As I write this, I am in Nashville, Tennessee, for District Officer Training and the International Convention. I learned a lot and met people from around the world who are also servant leaders in Toastmasters.

In one of the presentations, I was reminded of a quote by Steven Covey:

“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”  It sounds redundant, but if we unpack it, the quote is a powerful reminder that the most important thing we can do is focus on our number one goal.

My “Main Thing” is the District’s mission:  “We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.”  Specific to my role as Club Growth Director, I am to grow new clubs, so that more people can participate in Toastmasters and grow members in existing clubs. It boils down to the members. Members meet their Toastmasters goals within the club environment. By having strong clubs, the member is best able to meet their goals and grow in their speaking and leadership abilities. By building new clubs, we can deliver the Toastmasters experience to new members who may not have had a convenient club to visit.

What is your “Main Thing”? With different roles in Toastmasters, our focus is slightly different, but the goal is the same – to grow in our speaking and leadership goals and to help our fellow Toastmasters do the same.

Club officers take additional responsibility for providing a welcoming and safe club environment. This allows our members to step outside their comfort zone, grow and develop new skills!

Area and Division Directors help provide support and coaching for the club officers to help them focus on their “Main Thing”.

Are you ready to grow your club? In support of your doing your “Main Thing” and adding more members to your club, Toastmasters has three Club Membership Building Programs during the year. I am excited to announce that the District will award any club that meets the requirements for any of the member-building programs $50 at the Toastmaster store! This can be used for recognition items or other Toastmasters material for the club!

Below are the award program dates. Each award program is separate, and 5 new, reinstated, or dual members must join during the period of a single award program to qualify. If you achieve more than one program during the year, your club will be awarded for each one!

Smedley Award:  August 1 – September 30

Talk Up Toastmasters:  February 1 – March 31

Beat the Clock:  May 1 – June 30

June 30