Toastmasters is about members working together to bring out the best in each other, their communities, and their corporations. This can only happen when clubs are healthy with a robust and growing membership.

Charter Strength = 20+ Members

Charter strength (20 + members) is of critical importance!. Members provide the leadership, and undertake the work of conducting meetings and delivering programs, conferences and training. Members ensure the financial stability of the organization and also Toastmasters standing as a leading benefactor of society.  Your continuing challenge is maintaining steady, healthy membership growth in your club.  When is the best time for clubs to get new members? ALWAYS!

Why do clubs need to get to charter strength?

• That’s the minimum number to ensure members don’t get “burned out” and that all members get the variety of feedback and experience they need to reach their Toastmasters goals.
• It may also be that your club has more than 20 members, but only a few of those members actually attend meetings on a regular basis.

Charter strength is so important that this year, District 86 is providing two programs to encourage clubs to get to recruit new members:

Nothin But Net

Clubs that achieve a NET increase of five (5) members from their 2014-2015 base membership as of June 30, 2015 will receive newsletter and web recognition; they’ll also be entered into a draw for tickets to a Toronto Raptors game! And if the club increases their net membership by ten (10) members – the club will be entered into the draw TWICE!

Beat The Clock

And of course, we have the Toastmasters International Beat The Clock Campaign.  Every club adding five (5) new, dual, or reinstated members by June 30, 2015 will receive a ribbon and 10% TI store discount!

So remember to always bring in new guests, keep your current members engaged, and reach out to members – and former members – whose interest may be lagging. And check out the D86 Marketing Page for tools and information!