A Toastmasters club is most beneficial to its members when operating at charter strength, which means 20 or more active members. This ensures ample opportunity to speak and lead within a more diverse group. To offset membership attrition, each club needs a constant influx of new members and should regularly devote time and effort towards promoting membership growth.
Clubs Benefit More with More Members,
By adding new members, your club will enjoy increased enthusiasm at club meetings, find improvement in learning opportunities, and deepen shared leadership and collaboration. More members provide more membership diversity, which enriches all aspects of club programs. District 1 wants to support clubs by providing incentives, tools and resources for attracting new members.
Membership-Building Incentives for Clubs
Both Toastmasters International and District 1, provide annual membership-building programs with incentives. Throughout the year, Toastmasters International offers several membership-building programs. Clubs that qualify for these programs will earn recognition ribbons, discounts at the TI Store, be listed on the TI website, and earn additional incentives from District 1.
Smedley Award Program Dates: August 1 – September 30
Add five new, dual, or reinstated members with a join date between August 1 and September 30, and your club will qualify to receive a “Smedley Award” ribbon, named in honor of Ralph Smedley, to display on your club banner. Qualifying clubs can also earn a special discount code for 10-percent off their next club order.
Talk Up Toastmasters! Program Dates: February 1 to March 31
The “Talk Up Toastmasters” membership program is the chance to encourage your members to invite guests to a special meeting where prospective members can learn about Toastmasters’ many benefits. Then add five new, dual or reinstated members with a join date between February 1 and March 31, and you’ll receive a special “Talk up Toastmasters” ribbon to display on your club banner. Qualifying clubs can also earn a special discount code for 10-percent off their next club order.
Beat the Clock! Program Dates: May 1 – June 30
Make it your club’s goal to earn the “Beat the Clock” award and encourage every member to take part. Clubs adding five new, dual or reinstated members with a join date between May 1 and June 30 receive a “Beat the Clock” ribbon to display on the club banner. Qualifying clubs also earn a special discount code for 10-percent off their next club order.
See the Toastmasters International website for exact deadline and qualifying details.) The winning clubs will be revealed online within a few weeks of the submission deadline.
Membership-Building Incentives for Individuals Program Dates:
Toastmasters International also has a yearly contest to reward individuals who sponsor five, 10 and 15 members. When you sponsor five or more new members within one program year, you will receive the following: a unique blue pin for five members, a unique burgundy pin for 10 members, and for sponsoring 15 new members, and you will qualify to receive a special discount code for 25% off your next product purchase from the Toastmasters Online Store.
See Toastmasters International website for exact deadline and qualifying details. The winning clubs will be revealed online within a few weeks of the submission deadline.
The Ultimate Guide to Membership Growth
All Toastmasters clubs need new members. Even though your club may currently enjoy a healthy membership, a few months from now that could change as members move, change jobs or reach their objectives. From prospect to guest, and guest to member, the FREE Membership Growth Guide, published by Toastmasters International provides the steps to club success through membership growth. This manual is your reference for ideas and tools to help your club achieve and exceed its membership goals.
Other Resources
Learn how a Speechcraft workshop can help build membership.
Get more resources at Toastmasters International website.