As a relatively young District, a lot Korea Toastmasters probably have had this misconception. But then, even when you realize that Toastmasters is more than just your club, it can be overwhelming to comprehend its scope and structure. That's how it was for me. So in preparation for a future blog update about what I learn at the International Convention, I'd like to dedicate this post to summarizing and reiterating the overall structure of Toastmasters. Daegu Toastmasters will likely recognize this presentation as its something that I shared with their club during my Area Governor visit in May. Thank you, Daegu Toastmasters, for inspiring me to create and share this content!
I hope you'll notice that the club is listed first. That's because each level of Toastmasters leadership works to serve the clubs, helping them to improve and prosper. That's where your Area Directors and I, your Division Director, come in.
For the sake of brevity, I will assume that most people are familiar with the CC and CL manuals and how to complete them. However, if you have any questions about your CC or CL manual, please comment below; I will be happy to address your specific questions, concerns, and requests.
After achieving CC, Toastmasters who want to improve their communication must complete advanced manuals. If you're curious about what advanced manuals Toastmasters has to offer, you can check them out by visiting the following link:
https://www.toastmasters.org/en/Shop/Education/Manuals/Advanced%20Communication%20Library%20Set_226Z.aspx
Each advanced manual has only five projects; that is why two manuals must be completed to advance to the next level of communication achievement. To learn more about ACB, ACS, and ACG from Toastmasters International, visit the following link:
https://www.toastmasters.org/Resources/Education-Program/Advanced-Communication
Regarding leadership, while some projects are required (which you can read about at: https://www.toastmasters.org/Resources/Education-Program/Advanced-Leadership), the biggest responsiblities include actually taking on leadership positions. To achieve ALB, you need to serve as a club officer for at least one full term, and to achieve ALS, you need to serve as a district leader for at least one year. The first levels of district leadership typically include being either an Area Director or Division Director.
Some of you reading this might be thinking, "But what about that Revitalized Education Program (REP) we've been hearing about?" It's true that Toastmasters will be changing and updating the education program, but these changes won't take effect for quite some time, and there will be a generous transition period during which the two education programs will essentially run concurrently. Furthermore, our District has a team of REP Ambassadors, led by Chief Ambassador Kevin Parent, who are responsible for learning about the REP and teaching clubs about it. So don't worry if you don't know everything about the REP; your Ambassadors will give you updates as often as Toastmasters International releases them. However, if you do have some immediate questions or concerns about the REP, please post them in the comment section below. I am also serving as a REP Ambassador, so I will answer all the questions I can, and if your club needs a refresher, we'll work to schedule an Ambassador visit to your club so that you can get the information you need.
Thanks for reading, Division C, and I hope to have a lot of news, tips, and tricks to share with you after the International Convention!