Clubs can be corporate sponsored or non-sponsored community clubs. Sponsors identify club leads, partner with the Club Extension chair to conduct demonstration meetings, support the club through their start activities, and assist with completion of their charter application.

A club mentor is an experienced member of Toastmasters who helps a newly chartered clubs establish their meeting routines and leadership teams. Mentors commit to attending all club meetings for the first six months as a new club. Mentors ensure club members understand Toastmasters International and District 3 operational expectations as outlined in the Club Constitution and assist club leaders in learning how to lead as the club executive team. At the conclusion of their six month commitment, the mentor has the option to join the club, continue as a resource or contact for the club, or move on to other leadership roles.

A club coach is an experienced member of Toastmasters who helps low-roster clubs rebuild membership and re-establish their ability to meet the annual club performance goals of the Distinguished Club Program. Coaches attend meetings, strategize with the club executive team on rebuilding efforts, and rebuild quality meeting standards. Coaching terms last through the Toastmasters term (July 1 to June 30 annually), but may continue through a second Toastmasters term if needed. The coach assignment is successfully completed when the club achieves Distinguished or higher status for the Toastmasters term.

If you’re interested in serving as a club sponsor, mentor or coach, please contact the team listed above. Training dates and details will be posted in the District event calendar.

• Build rapport with club leaders and members
• Instill enthusiasm, camaraderie and structure within the club
• Assess the club environment and recommend best practices for success
• Work with club leaders to develop a Club Success Plan
• Encourage the club to strive for Distinguished Club Program recognition

A club will likely be struggling and could benefit from a coach if:

• The club has 12 members or less
• Members are not regularly attending meetings
• There are no guests coming to meetings or joining the club
• Members are not giving project speeches for credit
• Members are not earning educational and leadership awards
• The club is having problems meeting Distinguished Club Program goals

• The club must have at least one but no more than 12 paid members at the time of appointment
• The club must not be suspended or closed

An eligible club can have up to two coaches appointed at one time, so long as they are appointed when the club meets all eligibility requirements.

Any member in good standing can be appointed to coach an eligible club; however, Toastmasters experience may be taken into consideration before a coach is assigned.

Coaching a club, and seeing it through to success as Distinguished, is an extremely rewarding Toastmasters experience. Coaching a struggling club is your opportunity to:

• Develop team-building skills
• Further develop servant leadership skills
• Increase proficiency as a facilitator and negotiator
• Develop diplomacy skills
• Share expertise
• Invest in the future of Toastmasters
• Earn credit toward becoming a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)
• Earn credit for one year of service as a District Officer when the coach successfully assists in helping the club reach Distinguished or better status by June 30 end of term.

How long does a Club Coach Appointment last?

• Have served a club for at least six months
• Have not joined the club during their appointment
• Have completed and submitted the required forms:
• The Club Coach Preliminary Report within 30 days of appointment
• The Club Coach Progress Report every 60 days
• The Club Coach Final Report after their appointment has ended
• The coached club must achieve Distinguished or better status by the subsequent June 30, following the six-month term of the club coach.
• The Club President (or officer delegate) of the coached club has notified World Headquarters, in writing, of successful completion by the club coach.

Note: For a Club Coach to earn an additional education credit toward a District leader role, the coached club must also have 20 or more paid members.

Do not wait until your club is falling apart or suspended to request a coach (or two)! The club president should contact the Club Assist Chair or Club Growth Director as soon as your membership numbers drop below 12.