Club Officer Training Schedule for 2022-2023 Second Round (Fall/Winter)
One of the ways that District 31 works to achieve its mission to “…help all clubs achieve excellence” is by providing Club Officer Training (COT). All COT sessions are open to any Toastmasters member and cover a wide variety of topics to help clubs to improve in order to better serve their members. Based on feedback received from surveys of club officers, training will once again will be conducted in shorter sessions between 60 and 90 minutes long with offerings not only on weekday evenings and weekend mornings, but also at noon during the workday to accommodate a larger number of people’s availability. Most sessions will be virtual, but there was a single in-person session on Saturday, January 14th from 10 AM – 1 PM in Foxborough, MA for those who were interested in the networking benefits of meeting people in person (pre-registration was required).
Club officers who attend at least 2 hours of training including at least one club officer peer session will earn credit in the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) for their attendance. Don’t stop at 2 hours, though, as the more training you attend, the more you will learn and grow and be able to help your club. And if that wasn’t incentive enough, clubs with an average total training time per club officer of at least 3 hours who get credit for at least 4 officer roles in the DCP goals will receive reimbursement for 6-months of Zoom access (or an equivalent prize). Who will be the most trained club officer team in District 31?
Please email COT@district31.org with any questions, suggestions, or offers to help. Session dates and registration links are being added as they are finalized.
Virtual Training Topics
To allow for maximum flexibility, District 31 is offering a wide variety of training topics from which you can choose. Per Toastmasters policy, each club officer must attend training that is specific to their club officer roles, which means that attending one of the many offerings of the Club Officer Peer Sessions is required. In addition to this mandatory session, club officers must choose at least one other training session to attend from the choices listed below. Having a hard time choosing which topic to attend? Why not attend all of the topics that are of interest to you? Not only will you learn more by attending more sessions, but you will also help your club towards earning the training incentive.
Elective Topics Navigation:
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Club Officer Peer Sessions (required) Are you struggling with your officer role and looking for guidance? Or have you found a great way to execute your role and want to share it with others? Come to a club officer peer session to learn about how to execute your responsibilities of your role and share challenges and successes with others in the same role. There will be breakout sessions for each officer role. It is required to attend at least one of these sessions for club credit in the DCP program (along with another hour or more of the topic of your choice). We will NOT be doing a step by step review of what each role entails, but will instead encourage participants to ask questions and share advice with each other. Pre-work: It is expected that you have read through the requirements of your role in the Club Leadership Handbook PRIOR to attending this session. Available Sessions: As a special offering for those who are new to their officer roles and want a more basic review of what the roles entail, there will be a Club Officer Basics session on Fri Feb 24 12 – 1 PM |
Building a Healthy Team
Club success depends on the ability of the club officer team to work together towards goals for the betterment of the club and its members. Join this session to learn strategies for building a healthy club officer team. This session will be most impactful if club officers attend together (if not, then the activities can be brought back to an executive committee meeting).
Required Prework: Healthy Team Workbook: Team Assessment (p. 3-4) and Behavioral Style Assessment (p. 10-14)
Available Sessions: Sat Dec 3 10 – 11 AM OR Sat Jan 14 12 – 1 PM (in-person only) OR Mon Jan 30 12 – 1 PM OR Thu Feb 2 7 – 8 PM
Club Central Tutorial
Do you know everything that you can do from the Club Central page on the Toastmasters website? Whether you are President, VPE, VPM, Treasurer, or Secretary, there are tasks that you need to perform that all begin in Club Central. Come learn how to maintain your club’s critical information and membership, submit education awards, and much more in this session.
Optional Prework: View the interactive Club Central Tutorial
Available Sessions: Sat Dec 17 10 – 11 AM OR Mon Jan 16 7 – 8 PM OR Tue Feb 21 12 – 1 PM
Club Coaching: What It Can Do for You and Your Club
Come learn about club coaching and how it can help you and your club. In this session you will learn what it means to be a club coach and how your club can benefit from one.
Optional Prework: View the Club Coaching module in Base Camp
Available Sessions: Sun Jan 29 7 – 8:30 PM
Club Goal Tracking
Your club created a club success plan (CSP) with your goals for the year. Now what? Discuss best practices for how to track your progress against your goals and make adjustments to your plans for how to achieve the goals. This will include an overview of the Distinguished Performance Dashboard.
Prework: Bring your club’s success plan and review your Distinguished Club Program progress to date
Available Sessions: Fri Feb 3 12 – 1 PM
Conflict Resolution
Conflict happens in every facet of our lives, including Toastmasters. While many fear conflict, it can actually be healthy and lead to better outcomes, but only if properly managed and successfully resolved. Learn more about conflict and how to resolve it in a positive way during this session. Given that conflict resolution skills are useful in a large variety of situations, invite your non-officer club members to attend as well.
Prework: None
Available Sessions: Tue Nov 22 12 – 1 PM OR Mon Dec 19 12 – 1 PM OR Sat Jan 7 9 – 10 AM
Corporate Member Engagement
Does your corporate club struggle to find members? Or do your current members often miss meetings due to work conflicts, causing low attendance meetings? In this session, we will review options for how to build and maintain a thriving corporate club through senior leader engagement and by tapping into company culture.
Prework: Review information on Corporate Clubs
Available Sessions: Thu Jan 5 12 – 1 PMOR Tue, Jan 17 12 – 1 PM OR Wed Feb 22 12 – 1 PM
Effective Meetings
In this session, club officers will look critically at meetings and learn how they can contribute, facilitate, and lead more effective meetings.
Required Prework: Effective Meeting Prework
Available Sessions: Sat Dec 17 10 – 11 AM OR Mon Jan 16 7 – 8 PM OR Thu Feb 16 12 – 1 PM
Encouraging Leadership Within and Beyond the Club
Toastmasters is where leaders are made through activities both within and beyond the club. As club officers, you are already working on your own leadership skills, but not all members are eager to take on official leadership positions. On the other hand, perhaps you or others in your club are ready to take the next step on your leadership journey but are not sure what opportunities exist. Whether you are looking for tips for encouraging members to step up to be a club officer or want to learn about the opportunities to expand leadership by serving District 31, come to this session.
Prework: None
Available sessions: Mon Dec 12 7 – 8 PM OR Sat Jan 14 11 AM – 12 PM (in-person only) OR Sat Jan 28 9 – 10 AM OR Fri Feb 10 12 – 1 PM
Encouraging Pathways
Does your club have long time members who have still not gotten started in Pathways? Or new members who don’t understand how Pathways can help them? Or perhaps you have members who have gotten started in Pathways but have since stalled? In this session, learn and practice different approaches for how to help members in each of these situations, and others, to get started or keep going in Pathways.
Prework: None
Available Sessions: Thu Jan 5 7 – 8 PM OR Sat Jan 28 11 AM – 12 PM OR Mon Feb 27 12 – 1 PM
Fab Four Vision and Incentives
Prework: None
Available Sessions: Mon Nov 21 7 – 8 PM
How to Hold Club Events That Rock!
Does your club hold engaging open houses that attract guests and convert them to members? Do you ever conduct other special events? Or attend outside events to attract new guests? In this session, learn how to use club events to both help your existing club members have fun and learn new skills and to attract new members to join your club.
Prework: None
Available Sessions: Sat Jan 14 12 – 1 PM (in-person only) OR Wed Jan 18 7 – 8 PM OR Sat Jan 28 9 – 10 AM
Member Connection
When Covid-19 first hit Wuhan, China, the Toastmasters district that includes Wuhan lost over 1,000 members at April renewals. By June 30th, they had gained all of those members back. How did they do that? By focusing on connecting to members. Come learn about the “Member Connection” activity that helped rebuild that district and how you can use it in your own club to help strengthen bonds between members, increase renewal rates, and convert more guests to members.
Prework: None
Available Sessions: Fri Dec 16 12 – 1 PM OR Mon Jan 16 7 – 8 PM OR Sat Jan 28 9 – 10 AM
Member Engagement and Retention
A thriving club environment begins with its members. High engagement drives member achievement, which leads to membership growth and strengthened community. In this session, club officers will develop strategies for retaining members and re-engaging past members.
Required Prework: Member Engagement and Retention Prework
Available Sessions: Mon Dec 12 7 – 8 PM OR Mon Jan 9 12 – 1 PM OR Sat Feb 11 9 – 10 AM
Mentoring for Success
One of the best ways to engage your existing members and support new members is by having an active club mentoring program. Members who are either being mentored or mentoring someone else (or both) are more engaged and likely to be actively taking on club meeting roles and giving speeches. Whether you already have a mentoring program in your club, want to learn how to set one up, or feel you don’t have the proper member makeup to support one, come to this session to learn how to set up and maintain an active club mentoring program and how to supplement your program with use of the District “Meet Your Match!” program.
Prework: TBD
Available Sessions: Sat Dec 3 10 – 11 AM OR Tue Dec 6 12 – 1 PM OR Wed Jan 18 7 – 8 PM
Moments of Truth
Moments of Truth outlines how to create a positive first impression of your club, and recognize and deal with situations critical to club success. This single session workshop is intended to be run at least annually during a club meeting. Learn more about the what, why, and how of Moments of Truth so that you can implement it in your club and identify your opportunities for improvement.
Optional Prework: Review Moments of Truth Manual
Available Sessions: Wed Dec 7 12 – 1 PM OR Thu Jan 5 2022 7 – 8 PM OR Sat Feb 11 9 – 10 AM
New Club Basics / Toastmasters 101
Does Toastmasters terminology leave you confused? Are you unsure where to find the tools and information you need to support your club? Come to this special training targeted at officers of recently or soon to be chartered clubs to learn the basics and ask questions about how best to set your club up for long term success.
Prework: None
Available Sessions: Tue Feb 28 12 – 1 PM
Prospective Member Engagement
New members are exciting; they supply fresh ideas, energy, and potential while helping shape and strengthen the club. In this session, club officers will discuss approaches to converting prospective members using the Prospective Member Journey.
Required Prework: Prospective Member Engagement Prework
Available Sessions: Thu Jan 5 7 – 8 PM OR Wed Feb 8 12 – 1 PM
Public Relations
Brand Value: In this session we will talk about the importance of brand management when promoting clubs and events. We will review Toastmasters brand manual to review items such as use of the Toastmasters logo and brand fonts and colors. The information learned will be put to immediate use as you create a flier for your club following the brand guidelines.
Learning Canva: In this session we will discuss how to use Canva to create attractive fliers and other promotional materials while maintaining the Toastmasters brand. Learn what Canva is, how to use it to design either from scratch or templates, and how to post from Canva to social media and other platforms. The information learned will be put to immediate use as you create a flier in Canva for your club following the Toastmasters brand guidelines.
Prework: Review the Brand Manual, create a free Canva account (for Learning Canva), and come with a draft flier (or idea for a flier) for your club
Available Session: Sat Dec 3 10 – 11 AM (Brand) OR Mon Feb 6 7 – 8 PM (Canva)
Quality Club Meetings
Club meetings are the premier venue for acknowledgment and achievement in the Toastmasters program, a place for members to practice skills and receive feedback and recognition. Meetings shape relationships, morale, and directly impact member retention. This session will advance a shared understanding of what a quality club meeting looks like and assist club officers in developing strategies for delivering great meetings.
Required Prework: Quality Club Meetings Prework
Available Sessions: Fri Jan 13 12 – 1 PM
Rebuilding a Small Club
While smaller clubs can have a cozy atmosphere, it can be stressful when low attendance causes members have to take on multiple meeting roles and it can be difficult to rebuild with less members available to help rebuild the club. In this session, you will learn from those who have successfully helped to rebuild a small club about approaches that have worked for other clubs and resources that are available to help.
Prework: None
Available Sessions: Tue Dec 13 12 – 1 PM OR Mon Dec 19 7 – 8 PM OR Sat Jan 14 11 AM – 12 PM (in-person only) OR Wed Jan 18 7 – 8 PM
Reducing Barriers to Participation
“We have to be more open to recognizing that talent comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, and stages.” – Dr. Shirley Davis, 2022 Golden Gavel winner
As we all are living in a moment of reflective change, as leaders of our club(s), it is imperative to accelerate our ability to meet the needs of all who wish to join Toastmasters. We are faced with a challenge by the way of working, especially coming out of our recent global pandemic. Some of us went from a working in the office requirement to now working remotely. Even our club meetings have changed, many to a hybrid model or even 100% remote, not to mention memberships that extend past our local demographic, making clubs global.
As Toastmasters, it is our responsibility to create an inclusive environment as well as respect the dignity and diversity of all people. In this training, topics to be discussed will highlight vision, mission, inclusivity, and how to reduce barriers to participation within our clubs, creating an environment where we all belong! Instruction methodology will include gamification, open-discussion, and teamwork! Let’s learn and have fun while doing it!
Prework: None, but make sure to have a paper and pen or pencil ready during the session
Available Sessions: Tue Nov 29 12 – 1 PM OR Tue Feb 14 12 – 1 PM
Speech Contests
Does your club plan to hold a speech contest to select your representative for the International Speech Contest or Table Topics Speech Contest this year? Come learn how to organize and execute a speech contest that will be fun for contestants, volunteers, and audience members, no matter what format you plan to hold your contest
Prework: Read the 2022-2023 Speech Contest Rulebook
Available Session:Fri Dec 9 12 – 1 PM OR Mon Dec 12 7 – 8 PM OR Sat Jan 7 10 – 11 AM
Speechcraft
Speechcraft is a learning program created for experienced members to help non-members become the best communicators they can be! Learn what it takes to be a Speechcraft Coordinator. Toastmasters members who become coordinators can earn DTM credit. Conducting Speechcraft inside the club setting makes it easier for participants to become members, while conducting Speechcraft outside the club setting can lead to the formation of a new Toastmasters club.
Prework: None
Available Session: Mon Jan 9 7 – 8 PM OR Fri Jan 20 12 – 1 PM OR Sat Jan 28 11 AM – 12 PM
Teaching Pathways and Managing Base Camp
Since February 2022, the D31 Pathways team has been helping new and existing members use Base Camp and resources for selecting their path. We’d like to explain the materials so you can relay them to your mentors, who, in turn can have a set method for teaching their proteges. We’ll also cover basic tasks that the VP Ed performs as Base Camp Manager. Those include approving level completions, checking DCP status, and examining the path progress of members.
Prework: None
Available Sessions: Sat Jan 7 10 – 11 AM OR Thu Feb 2 7 – 8 PM OR Tue Feb 7 12 – 1 PM
Yoodli
Did you know that Toastmasters membership now also comes with access to Yoodli, an AI speech tool that provides instant feedback on your speaking? Come hear from a representative of Yoodli on how the platform works and get your questions answered.
Prework: Read the Toastmasters Yoodli announcement
Available Session: Mon Feb 27 6 – 7 PM
In Person Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI)
Do you miss attending a TLI in person and getting to meet other club officers and district leaders face-to-face? If so, then you will be happy to hear that we are planning an in-person TLI for Saturday, January 14th in Foxborough, MA. Club officer training will be run from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and will include both the required Peer Sessions and two time slots of elective sessions. Elective topics will be chosen based on attendee responses to registration questions.
We had a great TLI this season! Thank you to Fox Vox for hosting the event. If you missed the session this time around, keep your eye out for another in person training day in summer 2023!
Full Club Officer Training Schedule
You must attend at least 2 hours of training to get credit for attendance on the DCP with at least 1 hour being a club officer peer session (highlighted in yellow), but you are encouraged to attend as many topics as you like for the learning and networking opportunities. Members holding multiple officer roles (whether in a single club of across multiple clubs) are encouraged to attend peer sessions for each role, but attendance at only 1 is required for DCP credit. Clubs who have an average total training time per club officer of at least 3 hours and who get credit for at least 4 officer roles in the DCP goals will receive reimbursement for 6-months of Zoom access (or an equivalent prize). Most training is being conducted virtually on Zoom, but there was an in person event on Saturday, January 14 that included 3 hours of club officer training.
| Date | Time | Topic(s) | Pre-Work | Registration |
| Virtual Club Officer Training | ||||
| Wed, Feb 22 | 12 – 1 PM | Corporate Member Engagement | None | Register on Zoom |
| Fri, Feb 24 | 12 – 1 PM | Club Officer Basics | Club Leadership Handbook and Club Officer Tutorial | Register on Zoom |
| Mon, Feb 27 | 12 – 1 PM | Encouraging Pathways | None | Register on Zoom |
| Mon, Feb 27 | 6 – 7 PM | Yoodli | Yoodli announcement | Register on Zoom |
| Tue, Feb 28 | 12 – 1 PM | New Club Basics / Toastmasters 101 | None | Register on Zoom |
| More sessions may be added as trainers are confirmed. Email COT@district31.org if you have a scheduling request or to volunteer. You can also attend another district’s training (see more details below). | ||||
MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FOR DCP CREDIT: 1 Club Officer Peer Session (yellow background in table above) PLUS 1 other session (white background in table above)
Completed Sessions:
Alternative Sessions from Other Districts
If the remaining club officer training sessions offered by District 31 do not match your availablity, you can attend training in another District. To get credit, you must send an email to PQD@district31.org with the details on the session you attended (which district, date, time, topic(s)) and, if possible, copy the PQD of that district so that they can confirm your attendance. Listed below are several options found in districts that have been attended by District 31 members in the past (more to be added), but you are welcome to attend any district’s offerings as long as they meet the minimum requirements of including a role specific session plus another session. All times are listed in US Eastern Time, but please confirm that it is correct when you register.
| Date | Time | District | Topic(s) | Credit Type | Registration |
| Mon, Feb 20 | 9:30 – 10:30 PM | 39 | Public Relations: Advertising on Facebook | Elective only | Register on Zoom |
| Mon, Feb 20 | 10:00 – 11:30 PM | 2 | Treasurer | Peer Session only | Register on Zoom |
| Wed, Feb 22 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM | 2 | Sergeant-At-Arms | Peer Session only | Register on Zoom |
| Wed, Feb 22 | 7:00 – 8:00 PM | 83 | VPM / VPPR / SAA | Peer Session only | Register on Zoom |
| Wed, Feb 22 | 10:00 – 11:30 PM | 2 | President | Peer Session only | Register on Zoom |
| Thu, Feb 23 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | 83 | VPM / VPPR / SAA | Peer Session only | Register on Zoom |
| Thu, Feb 23 | 10:00 – 11:30 PM | 2 | Vice President Education | Peer Session only | Register on Zoom |
| Fri, Feb 24 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | 83 | President / VPE / Secretary / Treasurer | Peer Session only | Register on Zoom |
| Sat, Feb 25 | 2:00 – 3:30 PM | 2 | Member Recruitment and Retention | Elective only | Register on Zoom |
| Mon, Feb 27 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM | 2 | President | Peer Session only | Register on Zoom |
| Mon, Feb 27 | 10:00 – 11:30 PM | 2 | Vice President Public Relations | Peer Session only | Register on Zoom |
| Tue, Feb 28 | 6:30 – 8:00 PM | 119 | Peer Sessions (All Roles) | Peer Session only | Register on Eventbrite |
| Tue, Feb 28 | 7:00 – 9:30 PM | 83 | Peer Sessions (All Roles) Plus Elective | Full Credit | Register on Zoom |
| Tue, Feb 28 | 10:00 – 11:30 PM | 2 | Vice President Membership | Peer Session only | Register on Zoom |