June and July for Toastmasters International are a busy period of transition and preparation. The New Toastmaster year starts on July 1st. New Leadership, at all levels of the organization, take over the club, area, division, district and organization as a whole. And these transitions happen seamlessly. The guiding principle for all this change is the Brand Promise:
Empowering individuals through personal and professional development
In June new club officers are elected. It is so easy to expect someone else to step up and be a candidate for one of the roles. Have you ever considered that instead of “passing the bucket” grab it and run with it? Have you considered being a club officer?
Taking a club officer role is a great way to sharpen your leadership skills; it does not require any previous experience or membership length, and most importantly, you are developing those skills in a safe environment with mentors and a whole club to support you.
To make it a little easier, here a summary of the roles:
PRESIDENT
Sets the tone for the club gives supportive leadership for all of the club’s activities and assume responsibility for the progress and welfare of the club. Motivates, makes peace and facilitates as required. Steps in to make difficult decisions, consulting club members and officers. Is respectful.
The club president is the chief executive officer and is responsible for fulfilling the mission of the club.
VICE PRESIDENT EDUCATION
As an educational program, the VPE is the second most important role in the club. Thre VPE schedules members’ speeches, verifies completion of projects and answers questions about the education program, speech contests, and the club mentor program. The VPE is also in charge of the agenda and the educational awards. Sounds a bit too much? Leaders are great delegators!
VICE PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP
Promotes the club and manage the process of transforming guests into members. The VPM welcomes new guest and provides the information they need to join. The VPM monitors membership levels and processes the membership paperwork; and strategizes with the rest of the executive committee about how to overcome membership challenges when they occur.
VICE PRESIDENT PUBLIC RELATIONS
Promotes the club to the local community and notifies the media about the club’s existence and the benefits it provides. Part of the work is to update web content and use social media to promote the club, safeguarding the Toastmasters brand identity throughout.
SECRETARY
Maintains all club records, manages club files, handles club correspondence, and takes minutes at each club and executive committee meeting. Also in charge of updating and distributing a roster of the current paid membership and keeping the club officer list current for Toastmasters International.
TREASURER
Is the club’s accountant. Manages the club’s bank account, writing checks as approved by the executive committee and depositing membership dues payments and other club revenues. Also submits membership dues payments to World Headquarters (accompanied by the names of renewing members), filing necessary tax documents and keeping timely, accurate, up-to-date financial records for the club.
Treasurer’s duties are usually not the most demanding of all the club leadership positions, the consequences for members can be serious when they’re not completed accurately and on time.
SERGEANT AT ARMS
Keeps track of the club’s physical property: banner, lectern, timing device, and other meeting materials. Arrives early to prepare the meeting space and stays late to stow all of the club’s equipment. Also responsible for the meeting place itself, obtaining a new space when necessary and maintaining contact with the venue sponsor.
The sergeant at arms also plays a role during business meetings, speech contests, and other special club events.
Are you curious? Talk to one of the officers at the next meeting you attend.
This week we will have our elections and if you want to be a candidate for this year, attend the meeting and you can be nominated from the floor!
