from Toastmasters International
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is exactly what is says it is. It’s a regulation passed by the European Union in 2016 and put into force May 25, 2018. It is a comprehensive package designed to protect the personal information of individuals. Because Toastmasters International is an international organization, they too must comply with this regulation. Although it is primarily directed at European residents, it will indirectly affect us in the US as well.
If you have not already received some type of notice to update your privacy settings on the TI website, you will. The next time you login to the TI website, you will get a pop-up that provides 4 questions. You have a choice of “Yes” or “No” to each of these questions. Please read each one before you simply choose an answer. Your answer could potentially affect several things concerning your Toastmasters experience.
Below are the questions you will see. They are actually fairly simple, but it is still important to read each one carefully and consider the potential ramifications of a “yes” or “no” answer.
EMAIL
Would you like to receive emails from Toastmasters World Headquarters with information tailored to your needs? By selecting “No” you will still receive communications related to your membership and the organization such as voting, region alignments, dues, and recognition. However, you may not receive other valuable information on events and programs such as the International Convention and Pathways learning experience updates.
No Yes Ramification: How much additional email you receive from TI that is NOT concerning your actual membership. You may not receive the district newsletter, and your email may not be on general information lists for district activities; contests, conferences, other special district events.
MAIL
Would you like to receive post mail from Toastmasters World Headquarters with information tailored to your needs? By selecting “No” you will still receive communications related to your membership and the organization such as voting, region alignments, dues, and recognition. However, you may not receive other valuable information on events and programs such as the International Convention and Pathways learning experience updates.
No Yes Ramification: How much additional snail mail you receive from TI that is NOT concerning your actual membership. District and club leaders may not have access to your physical mailing address for district contact.
PHONE
Would you like to receive calls from Toastmasters World Headquarters with information tailored to your needs? By selecting “No” you will still receive communications related to your membership and the organization, but you might not receive other valuable information.
No Yes Ramification: How many phone calls you receive from TI that are NOT concerning your actual membership or returns to calls that you initiated. District leaders may not be able to contact club members about important events and other information from the district.
REMOVAL OF YOUR NAME FROM REPORTS
Toastmasters International creates a number of reports for various purposes, including education tracking, which are used by club officers and district leaders. Member names are visible on these reports, but you have the right to be anonymous. Would you like to continue to have your name available on these reports?
No Yes Ramifications: If the answer is “No” your club officers and your District leaders will not be able to see the awards you have achieved. Your member number will show instead of your name.
What does all this really mean? It means you have a choice in how much or how little contact you want TI, and the District, to have with you. Where this really matters is at the district level and at the club level. If you have said “No” to all of the above, your email address may not be readily available to your club officers. Any awards you’ve earned cannot be easily recognized, because all that shows on the report is a member number. When D25 creates our awards programs, we may not know how many, or which awards you’ve earned, and will have no way to publicly recognize you.
That may be exactly what you want. That is fine. It is your choice. But, also know, that you can choose to say “Yes” to the final option and still stay “No” to all the others. You can choose any combination of yes/no answers to control what you receive and what you don’t. It is up to you.
If you would like more information on GDPR, visit the following website www.eugdpr.org. There is a copy of the regulation itself, and other good information included.
Your privacy is important to us. These options are for you to decide how you want your personal information handled. You can always change these settings in your Profile section on the TI website.
If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact District leadership, or you can contact TI directly. Address your concerns to membership@toastmasters.org and they’ll be happy to help you.
