Looking for some ideas on how to make the most of a club membership contest? These fun events can be a great way to build camaraderie and fellowship among existing members as well as attract new members to your club. Start with the Toastmasters International Guide: Attracting New Members to Your Club or the Membership Growth Manual for some ideas. During key membership building periods (outlined below) your club can earn discounts on Toastmasters merchandise as well as ribbons for your club banner.
Smedley Award
August 1 – September 30
It all began in 1924. Ralph Smedley invited a few men to meet in Santa Ana, California YMCA where he conducted the first meeting of what would eventually evolve into Toastmasters International. One person initiated a program that would go on to affect millions of people. In his honor, can your club add five new, dual, or reinstated members between August 1 and September 30? By doing so you’ll qualify to receive a “Smedley Award” ribbon to display on your club’s banner. Membership applications and payment for members who join between August 1 and September 30 must be received at World Headquarters or online no later than September 30. Each member’s join date as listed on the application must be no later than September. Transfer and charter members do not count for credit. In addition to the ribbon, qualifying clubs will also earn a special discount code for 10% off their next club order. Discount code expires six months from date of issue and is not valid with any other offer.
Talk Up Toastmasters
February 1 – March 31
Toastmasters love to talk! So take advantage of it. During the “Talk Up Toastmasters!” membership contest, you can encourage your members to invite guests to a special meeting where regular procedures are augmented by a discussion of Toastmasters’ many benefits. Add five new, dual or reinstated members to your roster between February 1 and March 31 to receive a special “Talk up Toastmasters!” ribbon to display on your club’s banner. Membership applications and payment for members who join between February 1 and March 31 must be received at World Headquarters or online no later than March 31. Each member’s join date as listed on the application must be no later than March. Transfer and charter members do not count for credit. In addition to the ribbon, qualifying clubs will also earn a special discount for 10% off their next club order. Discount code expires six months from date of issue and is not valid with any other offer.
Beat the Clock
May 1 – June 30
Toastmasters are taught to run meetings on time, finish speeches on time and make membership goals on time. “Beat the Clock” is about finishing the year on schedule – with a bang! Here’s a wonderful new club goal: Earn the “Beat the Clock” award! Plan a contest in your club to motivate every member to get involved. Clubs adding five new, dual or reinstated members during these two months receive a “Beat the Clock” ribbon to display on the club’s banner. Membership applications and payment for members who join between May 1 and June 30 must be received at World Headquarters or online no later than June 30. Each member’s join date as listed on the application must be no later than June. Transfer and charter members do not count for credit. In addition to the ribbon, qualifying clubs will also earn a special discount code for 10% off their next club order. Discount code expires six months from date of issue and is not valid with any other offer.
