August 2025 Leader Letter

There's Still Time: Envision It! — Get on board with the thrills, the wisdom, and the memories to be made at the main event of the year. Registration for the 2025 International Convention in Philadelphia is available online through August 15 or onsite from August 19 through August 23. Can't make it in person? Register now for the online convention experience, which includes unlimited On Demand access.

Designate a Proxyholder — Make sure your club's voice is heard by designating a proxyholder to carry your club's votes for the 2025 Annual Business Meeting no later than August 15! This year, your club will vote for the International Officer and Director elections and the eight proposals. Ensure that your club's designated proxyholder will be able to attend the Annual Business Meeting, either onsite or online, on August 22 at 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)/Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -4. If you have any questions, review the Frequently Asked Questions or email proxyinfo@toastmasters.org.

Time to Start Planning — The 2025–2026 Distinguished Club Program has been updated! Submit your club's Club Success Plan in Club Central by September 30, 2025, to be eligible to earn Distinguished status or better. To learn more, review the Distinguished Club Program and Club Success Plan handbook or the Distinguished Club Program FAQs.

Collect Member Dues Soon — October 2025 renewals can now be submitted in Club Central. If your club is Self-Pay enabled, your members can alternatively submit their membership dues directly on their My Home page.

Replay Success Strategies — Did you miss July's webinar focused on practical strategies that engage current members and attract new ones? Watch the replay to get inspired!

Connect with More Prospects; Gain More Members — This guide will help you maximize tools for connecting with prospective members, and it includes communication templates. Make a goal to implement the guide's suggestions this month!

Set New Members Up for Success — Use the New Member Orientation PowerPoint to introduce Toastmasters International and the Pathways learning experience to new members.

Engage and Educate Your Guests! — Why Toastmasters? is an interactive page that includes information like how they will grow, the Toastmasters structure, and details on how to join a club.

New Year, Renewed Enthusiasm — Learn some tips and strategies to implement now to ensure you stay on track and keep your momentum going strong.

Stretch Your Leadership Skills! — Chairing a District conference offers the opportunity to gain important real-world experience. Read about how one member grew when she took on the role, then reach out to your District Director!

Are You Praising Well? — Team members who receive regular praise are happier, more loyal, and more collaborative. In fact, giving specific feedback is one of the best leadership tactics­ to reinforce behavior and boost motivation—as long as the recognition is given effectively. Discover some do’s and don’ts to ensure your praise is taken to heart.

Member Recharge — If you start to notice some members’ enthusiasm waning, take these steps to help them reignite the passion and stay focused on their goals…and involved in your club!

Add Members, Win an Award — When your club adds five new, reinstated, or dual members with a join date of August or September during the Smedley Award Program contest period, you'll earn a special ribbon to display on your club banner and a 10% discount on your next club order from the Toastmasters Online Store!

Who Will Advance from the Semifinals? — Get ready to cheer for the 2025 International Speech Contest semifinalists! During the Toastmasters International Convention, 28 contestants will compete in four semifinals for a chance to advance to the World Championship of Public Speaking®. Find out who is competing and view the full agenda for dates and times.

Refreshed Qualifying Requirements for the DCP — The new Distinguished Club Program Year is under way! Review the Distinguished Club Program Manual and the Distinguished Club Program FAQ for a complete breakdown of the newly updated membership requirements for club recognition.

Submitting Payments — The preferred method of payment to Toastmasters International is by credit card. International money orders are not accepted, even if they are in USD. If your club has submitted payment by wire transfer and has not received communication from World Headquarters, email the confirmation of the wire transfer (commonly called the SWIFT Receipt) to financequestions@toastmasters.org. The Finance Team will ensure that the funds are allocated to your club for the purpose of renewing your members.

Congratulations, Club Coaches! — We applaud all the club coaches who were successful for the 2024–2025 program year. If your second program year as a coach has expired and you were not able to complete the task, you could be reappointed! For reappointment, ask your District Director or Club Growth Director to submit a request to World Headquarters before September 30, 2025.

Where to Find Evaluation Resources — Evaluation resources are available either when launching a project on Base Camp or in the Tutorials and Resources section. The English version of these valuable resources can also be found in the Resource Library—no login required!

Get Credit for Your Club Support Role — To get credit for being a club sponsor, mentor, or coach, it must be listed as “Complete” within your profile on toastmasters.org.

No Longer Available: Video & Photo Release Form — Legal permissions need to be granted directly to the club or District that videos and/or photos are being submitted to. Review local regulations to collect express permission in writing.