District Recognition Program FAQ

A qualifying requirement is a prerequisite or prior condition for participation in the program.

For example, to participate in the Distinguished Area Program, an area must submit the Area Directors’s Club Visit Report for 75 percent of its club base for the first round of club visits by November 30, and for 75 percent of its club base for the second round of visits by May 31.

• Submission of the District Success Plan by September 30
• At least 85% of Division and Area Directors Trained
• Submission of the District Market Analysis Plan by September 30
• Submission of the District Communication Plan by September 30
• A minimum of two (2) meetings between the District and their Region Advisor by May 31

The District Director, Program Quality Director, or Club Growth Director can request the District’s previous year’s plan(s) by emailing the District Growth and Support team at districts@toastmasters.org.

A club must have at least eight members to be considered in good standing or paid. Of the eight (8) members, at least three (3) must be renewing from the most recent renewal cycle.

Yes, a club base may be revised any time during the year to reflect clubs that pay their April dues renewals from the prior program year after July 1.

For example, District 99 has 100 clubs on July 1, 2025. On September 15, 2025, two clubs in the district submit their April 2025 dues. As a result, District 99’s club base increases to 102.

Yes, dues-renewal payments received after July 1 for the previous program year are counted in the membership payments base. Therefore, the membership payments base may be revised at any time during the year to reflect late membership payments for the previous program year.

For example, District 99 has a membership payment base of 1,000 on July 1, 2025. On September 15, 2025, 50 members in the District submit their April 2025 dues. As a result, District 99’s membership payment base increases to 1,050.

Their membership payment applies toward the 2025–2026 program year Distinguished Performance Reports dashboard. A membership payment base may be revised at any time during the year to reflect late membership payments for the previous program year.

Transfer members’ payments count toward the clubs from which they transfer. Payments to members’ original clubs are not transferred to their new clubs. The same is true when members transfer from one District to another.

For the submission of materials to count toward Distinguished recognition, materials must be received by World Headquarters by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the due date, regardless of when it was sent. This means that material that arrives after 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the due date does not count toward Distinguished recognition even if it is postmarked before that time.

Net club loss occurs when the total number of paid clubs in the area at year-end (June 30) falls below the base amount. Clubs that pay April dues after year-end are not counted for that year. If the Area anticipates a net club loss, the Area must organize a new club to prevent a net club loss.

Twice: Area Directors must submit the their Area Visit Report to achieve 75 percent of their club base submissions for first-round visits by November 30, and for 75 percent of their club base for second-round visits by May 31.

While the Area Success Plan isn’t a qualifying requirement for the Distinguished Area Program and is not submitted to World Headquarters, it’s an important tool in meeting the Area’s annual and long-term goals and should be shared with other District leaders.

Net club loss occurs when the total number of paid clubs in the Division at year-end (June 30) falls below the club base amount. Clubs that pay April dues after year-end are not counted for that year. If the Division anticipates a net club loss, it must organize a new club before year-end.

While the Division Success Plan isn’t a qualifying requirement for the Distinguished Division Program and is not submitted to World Headquarters, it’s an important tool in meeting the Division’s annual and long-term goals and should be shared with other District leaders.

Net club growth occurs when the total number of paid clubs in the District at year-end (June 30) is greater than the base amount. Clubs that pay April dues after year-end are not counted for that year. If the District expects to experience a net club loss, it should work toward surpassing the loss by building a new club before year-end to avoid experiencing a net club loss.

To be considered for recognition, Districts must submit the District Success Plan through District Central by September 30.

Ultimately, the District Director is responsible for ensuring that the District Success Plan is submitted by September 30. However, the District leadership team works together on the plan, and it may also be submitted by either the Program Quality Director or Club Growth Director

To be considered for recognition, Districts must submit the Division and Area Director Training through District Central by September 30 showing that 85 percent of Division and Area Directors were trained.

Ultimately, the District Director is responsible for ensuring that all items are submitted by September 30. However, because of the requirements for the Excellence in Education and Training Award, the Program Quality Director often submits the report.