Tips from a Toastmaster on the Move
By Deidra McGee, ACB, District 36, Area 14 Governor
For the past 4 years since I joined Toastmasters, I have been inspired by the speeches of others. Toastmasters has truly changed my life and helped me find my voice. In early 2008, I began working in Washington, D.C. While I was sad to leave my old Toastmasters club in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I was excited at the prospect of joining a new Toastmasters Club and meeting new people. To find a new club, I used technology and found it to be a powerful tool for a Toastmaster on the move like me. Here are some of the lessons I learned and want to share with you:
Technology is Your Best Friend
Look for clubs in your new location before you move by accessing the Toastmasters International Web site – www.toastmasters.org Finding clubs near your new home or office location will make it easier to schedule a visit. Just go to http://www.toastmasters.org/websiteApps/ and put in a zip code or country to find clubs in your new town.
Using the Web site I was able to find three clubs I was interested in based on my zip code. I started studying the individual club Web sites to check out members, procedures, times that they meet, and so on. Once I found the addresses of the clubs I was interested in visiting, I used another peice of technlogy, my Global Positioning System (GPS)! A GPS is a great tool and can become your guiding companion, navigator and angel. It can help you find the meeting locations easily so you won't be late to your first meeting.
Location Location Location
Finding a new club is like finding a gym. Location is everything! Look for a club that is close to your new office or home. If it isn’t easy to get to, you will probably find an excuse to not get there as often. In my case, my new club is right across the street from where I work and I go there on my lunch break.
The Perfect Fit
Visiting new clubs before deciding to join one is like finding the perfect jeans. You might have to try on a few pairs before you buy one. Ask yourself if each club is a good fit for you based on the number of members and their educational levels (CC, ATB, ATS, ATG or DTM). Does the club meet at a specific time that is convenient for you? Do they meet every week or every other week? You will know that if it feels right, then it probably is right to join that particular club. Go with your instinct. Once you’ve joined a club, the incredible Toastmasters network can help you get acclimated to the new area. The Toastmasters’ connection and kindred spirit will always be there.
Update Your Information
Once you’ve joined a new club, make sure all of your new information (i.e., address and educational designation) has been updated with Toastmasters International. Don't miss an issue of Toastmasters’ magazine by forgetting to change your membership information on the Toastmasters International website (we are back to technology).
Get Involved
Seek a leadership position in your new club depending on if there is a vacancy or if a new term is about to start. Attend area and division contests or better yet, compete! Mentor new members, become a club coach, or run a speech craft. Being involved will help you learn more about the area and get you engaged in your new local network of Toastmasters. By keeping my Toastmasters momentum going when I relocated, I found a new club, made new friends, and became an Area Governor. You can too. Use technology to find a location and the perfect fit. Join a new club, update your membership information, and then get involved! You have the "Courage to Conquer".
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