District 18 -- Share an Idea

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Fun and Effective Meetings

During the summer, especially August, and the month of December attendance is a challenge. Also, it seems that at these times members are challenge to prepare speeches. We had the circumstance of having all three speakers back out of that assignment. The Vice-President of Education had been following up with assigned speakers and knew about this the day before the meeting. She sent out an email telling all members to wear or bring a tee shirt with something printed on it - and come prepared to speak on that subject. We had a meeting of all Table Topics. She brought in a few extra shirts for anyone who might not have remembered. We had 15 members in attendance and had a lot of fun. At the same time it renewed in some members the fact that learning can be enjoyable. Cathy Hiebler, DTM SSA Toastmasters #2884

Increase Club Memberships

On Memorial Day Weekend, there are parades in every town. This past Memorial Day, Gettysburg Addressers, printed out 600 flyers and invitations, and handed them out to the crowds waiting for the Gettysburg Memorial Day parade to begin.

Joan Bushey and I, walked through the crowd and handed them out one-by-one. We approached people and asked them if they would like something to read, as they wait for the parade to begin. To date we only have had one visitor, but that visitor has joined. I have had a few inquiries about our club. I am patiently waiting for more to follow. Hopefully, that piece of paper will show up soon and remind them to visit the Gettysburg Addressers.

The flyer had information about Toastmasters International, and specific information and contacts for Gettysburg Addressers. Karen Rebert, Gettysburg Addressers #700301

Easy Evaluation Method

An evaluator can always comment on gestures; eye contact; speech organization; vocal qualities; nervous habits to avoid; suggestions for improvements. Just S.H.A.R.E. your impressions with them.
Bryan Pearce, DTM, Bel Air Toastmasters #8050

what I	S	aw
what I	H	eard
what I	A	ppreciated
what I	R	ecommend
words of	E	ncouragement

Free Checking Account

If your Toastmasters club is like most, your treasury is probably not overflowing with an abundance of cash!

Please remember that every Bank, Credit Union, Savings Union may have there own specific procedures. Some Financial Institutions will offer a free checking account if you do not exceed their monthly number of transactions.

It does not hurt to ask! Call up the bank and ask about what types of programs they have to waive fees for non-profit organizations.

The three steps below will help you to gather the needed documentation to prove your club's non-profit status and will be used to setup a FREE checking account.

#1: Find out the club's Employer Identification Number (EIN). All clubs are required to obtain an EIN from the IRS in order to be chartered by Toastmasters International (TI). If you can't find the EIN in your club records, contact TI. The contact information for TI is:

Telephone: (949) 858-8255 From 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, pacific time, excluding holidays

You can find a list of email addresses for finance matters on the Toastmasters International website at:

http://www.toastmasters.org/artisan/contact.asp?CategoryID=12

#2. Once you receive the EIN, call the IRS at (877) 829-5500 (toll free). Request a letter confirming the club's (organization's) tax exempt status. The individual will probably offer to fax as well as mail you a copy, so have a fax number ready to give to them

You should also contact Toastmasters International for a "Nonprofit Status Request Letter". Just telephone or email TI to process your request.

IMPORTANT:

Verify that the IRS has the current mailing address for the club.

Once you receive the letter from the IRS, make two copies - one to take to the bank and the second to keep

with the club records.

Verify that the IRS has the current mailing address for the club

#3. Take the IRS letter and funds to deposit and proceed to the Bank, Credit/Savings Union, etc. and apply for a non-profit organization checking account with no interest earned and no service charges. The bank may request a letter from the club authorizing you to set up the club, so it would probably be a good idea to have that available, too.

This letter can be simply one-page in length stating your club's name, meeting place, time, mailing address, contact information and a brief description of what Toastmasters is all about. It should be typed up on some type of Toastmaster letterhead and be signed by your club's President and Treasurer.

You now know enough to be dangerous...good luck!

District 12 Webmaster

Talk Up Toastmasters!

February 1 -- March 31

February-March of each year is time to Talk Up Toastmasters! During this membership building contest, encourage your club’s members to invite as many guests as possible to your club’s meetings. Consider conducting a special guest meeting – where during a regular meeting, you could also specifically discuss the benefits Toastmasters members receive as they participate. Perhaps invite and include other members’ testimonials.

Add five new, dual or reinstated members to your club between February 1 and March 31 and receive a special Talk Up Toastmasters ribbon to display on your club’s banner.

In addition, your club will be eligible to select one item from The Successful Club Series, The Better Speaker Series, or The Leadership Excellence Series, free of charge. Start thinking today of who will benefit from the Toastmasters experience and invite them to your meeting. You never know: You could help change their lives!

Here’s a great idea from Gore-Talks Toastmasters Club:

To raise awareness for our club, we created pins and magnets that say "Ask me about Gore Talks". We wear the pins or display the magnets in our workspace. Like a moth to a flame, once someone sees the pin/magnet, they are compelled by curiosity to ask about our club. It's a great conversation starter. It's helped raise awareness and to bring in new guests. This works really well for a corporate club.

email me an idea: Frank