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FROM THE DESK

Club Coach Program

Helping Toastmasters Clubs, One at a Time

Dave Bones, DTM - Club Growth Director

Several years ago, my club was really struggling. reasons. First, even one more member at the
We were down to three paid members. Many meeting makes a big difference for energy and
supportive Toastmasters outside my club shared less doubling up. Second, we learned through his

advice, ranging from marketing ideas to letting excellent example whether in speeches or other
it close if we could not get commitment from skills demonstrated at the meetings.
current members. The advice and support was Third, as President at the time, it made a huge
appreciated, but in the end we had to make a difference knowing that I could depend on our

decision. Coach to be a sounding board when needed. As
Thank goodness, the club turned around a result, we still benefit from the best practices
positively using two strategic elements. The first he shared with us those many years ago.
was commitment to our positive vision. The

second was in requesting a Club Coach. The Benefits of Becoming a Club Coach
Many clubs are currently experiencing First, any Coach that helps their Club attain
similar membership challenges, particularly in Distinguished status within the Distinguished
this online environment we are all adapting to. I Club Program (DCP) receives credit toward

want to offer hope, encouragement, and direction their Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award.
to these clubs. A critical component for success To learn more about the Pathways DTM
is working with a Club Coach. There has never requirements, click here.
been a better time to do this, with the advent of Second, Club Coaches gain far more

the newly improved Club Coach Program. through the relationships formed, contributions
made, as well as the opportunitites to practice
The Benefits of Working with a Club Coach communication and leadership skills. I see all
Before working with a Club Coach, we of these as beneficial both professionally and

struggled with motivation, commitment, personally.
communication, and filling meeting roles
with our smaller numbers. Our Club Coach The New Club Coach Program and How to Get Started
provided encouragement, helped us with The first component is the aligned commitment

conflict resolution, and was clearly committed between the Coach and Club to attain
to helping us form and attain a positive vision. Distinguished status. Improved meeting
The immediate benefit was that our Coach quality through regular Pathways speeches and
helped to fill roles. This was beneficial for two increased membership numbers are important

18 ONE COMMUNITY