Empower, Inspire, Lead: Barking Toastmasters Elections 2025/26

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By Nadya Hamedi DTM, Club Coach, Barking Toastmasters

Leadership at Toastmasters is about more than filling roles. It is about nurturing potential, inspiring participation and creating opportunities for members to grow. This was clearly demonstrated by the recent Club Officer Elections at Barking Toastmasters on Saturday 17 May.

Invitations were personally sent to every member and guest accompanied by promotional flyers shared to build excitement and encourage full participation.

The Nominating Committee added a personal touch to the official Toastmasters process. Each member received a detailed summary of all club officer roles, along with access to the Club Leadership Handbook, and official Toastmasters election videos. These resources equipped members to fully understand the responsibilities of each position.  Open and supportive conversations encouraged everyone to explore the different leadership opportunities available.

Multiple nominations for key roles, including Vice President Education, highlighted the club’s vibrant spirit and healthy competition. Nominees shared inspiring speeches about how they plan to serve and lead the membership, while other members delivered heartfelt seconding speeches in support. This engaging process helped everyone learn more about one another and the many ways to contribute.

The meeting was quorate, with strong attendance and lively participation. Each newly elected officer received a comprehensive welcome pack, including a personalised congratulatory letter, Club Officer Agreement and Release Statement, a role summary outlining responsibilities and skills for each position, self-evaluation form, and the iconic “Where Leaders Are Made” ribbon. These resources affirm the club’s commitment to supporting new leaders from the start.

The outgoing committee was formally discharged with sincere thanks for their dedication, receiving certificates in recognition of their contributions. In an uplifting ceremony, the new officers were installed, stepping into their roles with enthusiasm and reaffirming the club’s commitment to develop leaders, inspire growth and empower confident communicators.

At Barking Toastmasters, elections are more than a procedure. They are a celebration of voices, visions, and the journey of developing leaders. Here, leaders are not simply elected. They are nurtured, celebrated, and made.

To every club preparing for elections, embrace this opportunity. Use the tools and support available, connect meaningfully with your members and create an experience that sparks confidence and commitment. Elections also provide invaluable speaking opportunities through nominee and seconding speeches, reinforcing Toastmasters’ core values of communication and leadership. When we invest in leaders, we empower speakers. And when we do both, we ignite transformation in members, in clubs and across our Toastmasters community.

Role summary outlining responsibilities and skills for each Club Officer position:

Club Officer self-evaluation form for each Club Officer position:

🗣️ “Elections are more than just choosing officers; they represent our collective commitment to grow with the club.” Anthony Moore, Club President, Barking Toastmasters, Area 12, Division K, District 91

🗣️ “I was amazed by the extraordinary level of organisation, support, passion and the power of camaraderie in Barking club Officer election.” Olga Galaiko, Division Director, Division C, District 91

🗣️ “The Barking club officers’ elections were the most organised, inspiring and comprehensive that I have ever seen.”   Lynne Gayer DTM, Division Director, Division B, District 91

 🗣️ “Barking Toastmasters club officer elections were a testimony to excellence and member engagement.”  Mo Dawodu, Immediate Past Club Growth Director (2023-24), District 91

 🗣️ “It was inspiring to see members embrace leadership with enthusiasm, engage through public speaking, and connect as a community.” Diane Richardson DTM, Immediate Past District Director, District 91

 

Last Updated on 29th May 2025 by Allen Paul