EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO NOMINATE AND ELECT GREAT OFFICERS

Every member of Toastmasters International should be aware of the importance of Club Officer positions.  It is when we lose sight of that importance, that a club stumbles and sometimes falls. Great clubs do NOT happen by accident!  They are the combined result of enthusiastic members and the competent leaders they appoint.  Take a moment to read the following suggestions which will keep your leadership strong!  Then Commit to Lead - Download here

Clarify these questions, and you'll always have excellent leadership in your club.
  • Are members aware of the responsibilities of each office?  Have them look at the bottom of the Club Officer link to see the list of responsibilities.  By knowing what the job entails, they will be able to make an informed decision as to who should fill each position.
  • Are members involved during election time?  Usually, its helpful for them to receive a nomination ballot with each of the office names as well as a current member list, so that they may nominate fellow members.  The Club Secretary should be in charge of sending out and receiving the ballots.  A SAMPLE BALLOT can be found at this link.   A TRACKING Spreadsheet, may be found at this link:
  • Are they intimidated by the thought of holding an office?  Let all members know that they will receive formalized Club Officer Training either at "Toastmasters Leadership Institute" or at the Division Make Up Training sessions.  This will allow them to easily take the reins of their office.
  • Are they willing to ATTEND Club Officer Training?  In order to serve your Members the Best Way that they deserve, each officer should be willing to receive the Best Training that THEY deserve.  Attending officer training not only benefits officers and members, but when at least FOUR Officers attend District sponsored training, their club completes 1/2 of a Distinguished Clup Program goal.
  • Do they know which of their members are even eligible to hold office?   After the nominations are collected, those nominated should be informed that their names were chosen.  This will allow them time to respond as to whether they wish to fill that role, if elected.  Once they accept the nomination, the members should receive a follow-up letter, email or phone call, before election day.

Scheduling Elections:
Accepting Nominations - Should be done three weeks before the deadlines (June 30 & December 31).  This will give members enough time to evaluate the responsibilities of each office, and consider fellow members or themselves to assume those roles. 

Conducting Elections: - Two weeks before the deadline.  This allows enough time for clubs which meet semi-monthly to conduct elections and submit their updated club officer lists to Toastmasters International.

Officer Installations: (Optional)  Usually, this is performed the week before or the week of the new term of office.  Most Area Governors will be glad to perform a short (5-10 minute) ceremony to officially install your incoming officers.  This is not only symbolic of the importance of each office, but it also a great opportunity to publicize the event to local media (newspapers, newsletters, etc).
 

Note to Club Presidents and Club Secretaries:

Submitting your Club Officer Reports on time, counts toward your annual Distinguished Club Plan.  It's so easy to do, which makes it your easiest goal to achieve.

Whether your club hold Officer elections annually or semi-annually, your list of Officers needs to be updated every six months on the Toastmasters International website.  To see if your club has submitted its current list, click here

Although the CLUB SECRETARY is normally the one who updates the list, ANY Club Officer may do so, in the event the secretary is unable.  The Club Logon screen is located at this link:   https://ecommerce.toastmasters.org/timssnet/login/tnt_login.cfm

Deadlines for Updating Officer Lists:

    No later than June 30 (For Period July 1 through December 31)

    No later than December 31 (For Period January 1st through June 30)

 

Interested in becoming a District Officer?
Complete information regarding Toastmasters
Policies and Procedures for
District Elections May Be Found Here