The Toastmasters program is for everyone 18 years of age or older. Our members are from a variety of occupations and backgrounds. They include doctors, auto mechanics, executives, teachers, homemakers, artists, college students, supervisors, attorneys, engineers and salespersons. Because you work closely with people whose daily lives are different from your own, you become aware of the community in which you live, and you are exposed to different ideas and opinions.
Joining a Toastmasters Club is easy. With more than 8,000 Clubs around the world, there is sure to be one near you. You don't need a personal invitation to join. Many Clubs are listed with their local Chamber of Commerce, can be located by writing to Toastmasters International, or check the Clubs in Your Area page at the Toastmasters International Home Page. After you receive a listing, simply select the Club or Clubs which are most convenient for you and attend a meeting. You will be made to feel welcome. If there is no Club near you, you can form one with permission and assistance from Toastmasters International. Approximately fifty percent of the new Toastmasters Clubs in the last five years have been organized as in-house company Clubs. Many companies choose to sponsor an in-house Toastmasters Club as a way to provide high quality cost-effective communication training.
Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. The first Toastmasters Club was established on October 22, 1924, in Santa Ana, California, by the man who conceived and developed the idea of helping others to speak more effectively, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley. More Clubs were formed, and Toastmasters International was incorporated under California law on December 19, 1932.
Toastmasters International's business and services are administered by World Headquarters, located in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. It employs no paid promoters or instructors. It has no salaried staff except the Executive Director and World Headquarters staff, who provide services to the Clubs and Districts.
Copyright: Toastmasters International
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