October 2023 Leader Letter

Restart the Convention Adventure! — The 2023 International Convention opened a paradise of possibilities—still waiting to be explored through On Demand. If you purchased an in-person ticket or All-Access Pass, you have limited access to revisit and replay through October 25, 2023, by simply logging in. Everyone can enjoy unlimited access to inspiring sessions and thrilling highlights by purchasing On Demand for only $75 USD.

Once in a Lifetime — Next August, the 2024 International Convention is your chance to gather with Toastmasters worldwide in centennial celebration! Take a trip to Southern California where it all began 100 years ago. Come to learn, connect, and take part in the most dazzling communication event on the planet. Register now through November 27, 2023, and you will receive $100 USD off the regular convention rate, currently reduced to $625 USD.

Talking Toastmasters Replay — Did you miss the engaging discussion with International President Morag Mathieson, DTM, and Immediate Past International President Matt Kinsey, DTM? Hear their thoughts and responses to member-submitted questions in this exclusive Toastmasters webinar.

Tune In! Think Faster, Talk Smarter in the Moment — Listen to this episode of The Toastmasters Podcast with communication expert Matt Abrahams (you may have watched his session at the 2023 International Convention). He shares tips and suggestions for how to speak on the spot.

October Dues Still Accepted Online — Join the Toastmasters membership movement and watch/share this inspiring video; you can still submit dues payments online to keep your club and members in good standing! Log in to Club Central to submit dues and renew. If you need assistance, please contact the Club Quality and Member Support team at renewals@toastmasters.org or call +1 720-439-5050 from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday–Friday. Review the Renewal Dues FAQ for additional support.

Paying Annual Dues — Dues for both the current and one future renewal period now automatically appear online in Club Central for club officers to pay at their convenience; keep in mind, dues are nonrefundable. Also note, when paying multiple dues online, renewal payments will be processed as separate transactions. If you have questions, contact Club Quality and Member Support at renewals@toastmasters.org or call +1 720-439-5050, ext. 1402, from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday–Friday.

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes — Did you know that the meeting minutes for the Board of Directors are available on the Toastmasters International website? Explore the dropdowns on the Meeting Minutes page to read about recent discussions and decisions. Check back throughout the year; the page is updated regularly.

Digital Guest Packet — Now that many clubs are meeting online and hosting guests, the need for good follow-up has increased. The “Why Toastmasters?” webpage is a great link to include in your email to a guest after they visit your club. There, potential members will find the same information found in the Guest Packet, including Toastmasters' structure, how members can grow, and details on how to join a club.

Evaluation Resources — Did you know that all the evaluation resources are located on toastmasters.org and through Base Camp? Members have multiple ways to access the evaluation resources needed to complete their projects in the education program. They can be found when launching a project or in the Tutorials and Resources section on Base Camp in all languages. The English version of these valuable resources can also be found in the Resource Library on the Toastmasters website with just the name of the project—no login required!

Invocations and Pledges — Invocations and pledges are popular ways to open club meetings with an inspirational message. They are usually one or two minutes in length, delivered by a designated club member, and are entirely optional. If your club chooses to open a meeting with an invocation or pledge, always take care to respect the diversity of club members and visitors. More information on this topic can be found on the Invocations, Pledges, and Controversial Topics page.

Meeting Minutes — One of the main responsibilities of the Club Secretary is to record the meeting minutes. Templates and examples are available online for club meetings and Club Executive meetings. Also available are branded letterhead options.

Using Club Funds — Clubs with available club funds can use this money to support the club by purchasing materials, paying for the meeting space, purchasing refreshments, and more. Additional information can be found on the Use of Club Funds page. You can also contact clubquality@toastmasters.org with any questions.

Advance Your Career Through Self-Leadership — You're often learning how to lead others—but do you know how to lead yourself? Learn three key components of self-leadership to achieve your personal and professional goals.

The Power of Influence — Even if you're not the boss of your company or the leader of your club, you still want people to listen to what you have to say. Discover how getting others on your side can boost your position at work or in your club.

Is Coaching Your Calling? — If it lights a fire inside of you to help others achieve great success, then coaching might be for you. And if you genuinely enjoy helping people unleash their fullest potential, chances are you'll make an exceptional coach.

Looking for Your Renewals? — Has your club submitted information for members to be renewed that is still not reflecting on your club's roster? If your club has submitted payment by wire transfer, this may be the reason for the delay. Please email the wire transfer confirmation (commonly called the SWIFT Receipt) to the Finance Team at financequestions@toastmasters.org. They will ensure that the funds are allocated to your club to renew members from the list and applications needed. During the increased volume for the renewal period, please send only one communication regarding confirmation for the wire transfer.

Smedley Award 2023 — Contest submissions for the Smedley Award have ended. Please be advised that all notifications regarding clubs that have earned the award will not be posted until late October, due to month-end closing. For more information about the month-end closing dates and their impact on reporting, please refer to the Month-End Closing Dates page.

Submitting Payments — The preferred method of payment to Toastmasters International is by credit card; international money orders are not accepted, even 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 the Finance Team at financequestions@toastmasters.org. They will ensure that the funds are allocated to your club for the purpose of renewing your members.

Need Help Logging In? — If you or a club member has difficulty logging in, use the Forgot Password feature, which sends an email prompting the user to create a new password. If a member needs to reset their password each time they log in, this may be because their contact email address and username aren't synced. Luckily, this is an easy fix! Have the member log in to toastmasters.org, go to their profile, click “Edit contact information and privacy,” and then click “Sync my logins." If that doesn't resolve the issue, email membership@toastmasters.org.