Starting a new Toastmasters club typically takes 3-6 months from first conversation to charter. The process is well-documented and District 84 has experienced sponsors who help.
What you need to charter
- At least 20 paid members at charter
- A meeting place (in-person OR online)
- A sponsoring club willing to provide mentorship through the first year
- Initial dues payment to Toastmasters International (covers first 6 months for all charter members)
- A charter application packet
The process
Month 1 — Demonstrate demand
- Identify the audience (workplace? school? community group?)
- Run a demonstration meeting — a 1-hour mock meeting led by experienced Toastmasters to show what a club looks like
- Take down names of interested attendees
Month 2-3 — Form a charter cohort
- Hold 3-4 weekly meetings to build momentum and educate prospects
- Recruit toward 20+ committed members
- Identify initial officers (President, VPE, VPM, Secretary, Treasurer)
Month 3-5 — Charter application
- Collect membership applications + dues from each charter member
- Submit charter application to Toastmasters International via District 84
- TI reviews; approval typically takes 2-4 weeks
Month 4-6 — Charter celebration + first year support
- Host a charter ceremony (district officers usually attend)
- Sponsoring club continues to mentor through the new club's first year
Resources District 84 provides
- Templates for the demonstration meeting, charter application, and first-year meeting agendas
- A sponsor — an experienced Toastmaster who's done this before — assigned to walk you through it
- The charter packet from Toastmasters International
- Coaching from the Club Growth Director's team
To explore starting a club, contact the Club Growth Director (see Leadership).