Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a U.S.-based nonprofit educational organization dedicated to helping individuals improve their public speaking, communication, and leadership skills through a worldwide network of local clubs.

History

The organization was founded by Ralph C. Smedley, who initially started a series of speaking clubs while working for the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in Illinois in the early 1900s. The first unofficial meeting occurred on March 24, 1905, but it wasn't until October 22, 1924, that the first permanent Toastmasters club was established in Santa Ana, California. Smedley's vision focused on creating a social environment where members could develop skills through practice rather than formal teaching. Toastmasters International went international with the first club outside the United States opening in Vancouver, Canada, in 1932. The organization incorporated as a nonprofit in 1932 and began admitting women in 1973.

Mission

Toastmasters International empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders by providing a supportive and positive learning experience. Its mission emphasizes personal growth, skill development, and confidence-building within a diverse and inclusive community.

Structure and Programs

Toastmasters operates through local clubs, with each club functioning as a separate entity. Meetings typically include prepared speeches, evaluations, impromptu speaking through "Table Topics," and roles such as General Evaluator, Timer, and Grammarian. Members follow structured programs, such as the Pathways system, which offers multiple learning paths focused on public speaking, communication, and leadership. Another popular program is the Competent Communication Manual, designed to help members improve their basic speaking skills through ten speeches. Toastmasters also offers Speechcraft, a short program for non-members to develop communication skills.

Membership and Impact

As of recent data, Toastmasters has over 270,000 members worldwide, with clubs in more than 140 countries. The organization has been instrumental in transforming millions of lives by enhancing communication and leadership abilities, fostering personal growth, and building a global network of supportive communities.

Core Values

Toastmasters International operates under core values of Integrity, Respect, Service, and Excellence, guiding its actions to provide high-quality support and learning experiences for its members.

EIN

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Toastmasters International is 954255775.

Legal Status

Toastmasters International is recognized as a nonprofit organization, emphasizing educational activities and community development.

Future Vision

The organization envisions a thriving, diverse global community that enhances both personal lives and careers by empowering individuals to positively impact their communities through improved communication and leadership skills.