Toastmasters Clubs meet in thousands of communities -- and corporate conference rooms --  in more than 80 countries around the world. Each year new groups organize and start new  clubs worldly places like Sarawak, Malaysia; Kilrush, Ireland; Los Angeles, California and more locally, Fort Worth, TX.

Some are organized by experienced Toastmasters, while others are organized by  people completely new to the organization. So don't be intimidated! If you're interested enough to read this page, you're probably interested enough to start a new Toastmasters Club (or simply, to get involved).

The steps outlined here will focus your efforts toward meeting the requirements for your Advanced Leader recognition.

Step One
To build or to support/participate in building a new Club, request a new club information kit from David McCallister - Lieutenant Governor Marketing

While waiting for your own "new club information kit," take a moment to read "How To Build A Toastmasters Club: A Step-by-step Guide." This 70-page manual or on-line guide will help you from start to finish.  It offers information on the type of club to form, how to promote it, how to effectively demonstrate the Toastmasters educational program, how to complete the formation process and submit the charter paperwork to Toastmasters International, and how to help the club in its first months of operation after it charters.

Step Two

Someone from the District Marketing team will contact you to discuss your request and to begin the process.  They will work with you to help you advertise the proposed club to the prospective members (community, company, etc.).  Once enough people have expressed interest (around 20), a demonstration meeting will be scheduled.

Step Three

The District's Club Demo Chair will work with the club contacts to set up a demonstration meeting that will illustrate how the club will operate and to see if there is sufficient interest to start a club.

Step Four

The club contacts will work with prospective members to reach the minimum required number of members.  This is required before the club can be chartered.  The club contacts will collect initial dues and fees.  Once the minimum number is attained the chartering process can continue.  See "What's the Fine Print?" below for minimum membership and dues/fees structure.

Step Five

The District will work to identify club sponsors and mentors.  The sponsor(s) will work with the club contacts to support the chartering and initial start up.  The mentor(s) will work with the club for 6 months or more to ensure the club has a strong beginning and to guide the club through the various aspects of the program.  The charter members of the club will elect club officers.

What's the Fine Print?

A new Toastmasters club must have a minimum of 20 members. In addition to a $125.00 Charter Fee, the costs of starting a new club are as follows: All new members pay a one-time new member fee of $20.00 (Transfer, dual, or reinstated members need not pay this fee), and all members of the new club pay six months' advance dues of $27.00. Each club may also choose to assess local chapter dues for each member to cover additional costs, i.e., club banner, awards, refreshments, etc.

Club Charter Fee: $125
New-Member Fee: $20  (one time fee, pays for initial manuals)
Dues: $27, payable every six months

For more information about club chartering, please contact the Lieutenant Governor of Marketing.