When a club is focused on its product (ie, the meeting), it significantly increases the chance of members seeing value from their membership, and increasing attendance.

If members don’t know, they won’t go. All meetings should be planned in advance to ensure all members are engaged and equitably given roles, and to plan progress for educational achievements and DCP Success. 

Agendas should look professional and attractive. The design of a document is too often overlooked, but if the agenda looks professional, guests are more likely to visit, and if members are proud of their club’s agenda, they are much more likely to invite their friends. 

We hold contests for 1 or 2 meetings per year. Which means we’re never super practised and polished. However, like all meetings, contests are an opportunity to provide an empowering and inclusive event that builds enjoyment in the club and adds variety to the year. 

At times, a year of the VP Education role can move by slowly. But, ~24 meetings can pass by quickly if not prepared in advance. The block plan forecasts each meeting strategically for at least the current year. 

Toastmasters is an education organisation. And the education program is Pathways. Every member should be enrolled in a path, be able to find their way to their next project, and mark completed projects as such. 

Whenever a member completes a level, we celebrate by promptly approving and publicly recognising that achievement. It’s important for self-confidence and member retention. Also, recognising outside achievement!

The club has a system that can be applied by any reasonably experienced member to onboard a new member. It covers what to expect of the club, the responsibilities of each member, and the pathway through learning speaking and leadership skills. It does not offer all the information at once, but lasts around six months.