by Richard Hinckley
District 25’s strength has always come from its clubs. When clubs are healthy, members grow, leaders emerge, and the Toastmasters; mission thrives across the district. One of the most effective ways to support that strength is by serving as a Club Mentor.
Club Mentors are not simply advisors. They are stabilizers, encouragers, and strategic partners. They help newly chartered clubs navigate the critical first six months post-charter and help them establish habits for sustainable success.
Our newly chartered clubs are building momentum, but even a newly established club can face difficulties or transitions in leadership or membership. The presence of an experienced and engaged Club Mentor can ultimately make the difference between club decline and club renewal. Mentors directly support club quality and retention, club officer development, and the member experience. In turn, every strengthened club contributes to a stronger Area, Division, and District.
So, what’s the value to the Club Mentor? Serving as a Club Mentor allows experienced Toastmasters to hone their leadership skills in service to the district. Without formal authority, a mentor can influence outcomes through advising, observing, and collaborating. A mentor might suggest but doesn’t decide.
Mentors also gain exposure to a wide range of club dynamics and leadership styles. This broader view deepens understanding of what truly drives club success and helps each mentor become a more adaptable, insightful leader.
On top of all of that, Club Mentors earn recognition and credit toward their Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) requirements.
Club Mentoring is not a passive role. It requires patience when progress is slow, flexibility when plans change, and humility to guide without controlling. Mentors must remember that clubs own their outcomes. The mentor’s role is to empower officers, not to manage the club. While this can be challenging, it is also what makes the role so impactful and so rewarding.
District 25 depends on experienced Toastmasters who are willing to invest in the future of our new clubs. Club Mentoring is an opportunity to give back in a way that leaves a lasting impact on our newest members, whose growth is enhanced by this service.
If you are looking for a leadership role that directly supports D25’s goals, strengthens the Toastmasters experience at the club level, and challenges you to grow as a leader and mentor, then consider serving as a Club Mentor. While my time in the role is nearly complete, I am glad that I said yes. I am thankful for the people I’ve met and grown with, and I encourage you to believe in yourself and volunteer for this unique opportunity. After all, when our clubs thrive, everyone benefits. It all starts with one Toastmaster who is willing to step up and pay it forward.
If you have questions or would like to be considered to serve as a Club Mentor, reach out to D25’s Club Mentor Chair, Cindy Hinckley. Truly it’ll be a rewarding experience for the club and you.
