Spring has sprung – another chance for us to reflect
As I write this, we go into a period of hope, yet some more uncertainty. At this time of year we’re all given the opportunity to renew our Toastmasters membership for another 6 months. As we do so, think about what you’ve learned or contributed in the 6 months just gone and what you hope to learn or contribute in the coming 6 months.
We’re coming up to 3 years since Pathways was introduced as our learning experience. At club level, are you and all your members enrolled and progressing through the projects at a steady pace? Why am I asking all these questions? As a membership organisation, our success is dependent on everyone contributing their bit, no matter how big or small.
A healthy club is based on having a minimum of 20 active members at all times and to that end we’re running the 20:80 challenge for this round of renewals. In our District, we tend to enjoy strong retention rates, however this year a number of our clubs are operating below 20 members and thus an area of focus. All of us as individuals need to make our own decisions about our commitment and personal growth and thus I invite you to continue your membership of District 91 and Toastmasters International and be reminded of the promise we make when we join and renew.
Our Promise
As a member of Toastmasters International and my club, I promise
- To attend club meetings regularly
- New Member ExperienceTo prepare all of my projects to the best of my ability, basing them on the Toastmasters education program
- To prepare for and fulfil meeting assignments
- To provide fellow members with helpful, constructive evaluations
- To help the club maintain the positive, friendly environment necessary for all members to learn and grow
- To serve my club as an officer when called upon to do so
- To treat my fellow club members and our guests with respect and courtesy
- To bring guests to club meetings so they can see the benefits Toastmasters membership offers
- To adhere to the guidelines and rules for all Toastmasters education and recognition programs
- To act within Toastmasters’ core values of integrity, respect, service and excellence during the conduct of all Toastmasters activities
We’re also into month 2 of Talk up Toastmasters How are you getting on with your end of the bargain and promise of ‘bringing guests to meetings to they can see the benefits Toastmasters membership offers’? I’ve personally invited 5 people so far this year, of which 2 have so far gone on to join a club, not necessarily my home club.
Try this simple formula yourself and see what happens:
- Each one reach one – this may be as simple as a social media post. Posting something positive, a milestone reached or simply inviting someone to ask you about Toastmasters in incredibly powerful. You never know who will see it and may give you the opportunity to think about what you say and how you say it to someone that doesn’t know Toastmasters
- Each one bring one – This really is as simple as inviting a friend, family member or work colleague to check out a meeting. Again, point them in the right direction if not your own club. It could also be to an Open House event or to a forthcoming contest – always fun events! Regardless of the size of your club, imagine if everyone did their bit how powerful this would be. Not everyone who comes will join of course, and that’s ok. Many will and this could make such a difference.
- Each one teach one – we talk a lot about mentoring in Toastmasters, but sometimes we overcomplicate it. Extending that hand or ear for an hour over a cuppa to a fellow member may help you impart knowledge on a project/role/position. Once again, the strength our organization is based on how each of us contributes and shares knowledge.
Consider making this fun and eventful at a local level and remember to keep the conversation alive within your club as well as outside of Toastmasters!
Rupa Datta – District 91 Club Growth Director 2020-2021