If you have any questions, email the District Growth and Support Team for more information.

New District Report — Beginning September 15, the District Summary Report will be available through the Weekly Email Subscriptions card in District Central. This report replaces the report commonly known as the Rafferty Report. All current District leaders and Region Advisors can subscribe, unsubscribe, or update their District subscription preferences at any time.

Meet Stefano McGhee, DTM — Elected in August, Toastmasters’ 96th International President was once simply a club member. Learn about his path the top of Toastmasters leadership, and his vision for the coming year.

School Yourself on College Clubs — Part community club, part corporate club, college clubs have a foot in both worlds. Learn about the many opportunities to tap into this market and help students, staff, and community members grow together.

It’s Time for a PR Boost — Learn how clubs can perfect their public relations plan. Find out what skills they can develop, about the wide variety of ways potential members can find them, and why digital and analog tools are both helpful.

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Distinguished Districts — For the 2025–2026 program year, 42 Districts met their goals and achieved Distinguished or better status in the Toastmasters International District Recognition program. There were 11 Smedley Distinguished, 5 President’s Distinguished, 5 select Distinguished, and 21 Distinguished Districts. Well done!

Introducing the 2026-2027 Board of Directors — At this year's Annual Business Meeting, the membership of Toastmasters International elected new members to the organization's Board of Directors. Learn more about the International Officers and International Directors who will serve in 2026–2027.

The 2026 World Champion of Public Speaking — Following an exciting World Championship of Public Speaking® at the 2026 Toastmasters International Convention, we are excited to announce the new World Champion: Dirceu da Silva, from District 59, who won with a speech titled, “Best decision ever!” Congratulations to Gurmeet Singh Gurcharan Singh, from District 51, for finishing in 2nd place with their speech, “Good for Nothing” and Aaron Samson, from District 4, for finishing in 3rd place with their speech, “The Chain.” Get inspired by watching Dirceu deliver his winning speech!

Congratulations to the New Accredited Speaker — Congratulations to Eric Feinendegen, DTM for achieving the Accredited Speaker designation! This elite title is reserved for those who combine expert knowledge in a particular subject with a mastery of public speaking.

Earn the new District Club Growth Achievement — To recognize Districts that reach important club-growth milestones early, Toastmasters International is introducing the District Club Growth Achievement. This new achievement celebrates Districts that reach key club charter milestones by September 30 and March 31. We look forward to celebrating the Districts that create early momentum and help bring the Toastmasters experience to even more communities around the world.

Toastmasters Product Shipping Pause — World Headquarters will conduct a physical inventory of all warehouse products from November 2–13, 2026. To ensure your order ships before the inventory begins, please place your order by the end of the day on October 21. Orders placed October 22–November 13 will be held and shipped once the warehouse inventory is complete.

Board Briefing Recording Available — Watch to hear important announcements from the Board of Directors.

Convention Highlights and Replay — Just because the 2026 International Convention is over doesn’t mean you have to miss it! You can now get on board with the sessions and highlights through unlimited On Demand access.