The Toastmasters program is for everyone 18 years of age or older. Our
members are from a variety of occupations and backgrounds. They include
doctors, politicians, auto mechanics, executives, teachers, homemakers, artists,
college students, supervisors, attorneys, engineers and salespersons.
Because you work closely with people whose daily lives are different
from your own, you become aware of the community in which you live, and
you are exposed to different ideas and opinions.
Joining a Toastmasters Club is easy. With more than
10,000 Clubs around
the world, there is sure to be one near you. You don't need a personal
invitation to join. Many clubs are listed with their local Chamber of
Commerce, or can be located by referencing the Toastmasters "Clubs Locator".
Simply select the club or clubs which are
most convenient for you and attend a meeting. You will feel
welcomed. If there is no club near you, you can form one with permission
and assistance from Toastmasters International. Approximately fifty
percent of the new Toastmasters clubs in the last five years have been
organized as in-house company ("closed") clubs. Many companies choose to sponsor an
in-house Toastmasters club as a way to provide high quality
cost-effective communication training.
Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization governed by a
Board of Directors elected by the membership. The first Toastmasters
Club was established on October 22, 1924, in Santa Ana, California, by
the man who conceived and developed the idea of helping others to speak
more effectively, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley. More clubs were formed, and
Toastmasters International was incorporated under California law on
December 19, 1932.
Toastmasters International's business and services are administered by
World Headquarters, located in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. It
employs no paid promoters or instructors. It has no salaried staff
except the Executive Director and World Headquarters staff, who provide
services to the clubs and districts.
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