Below, are the basic requirements directly from Toastmasters International.  For HELP forming your club (finding new members,  " Kick-off Meetings ", general information, etc), please click here to contact me and I'll be sure you get the assistance you need!

You can download a zip file that includes suggestions for promoting the club, sample agenda, the most recent new club information, etc.  For the complete Startup Kit with forms and tools, click here - D84 New Club Start-up - , or find the individual documents listed below.

New Club Kickoff Attendance Log   (Excel version)
New Club Checklist   (Excel version)

The "BASICS"
When a club is organized it must have 20 members. Each new member pays a one-time new member fee of $20.00 (all amounts are in US dollars) and six months' advance dues of $27. There is also a one-time $125 charter fee. Clubs may also  choose to assess local dues to cover additional costs, i.e.,  supplies, awards, refreshments, etc.

Where Do I Begin?
Detailed information about the club formation process is found in How to Build a Toastmasters Club : a Step-by-Step Guide. You'll find suggested steps, strategies, and more based on the experiences of many people who have gone through the process you are beginning.

What's Next?
Step 1:   To register your intent to organize a new Toastmasters club please fill out and submit an Application to Organize Toastmasters International suggests you mail the form along with a check for $125, so they can ship Charter Kit #1 to you.

Charter Kit #1 contains the materials you need to begin conducting meetings right away, including 20 new member kits . These new member kits will be paid for when you submit the $20 per person new member service charge. If you already have 20 members you may combine steps 1 and 2 and complete the charter process all at once.

Step 2:  While you're actively recruiting the 20 members you'll need, begin completing the remainder of the forms needed to complete the process.

These documents and more are found by Clicking here.

Upon receipt of the completed forms and the indicated dues, Toastmasters International will issue a charter certificate, charter number, and mail additional materials (Charter Kit #2) to the club's president.

Government Registration Clubs that meet in the United States are required to obtain from the IRS an Employer Identification Number and submit it to Toastmasters International.  The number is not required before the charter is issued, but will likely be needed to obtain a local checking account. To obtain the form needed to complete this process click this link.

New Clubs Need Help to Get the Ball ROLLING!  That means... 

CLUB SPONSOR - CLUB MENTOR  -  CLUB COACH

When a person or company is interested in forming a Toastmaster Club, the District Governor usually asks a Division and/or Area Governor to seek one or two Club Sponsors for forming the club.

Club Sponsor is responsible for:

· the actual organization of the new club;
· promoting and selling the new club idea to the prospective members;
· handling the paperwork;
· helping to plan the charter presentation; (this may be held up to 3 months from the date of charter)
· being involved with the establishment of regular meetings;

Remember, you can also get credit for presenting SUCCESSFUL CLUB Series Programs ("Setting the Stage for Success", "Evaluate to Motivate" and more) while getting your new club off the ground!

After that point, the sponsor's responsibilities end and the mentor takes over.

Each new club may have up to two sponsors.

Note that sponsors must apply for credit no later than 90 days after the club's official charter date. Any changes or additions to the sponsor assignments must be made no later than 60 days after the club's official charter date.

The club charter has been submitted and you are asked to be a Club Mentor, what duties do the club mentors have?

Club Mentors are seasoned Toastmasters who actually join the new club. By doing so they are:

· providing guidance during its first 6 months or longer;
· working side by side with the new Toastmasters;
· showing the new members how to fulfill meeting roles;
· helping the new officers perform their duties;

The District Governor appoints one or two mentors for the new club.

NOTE : Mentors may apply for credit no sooner than six months after the club's official charter date. Any changes or additions to the mentor assignments must be made no later than 60 days after the club's official charter date. A mentor is an experienced Toastmaster who joins a new club for at least the first six months.

Club Coach is an experienced Toastmaster who is asked to help a struggling club. For purposes of the Club Coach program a struggling club is one that reported twelve (12) or fewer members to Toastmasters International on its most recent semiannual dues report.

The Club Coach comes from the outside with new viewpoints, perspectives, and experience. He or she may not be a member of the club prior to assignment, but may join after being assigned. Assignments are made only by District Governors. Of course, a club needs to want a club coach before one can be assigned to the club.

If your club is interested in receiving help from a Club Coach feel free to contact your Lt. Governor of Marketing.

And what's in it for YOU?

· Sponsors receive a certificate when the club gets its charter and can receive credit toward the Advanced Leader (AL) award.

· Mentors receive a certificate when the club receives its charter. Mentors also receive Advanced Leader (AL) credit for fulfilling their roles satisfactorily.

· Club Coaches receive an Advanced Leader (AL) credit for fulfilling their roles satisfactorily.

You win, the club wins, your area wins and the district gains another Toastmaster who has grown and changed their own life by becoming a coach, mentor or sponsor.  Thank you!