Membership

Do you want to learn how to deliver a speech like a pro? Or gain leadership skills to advance in your career? Your goals are important, and Toastmasters’ proven program can help you reach them. By joining a club, you’ll gain the skills to become a more confident public speaker and a stronger leader in every area of your life.

Getting Started

Find a Club
How to Join
How to Start a Club
How to Sponsor a Club
FAQ for First Timers
Attend an Open House

Find a Club

There are over 200 Toastmasters clubs in District 37 which hold meetings in a variety of locations, ranging from corporations to colleges to restaurants to local community centers. Use our Find a Club tool to locate a club near you.

How to Join

Step 1
Visit a club. Find clubs near you by using the Find a Club tool. Each club has its own culture, so feel free to visit more than one to find the one that’s right for you.

Step 2
When you find the club you want to join, ask the Vice President Membership for a membership application. Fill it out and return it with your dues to the Vice President Membership.

Applicable Fees

  • $20 New Member Fee
    One-time fee covers cost of New Member Kit and processing
  • $45 Membership Dues
    Paid twice per year
  • Additional Dues
    Clubs may also charge supplementary club dues to cover expenses.

Step 3
Wait for your New Member Kit to be sent to you.

How to Start a Club

Toastmasters clubs meet at corporations, churches, colleges, community centers and even in restaurants. While community clubs are generally open to anyone, sponsored clubs are often limited to affiliates of the sponsor since the meeting location and some of the fees may be covered. If your organization is looking to build leaders from within, then now is the time to learn how to sponsor a club and why thousands already have.

To start a new club, follow these five steps:
Step 1
Find at least 20 people over the age of 18 who want to join.

Step 2
Designate and secure a meeting location.

Step 3
Fill out and submit the requisite new club forms to World Headquarters.

Step 4
Fill out the Start a Club form and request more information.

Step 5
Download a copy of How to Build a Toastmasters Club, a step-by step guide to growing a successful club.

How to Sponsor a Club

Some of the most famous names in business have sponsored clubs, including AT&T, Bank of America, Chevron, eBay, Google, and Microsoft. Sponsored clubs provide their members with the confidence and communication skills to flourish in their jobs; as members are able to deliver stronger presentations at work, lead more productive staff meetings and relate better with clients and colleagues.

A sponsor typically provides one or more of the following:

  • Meeting location
  • Charter fee
  • New member fee
  • Membership dues
  • Incentives for completion of Toastmasters education paths

We have volunteer Toastmasters leaders around the world who will meet with your organization to determine your needs and show you how Toastmasters can help.

For additional assistance, please contact us by email.

FAQ for First Timers

Where are club meetings held?
Clubs meetings are held in a variety of locations, ranging from corporations to colleges to restaurants to local community centers. District 37 includes over 200 clubs throughout North Carolina. Toastmasters’ global network is made of 15,900 clubs in 142 countries.
Do I need to contact a club before attending?
We recommend you contact a club prior to a meeting to confirm any time changes and meeting details. Use our Find a Club tool to locate a club and contact information.
Am I required to speak at a club meeting?
No. You are not obligated to speak when visiting a club. You may simply observe if you wish.
Can I visit more than one club?
Yes. We encourage you to visit multiple clubs to find the one that best fits your needs.
Is there a fee to attend a club meeting?
There are no fees to attend a meeting as a guest.
How long are club meetings?
Meeting times range from 1–2 hours.
Do I need to bring anything to a club meeting?
No. You are not required to bring anything to a meeting.
Is there a leader or instructor?
There is no instructor in a Toastmasters meeting. The club will have elected club officers present and a Toastmaster who facilitates the meeting.
Can anyone become a member?
As long as you are at least 18 years of age, you can join Toastmasters.
How much does it cost to become a member?
Members pay dues every six months:

  • US $20 New Member Fee
    One-time fee covers cost of New Member Kit and processing
  • US $45 Membership Dues*
    Paid twice per year
  • Additional Dues
    Clubs may also charge supplementary club dues to cover expenses, check with the club

*Note, international dues are US $33.75 every six months.

Quick tips for beginners
  • Ask for a mentor, an experienced Toastmaster to help you with meeting roles and speeches.
  • Study Project 1, the Icebreaker in your Pathways path and the evaluation guide at the end of the project.
  • Use stories, examples and anecdotes to craft a speech.
  • Don’t overwhelm your audience with too much information.
  • Practice speaking. Practice often.
  • Begin and end every speech strongly.