The best and simplest way to retain club members (and recruit curious guests into becoming enthusiastic members) is with well-run, lively, and educational meetings that meet the members’ needs. The Meeting Excellence Award is a symbol of Excellence in Club Meetings. Each club can earn a patch once every 6 months, during an Area Director’s visit.
To earn the Meeting Excellence Award: Your Area Director attends, evaluates the meeting for the criteria below, submits a form to District leadership. Award Criteria: To EARN this prestigious award upon your Area Director’s visit, a club meeting must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Members and guests are greeted warmly and enthusiastically.
- Meeting starts and adjourns on time.
- Fifteen (15) or more club members must be present (not limited to members of the hosting club).
- At least one (1) non-Toastmaster guest is present.
- There is applause after every speaker – functionaries included.*
- ALL speeches are Pathways speeches.
- Evaluations are both specific and supportive.
- Participants are positively recognized and ribbons/certificates/rotating trophies are awarded.*
- Members wear badges and guests are given name tags.*
- Printed agendas are distributed and followed with 3 or fewer assignment changes to the agenda.*
- Table Topics are interesting and/or fun – participants are able to speak the full time period.
*Virtual/Hybrid meetings – Area Director must witness the following criteria, with online participants, corresponding to starred line items above:
- Applause – If non-speakers are muted, some video conferencing options allow virtual applause or Jazz hands.
- Recognition with ribbons/rotating trophies. Some video conferencing options may allow surveys, chat, polling.
- Awards can be virtual. Recognition is the important component and should be included if possible.
- Agendas – Posted in the chat.
- Rename – the participant or meeting organizer can often rename the attendees if needed. i.e. Guest – Suzy Smith and all members who have a meeting role are renamed i.e. Toastmaster – John, Timer – Mike, Ah Counter – Maria, etc.
Area Director to email Jenn Dawson at pqd@foundersdistrict.org with the following information:
- Name of club to be recognized
- Date of visit
- Division & Area #