Recruiting new members and retaining existing members are important for maintaining a healthy club. Most members of Toastmasters joined a club because someone invited them to a meeting. Founder's District applauds the clubs whose members have taken the initiative to give others the same opportunity to learn and grow that someone else once offered to them.

Each year, Toastmasters International (TI) sponsors three membership building contests:

• The Smedley Award
• Talk Up Toastmasters, and
• Beat the Clock

Divisions may use the results from these awards to recognize individuals and clubs for their contributions to membership growth.

Read more for details about each of these contests.

The Smedley Award

August 1 – September 30

On October 22, 1924, Ralph Smedley invited a few men to meet in the Santa Ana, California YMCA where he conducted the first meeting of what would eventually evolve into Toastmasters International (TI). In his honor, can your club add five new, dual, or reinstated members between August 1 and September 30? By doing so, your club will receive:

• A "Smedley Award" ribbon to display on your club’s banner
• A special discount code for 10% off your next club order at the TI Store
• A $10 credit at the District Store at the Fall District Conference

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.

Tips for Achieving the Smedley Award

• Encourage your club’s members to invite guests to your club’s meetings
• Conduct a special meeting such as an Open House potluck
• Sponsor a Speechcraft session
• Work with your club VP of Public Relations to run a club marketing campaign
• Have members share how they personally benefitted from the Toastmasters program
• Invite guest speakers to speak on topics of interest to the community
• Include a networking time before or after the meeting

Talk Up Toastmasters

February 1 – March 31

Toastmasters love to talk!  So take advantage of it during the "Talk Up Toastmasters!" membership contest. Encourage your members to invite guests to a special meeting focusing attention on Toastmasters' many benefits. Consider holding an Open House or organize a Speechcraft program for the local community.

Add five new, dual or reinstated members to your club’s roster between February 1 and March 31 and receive a special "Talk up Toastmasters!" ribbon to display on your club’s banner.  Membership applications and payment must be received at World Headquarters no later than March 31.  Transfer and charter members do not qualify for credit.

In addition to the ribbon, qualifying clubs will also earn a special discount code for 10% off their next club order.

Beat The Clock 

 May 1 – June 30

• Membership Building Awards 2009-2010
• Membership Building Awards 2008-2009
• Membership Building Awards 2007-2008