Coaching A Club

If you are reading this, you are either already committed to helping a club rebuild, or you are thinking about it. This page is intended as a place for information on the process of rebuilding a Toastmasters Club.

Why Do Toastmasters Clubs Need To Be Rebuilt?

Good question! And the answer varies. But, suffice it to say that for one reason or another, a club has fallen into a slump in their membership numbers. Clubs that lose members can fall into a state where they are unable to put on a quality meeting which compounds the issue because guests who attend for whatever reason do not come back because the product they see does not appeal to them.

What is the Role of a Coach?

The club coach is a Toastmaster who is not a member of the club and not (yet) familiar with the club or its members. This perspective allows the coach to objectively view the club. The coach is a counselor, a source of knowledge and a fountain of ideas. To be successful as a coach you will need all of your speaking, thinking and listening skills – as well as hard work, determination and patience.

The following is a summary of what a coach would provide:

Build a rapport with the club’s leaders and members.
Assess the environment … observe, analyze, and recommend solutions.
Develop a plan with goals for improvement.
Implement the plan and ensure that the changes are performed by the officers and members as much
as possible.
Instill enthusiasm, loyalty, and a sense of responsibility for the club’s future.

These simple statements quickly summarize a large amount of time and dedication.

What are the requirements?

A club coach is appointed by the district director or club growth director to assist a club that is experiencing difficulties building and maintaining membership. The coach’s goal is to help the club become a Distinguished Club. Up to two coaches may be appointed to each club. The appointment lasts to June 30 of the current club year if the club becomes a Distinguished Club or better by that date, or to June 30 of the following year if Distinguished Club recognition or better is not reached in the current club year.

The coach may not be a member of the club at the time of appointment, but may join the club after being assigned. The club must have 12 or fewer individuals who have paid for membership at the time of the appointment.

What’s In It For Me As A Coach?

A coach receives a pin upon assignment and a certificate upon successful completion of the assignment. A successful coach also receives credit toward the Advanced Leader Silver award. But more than that, you get the experience of successfully coaching a group back to health. This experience helps you to develop your skills as a counsellor and facilitator. These are skills that could be transferred directly to other aspects of your life.

Resources for Coaches

How to Rebuild A Toastmasters Club – Publication from Toastmasters International that highlights the activities involved in rebuilding a Toastmasters Club.
How to Rebuild A Toastmasters Club – Webinar from District 99 on the steps involved in becoming a successful coach.
Coaching Program Flyer – Flyer on the coaching program.
First Class Club Coach – Educational on how to be a first class coach.

If you are interested in coaching, please email and someone will contact you about getting involved.

Club Coaches Corner