When people ask me what is the key to forming a new Toastmasters corporate club I tell them it is to get an Executive Sponsor. How to Build a Toastmasters Club (Item 121) describes the Executive Sponsor as a decision-maker within the organization who can champion your club’s formation. This should be someone who can connect you with the key people in Human Resources, Marketing, Communications, and others who can help you start the club.
My Executive Sponsor happened to be the newly-hired head of the department in which I worked. In a one-on-one meeting we had to get to know one another I told her about my involvement in Toastmasters. It just so happened her father had been a member of Toastmasters for many years. Since she already knew about the benefits of Toastmasters, it was easy to get her to help me form a club at our organization.
Forming the new club not only allowed me to help my peers improve their communication and leadership skills, but also helped me form a closer working relationship with my department head.
Do you want to mentor a newly-formed club? Email me at [email protected] if you would like to become a club mentor.
~ LaJuan Jones, Club Quality Chair
