Here are some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) that we hope you find useful.

What does TLI stand for?
Toastmasters Leadership Institute.

What's the difference between Makeup-Up Training and Supplemental Training?
Nothing. The District used to have all Division-sponsored training after TLI was completed.  So we called it Make-Up Training. However, sometimes we now have it between the TLI Sessions. Therefore, we also call it Supplemental Training to more accurately reflect what it is.

What's the difference between TLI and (Division) Supplemental Training?
District sponsored TLI training has trainers who are either District officers or who are well recognized as experts throughout the District. District-sponsored TLI training is usually on Friday or Saturdays. There are usually 6 -7 officer classes during the first two hours, followed by several 1-2 hour electives. Details are arranged by and publicized by the TLI Chair.

Supplemental Training is usually sponsored by a Division and trainers are selected by the Division Governor (or someone on the Division Governor's staff). They may be any time. Frequently, they are either on a week-night or occur over 2 days with 2 1-hour lunch-time sessions. Details are arranged by and publicized by the Division Governor or whoever is sponsoring the Make-Up session.

How much does it cost?
It's free! Although you might want to look at the next item, the Toastmaster Bookstore

What's the Toastmaster Bookstore? Can I use a credit card or check?
At the Toastmaster bookstore you can buy many of the books, manuals, and supplies from the Toastmasters Supply Catalog. Or you can just browse to see what the items look like. The bookstore is usually at the District 25 TLI sessions and the conferences. It is not usually at any other function, nor should you expect to buy items at other times. The bookstore takes cash, checks and Toastmasters' official gift certificates. It does not take credit cards.

What are the prerequisites?
None!

Who can go?
Anyone. You don't have to be an officer to attend. In fact, if you are thinking about becoming an officer in the future, go to some of the officer sessions to see which officer you'd like to be. Or just go to the electives to help you improve your Communication or Leadership skills. Also, sometimes there are sessions on Effective Evaluations or Table Topics.

Do I have to go to more than one session?
Each session stands on its own. Most people go to one day at the summer TLI and one day at the winter TLI. Sometimes Make-Up Training is scheduled in 1-hour blocks. In that case, you'd go to 2 1-hour blocks.

What if I am an officer in two different clubs?
If you are a different officer in each club then you need to attend training for each office or attend Advanced Officer Training (when offered).  If you're the same officer in both clubs, you need to only attend on session. However you need to register for both clubs so you get credit for each club.

What if I am two officers in one club?
If you're Secretary/Treasurer of one club, then going to either Secretary/Treasurer training satisfies the requirement. For all other officer positions, you will have to go to 2 separate classes.

I'm VP Membership for the 3rd year in a row. Do I still have to go to training?
Yes. Of course, you might get different ideas at this training session. And you can provide additional insights to the newer members at the training session.

Of course next July it might be time for you to let another member have an opportunity to grow by taking on your office. And maybe you can take the opportunity to grow at the same time by mentoring your successor, becoming a different club officer, or even becoming a district officer.

Do I have to go the particular class for which I'm an officer?
Sometimes :-)

Although it is advisable to go to core officers training for each officer position you hold, it may be possible to substitute an elective. Talk to the TLI Chair or LGET for a final decision.

Reasons to go to core training instead of substituting an elective:

    * Although you've been to training before, your perspective may help out other attendees.
    * You probably won't "absorb" all the material presented the first time, second time, or even the 10th time you hear the material.
    * Repetition is key in learning.
    * You may gain a fresh perspective from a different teacher or the other attendees.
    * Because you know more now than you did the last time you took the class, you may get more out of this training session.

Reasons to substitute an elective:

    * You've been to the same training many times before (maybe even taught it).
    * You are being trained in a core officer class in the morning, can stay later for an elective, but can't come to a second date.

I was trained in the summer. Do I have to go in the winter?
For your club to get credit for the Club DCP (Distinguished Club Plan), 4 officers must be trained in the summer and 4 officers must be trained in the winter. For the Super 7 award, all 7 officers must be trained in both the summer and winter.

In addition, summer training is often different from winter training. In the summer, the focus is on the start of the year and learning the basics. In the winter, the emphasis may be more on lessons learned during the past 6 months and solving problems that have arisen in the last six months.

Also, the question above has more reasons to go both in the summer and winter.

Finally, you've got 6 months of experience in the office. You've likely got a completely different set of questions to ask than you did at the beginning of the year.

Do I have to attend the electives?
No. Although, you'll get a lot out of both the officer training and the electives, there is no requirement to attend the electives.

Only 4 officers from my club have to go, right?
To get credit for the Club's DCP (Distinguished Club Plan), only four officers need to be trained. However, to ensure the best functioning of the club, it's beneficial for all officers to be trained. Also, it helps the club when non-officers get trained so that they can serve on committees, be prepared to take on an officer role in the future, or take electives that help improve their leadership or communications skills.

Do we get extra credit if all 7 officers get trained?
When all 7 officers are trained in each summer and winter session, the Club receives the Super 7 Award for each session.

What if I can't make it on any Saturday (or on any of the TLI dates)?
There is Supplemental (Make-Up) training provided (usually by Divisions on non-Saturdays). Also, Districts 50 and 55 provide training on other dates that you can attend.
See the next question for further information.

District 50's or District 55's Training is more convenient. Can I attend there instead?
Definitely. When you go, make sure they know you're from District 25. Get written confirmation from them that you attended. They will notify your District's Lieutenant Governor Education to give you credit. Check the District 50 or District 55 websites for their TLI sessions. You will receive credit just as if you had attended our own TLI session. Since District 50 includes many parts of Dallas County, you may find their training locations and dates particularly useful.

I'm not an officer. Why would I want to go?
If you're thinking about becoming an officer in the future, you can attend different officer training classes to help you decide which position you'd like to become.

The electives can you build your communication or leadership skills in general.

You can learn how to help out on a committee by attending an officer's training class.

You can attend electives on Evaluation or Table Topics to help you improve your skills in those areas.

I didn't pre-register in time. What do I do?
Unless there is something that says that Pre-Registration is required for the session, just show up.   Keep in mind that pre-registering ensures that enough session materials and refreshments are available for all of our members.  Also, look carefully at the flier for that particular session and at the synopsis for that session on the website to make sure that there aren't security procedures in place that would require you to pre-register.

Do I need to pre-register for TLI?
See the previous question.

Do I need to pre-register for Make-Up Training?
See the previous 2 questions.

How do I know if I got credit?
On the main TLI page, there will be a link to a summer or winter spreadsheet. Scroll down to your Club Number. If you're not listed, look at the top of the spreadsheet to see when the spreadsheet was last updated and what sessions it includes. If you're not listed, but believe the spreadsheet should have included you, contact the TLI Chair.

I attended but didn't get credit. What should I do?
See the previous question.

What should I bring?
If you're an officer and attending your officer training, it would be helpful to bring your manual. District 25 has been known to reward officers that bring their manuals to class.  If you haven't received it, your previous President should have it.  If they do not have the manuals sent in May, contact the LGET so a set can be shipped to the club.

Also, if you want to shop at the bookstore, bring cash or checks because the District does not currently accept credit cards.