Toastmasters International are giving an award to any Division that Charters a minimum of 3 and 5 Clubs by the end of September 30th 2026. As well as the option to pay 6 or 12 months fees at the old rate (as long as Chartered by 30th Sept). The District is also offering between $150 and $200 of materials to these clubs. What could be more enticing!
Why is this important? Because it reinforces the need for the District to grow, at one time we were looking at the possibility of a 3rd District within the UK and Ireland. The came along COVID and everything was turned upside down. We are getting back to the pre – COVID numbers of Clubs and Membership but we are not keeping our members, why not? Currently we have about 34% of clubs under 20 members and 68 Clubs with no new members so far this year. Well done to those 5 Clubs who have already gained 8 or more members.
We know we will lose members at renewal and we need to be working out how to recruit new members and where possible encourage members who are undecided to renew their membership. As a Club Member we need to think, what are we doing well? What are we not doing enough of? As a Member you should be asking yourself what you can do to help your Club remain or become a vibrant Club.
Are there too many members turning up and not getting a chance to speak? What about a second Club, held on the alternate weeks when you don’t meet?
What about spawning a club from your own one for people who are retired or do coffee morning meetings (with or without a children’s play area)?
Speak to your Area or Division Director, they can pass on any ideas to me and my team, who are eagerly awaiting your ideas.
Further to last months Newsletter, no one achieved the Trophy incentive, but we still have two incentives currently available, and these are reiterated below;
Any club that adds 8 new or reinstated members paying up to 31st March 27 by 31st August 26 they not only complete 2 of the DCP points, but they also achieve Smedley Award and in addition will get a Superstar Trophy and a Certificate.
Clubs that charter by 30th September 26 and pay for 6 months up to March 27 will get $150 worth Goodies. Clubs that charter by 30th September 26 and pay 12 months up to September 27 will get $200 worth of goodies for the club.
Even better Charter clubs can use the old renewal rate if they charter before the 30th September 2026.
More incentive will be advised once approved by the DEC on the 6th September and we will send these out to you as soon as possible after that date.
Are you on Pathways Level 4 or 5 or even going for your DTM, do you need to be a sponsor or mentor for a club? Do you want to be a coach? We need you!
If anyone has any ideas for Club Growth or Membership Retention and Growth please contact me. Alison Morris DTM clubgrowthdirector@d91toastmasters.org.uk
Last Updated on 28th August 2026 by Suhas Kumar