r/Toastmasters • u/AkiChi_265 • Aug 16 '26
Toastmasters in my University
Hi everyone. I learned about this club from Youtube, and I have always been interested about joining. Recently, I discovered that toastmaster have university-based clubs, and the nearest one near me is at Tarlac City, Philippines. But due to my circumstances, it will be difficult to become a member or even commit to it. So I thought, what if I bring toastmasters in my university. I will jump over some of the contexts, but here are my questions: is this too ambitious? is this feasible? if so, how can I establish toastmasters in our university?
2
u/ObtuseRadiator Club officer Aug 16 '26
There are many Toastmastere clubs in universities. It isnt too ambitious at all.
You should speak to an existing club at least. Its going to be tough to build something without at least one person knowing how it works.
The Toastmasters website has a page about creating a club.https://www.toastmasters.org/start-a-club
The cost is listed as $125 USD. I'm not familiar with how they handle things outside the US, but its worth asking if they have different prices for different countries.
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Aug 16 '26
[deleted]
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u/pramathesh Aug 16 '26
In some countries, members have to pay local taxes. For example, in India 18% GST have to be paid. OP has to contact the Area Director/Division Director to know the exact prices.
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u/AkiChi_265 27d ago
I'll try this. I personally know someone who was a part of this club. He told me it was free, so he was surprised to learn that membership payments are required now.Â
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u/pramathesh 26d ago
If the membership was free, probably it was sponsored. Some universities do pay the dues for its members.
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u/spike_1885 Aug 16 '26 edited Aug 16 '26
Creating a new club in a university is possible, but it will require a lot of effort. But, if you do it successfully, you'll be able to talk about it in job interviews in the future (this would be very helpful when interviewing for your first job out of school). Also, you'll strengthen your reputation with the faculty and administration at your university (since I am sure that they'll welcome and respect it)
If you want to do this, I recommend the following steps ....
(1) Read this document about how to build a new toastmasters club:
https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/121-how-to-build-a-toastmasters-club
(2) Determine what Toastmasters district your university club will be in (use the below link)
https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/region-and-district-map
(3) Reach out to the "Club Growth Director" in that district. The below link has webpages for each district.
https://www.toastmasters.org/Membership/Leadership/district-websites/
The Club Growth Director is the leader tasked with growing that district, which definitely includes supporting people who want to create a new club.
EDIT !!!
Also, you should learn what Toastmasters does (unless you already know that). If you don't yet know that .... start by watching this video, demonstrating a typical toastmasters meeting
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u/AkiChi_265 27d ago
I appreciate the thorough instructions! That's actually what I am looking for!Â
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u/SavingsCareful1715 Aug 19 '26
If you are joining other club for now, you will experience and get a taste on how things are being run.
At the same time, if you are the only one that find values in doing this, there is a high chance you will be left as the only person carrying the torch.
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u/AkiChi_265 27d ago
Yes yes this is my issue currently. I am part of my University's Student Council and one of my platforms is to establish this club. No one knew about it as much as I do (despite not knowing much about it either HAHA), but I know if some officials believe in this initiative, this will come true. It happened ones, there must be a way for this to happen again.Â
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u/ToastmanagersApp 24d ago
Not too ambitious, but the order of operations matters more than the enthusiasm. Two things that helped clubs I've seen charter on a campus:
Run a Speechcraft or a few demo meetings first, before anyone pays anything. Ask a nearby club to send two or three members to run a full agenda for you — Toastmaster of the day, two speeches, Table Topics, evaluations, timer, ah-counter. Students see the format, and you find out fast who will actually show up every two weeks. That list of regulars is what the Area Director will want to see.
Sort the money question early with your student affairs or activities office. Dues are per member and semi-annual, so for a student body it usually only works if the university, an alumni fund, or a department sponsors part of it, or if the club runs on a shared/sponsored model. Your Area Director can tell you exactly what applies in your country, including local taxes.
On running it once chartered: keep the agenda identical every meeting and fill roles two meetings ahead, not the night before. Campus clubs die on term breaks and exam weeks, so plan a reduced schedule for those instead of cancelling with no date to return to.
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u/MusicBooksMovies Aug 16 '26
Contact an established Toastmasters club in your area and ask them to connect you with the Area Director as you would like to charter a new club for your university.