District 71 Northern UK & Ireland

We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders

Toastmasters UK North & Ireland

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Date/Time
Date(s) - 16/07/2021
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm


In accordance with Toastmasters International requirements, the District 71 Executive Committee met on Friday, 16th July 2021 to discuss whether speech contests at the Area, Division and District level should be held in-person or online for the Toastmasters year 2021-22.

The District Executive Committee includes all Area Directors, Division Directors and members of the District Leadership Team. The Committee was keen to ensure that all of our members could get the most out of their Toastmasters experience, whilst also considering the need to protect health and well-being of our members and the wider community.

Following a discussion in which arguments were presented for each option, the Committee voted. The decision was that District contests will be held online in the 2021-22 Toastmasters year.

This means that all Area, Division and District speech contests will be held using an online format, in accordance with the speech contest rule book and any additional guidance that Toastmasters International provides for online speech contests.

Club contests may be conducted either online or in-person. Individual clubs should make this decision in line with the wishes and best interests of their members.

Minutes

The draft minutes of the meeting (subject to approval by the District Executive Committee) are provided here:

District 71 DEC Meeting Minutes – 16 July 2021 – Draft

 

Elizabeth Jordan
Elizabeth Jordan, DTM, Club Growth Director

Elizabeth Jordan, Club Growth Director

Many clubs experience a loss in membership at September renewals as existing members leave the club for lots of different reasons. This incentive rewards clubs which renew 80% or more of their membership base at 30th June 2021. Having a good base of experienced members is important to offer mentoring to new members and stability to the club. 

It’s a good idea to follow up with members who do not renew to help club officers to understand the reason for not renewing and to extend an invite to rejoin at a future stage. They may be happy to stay on the club’s email list with this in mind.

James Finnegan

James Finnegan, Public Relations Manager

Good PR attracts new guests, invites discussion and improves the reputation of the Club and Toastmasters generally.

Elizabeth Jordan
Elizabeth Jordan, DTM, Club Growth Director

Elizabeth Jordan, Club Growth Director

Many clubs experience a loss in membership at September renewals as existing members leave the club for lots of different reasons. Recruiting in the early months helps to maintain the membership based upon the number of members at 30 June.

Maintaining a healthy membership number (25+) gives the club a much better opportunity to hold quality meetings with enough members to avoid double roles. Quality club meetings attract new members. Healthy club growth is an important part of Club Success.