What is the Youth Leadership Program?
The Youth Leadership Program is designed to help young people develop effective communication skills, leadership skills and self-confidence. Participants are typically under 18 years old.
How much does it cost for the participants?
There is no fee to participants. The sponsoring club provides all materials; such as the Participant’s Handbook.
What is the incentive for parents of the participants or the community at large?
The Youth Leadership Program gives parents an opportunity to provide their children the skills to meet the challenges in school and professional life. The program fosters growth and teaches valuable skills necessary to become tomorrow’s leaders in industry and in the community.
Who can coordinate a Youth Leadership program?
Any experienced toastmaster that has completed six or more projects in the Competent Communication manual may conduct a Youth Leadership Program. The program must be approved and sponsored by your Toastmaster club. The club President appoints a program coordinator who, in turn, may appoint an assistant.
What is the benefit to the Youth Leadership Program coordinator?
The coordinator will enjoy time with the young leaders of tomorrow, learn and develop teaching skills and receive credit towards their Advanced Communicator Gold (ACG) award. By sponsoring and coordinating a program, clubs and coordinators promote Toastmasters in the community.
Where do you find participants?
There are many sources to find young people: local civic clubs such as YMCA, religious groups, schools and the community at large. Each program should have a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 25 participants. The ideal number is 15 to 20 participants.
What is the content of the program?
The program consists of eight sessions with each session lasting about 1–2 hours. Participants learn to prepare an organized speech, present ideas logically, listen effectively, evaluate what they have heard, offer advice and to conduct effective business meetings. Activities taking place in the eight sessions include the following:
- Evaluation of present speaking ability
- Discussion of chairmanship principles
- Presentation of speeches
- Impromptu talks
- Group evaluation
- Discussion of speech organization
- Discussion and practice in listening
- Discussion of gestures in speaking
- Discussion of voice and vocabulary
- Exercise in chairmanship
Where can I find help?
Notify the Founder’s District Youth Leadership chair if you are coordinating a program.
We’ll be pleased to monitor your progress and provide assistance if needed.