Founders District Home >Founder Main > Fall 2005 Contents> Lt. Governor of Education and Training Column

Success Starts with the Club

By Lt. Governor Education and Training,
Celly Feraren Adamo, DTM

The essence of Toastmasters starts from the most basic unit of our organization, the clubs. Members join the organization because of the value they observed when they attended their first meeting. Members stay active in the club when their needs are being fulfilled. It is, therefore, important that each club meeting continues to provide value to members. Meetings need to be vibrant, follow club standards, and be of value to the members.

A successful, dynamic, quality Toastmasters Club meets the following 10 standards:

1. Meetings are showcase events. Meetings start and end on time, are fast-paced, and flow smoothly, with no awkward transitions between segments. Participants are prepared.



2. Club officers are effective. They are trained in their roles, and they fulfill their responsibilities.



3. Everyone is working to help the Club become a Distinguished Club. All members are familiar with the Distinguished Club Program, its value to the Club, and the Club’s plan for becoming a Distinguished Club or better. (The most successful clubs set a goal to become President’s Distinguished.)



4. All members are working toward their educational and leadership awards: the Competent Toastmaster (CTM), the Advanced Toastmaster (ATM-), and the Leadership Tract (CL, AL, DTM). Scheduled speakers give manual speeches.



5. Membership recruitment is ongoing. Every Club needs a constant influx of new members to combat natural membership turnover, to bring fresh ideas into the Club, and to provide a stronger leadership base.



6. New members are oriented and inducted. New members who are formally inducted into the Club and are oriented to Club operations and the educational program are more likely to be active, supportive, and enthusiastic members.



7. Every member is assigned a mentor. Mentors help new members become familiar with the Club and work on their first few speeches. They also help experienced members develop special skills.



8. All members are trained in effective evaluation. Every evaluator gives positive comments and offers specific suggestions for improvement.



9. Members are recognized for their accomplishments. Swift recognition for achievements encourages members to set and achieve even higher goals.



10. Administrative work is handled promptly and efficiently. The Club keeps its financial and membership records current and accurate. Club leaders submit documents such as Club officer lists, semiannual membership reports, and award and membership applications promptly to World Headquarters. (Standards were summarized by District 40)

I welcome all of you to the “NEW TOASTMASTER YEAR.” Together as a team, let us resolve to “Focus with Enthusiasm” our energy to have quality club environments at all times. “Focus with Enthusiasm” our effort to be President’s Distinguished Clubs by June 30, 2006. WE CAN DO IT!