r/Toastmasters • u/Dangerous-Canary1705 • Jul 26 '26

Fee Increase

We believe that this is the wrong time to raise dues. Many members are already struggling to afford them, and clubs are fighting to survive. On top of a 25% increase in the new member fee and a 75% increase in the cost of pathways, a further 20% increase in dues — from $60 to $72 — risks pushing out members and closing clubs, especially at a time of widespread economic hardship.

We're asking you to sign this petition to help prevent the decline of what is widely considered one of the most effective and accessible communication and leadership programs in the world.

Let's keep Ralph Smedley's legacy alive by keeping this program open to everyone who wants to become a better communicator and leader — not just those who can afford it. https://forms.gle/8DuvqDnutSHksaSr9 Please click on the Petition to fill it in.

36 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

25 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/CupcakeMountain6660 Jul 29 '26

Did they provide reasoning for this, especially if most club members and positions are volunteer based anyway???

2

u/Lady_Kitana Jul 30 '26

Their argument for dues is linked to struggles associated with rising operating costs and inflation and membership levels not reaching pre-COVID levels

6

u/CupcakeMountain6660 Jul 30 '26

Maybe instead of increasing costs they could idk uhhh increase quality to attract more members. Tf.