Are you meeting during Covid-19 Shelter In Place?
Yes! We are meeting every Tuesday. We will be alternating between in-person with masks at Pageant Park in Los Gatos (behind the Civic Center at 110 East Main Street) starting on June 1, 2021, and online via Zoom on June 8, 2021. Contact us for details to join our Zoom meetings.
What is Toastmasters?
Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. There are thousands of clubs around the world meeting every day. Some clubs are found at companies and some are open to the community like ours. Here is a great introductory quote:
The world needs leaders. Leaders head families, coach teams, run businesses and mentor others. These leaders must not only accomplish, they must communicate. By regularly giving speeches, gaining feedback, leading teams and guiding others to achieve their goals in a supportive atmosphere, leaders emerge from the Toastmasters program. Every Toastmasters journey begins with a single speech. During their journey, they learn to tell their stories. They listen and answer. They plan and lead. They give feedback—and accept it. Through our community of learners, they find their path to leadership.
-Toastmasters International
Can I come as a guest?
Yes! Our membership is open and growing so we encourage visitors to any of our meetings.
I’m visiting for the first time, do I need to participate?
Visiting a club is an exciting first step in reaching your goals. There’s no need to feel pressure to participate at your first club meeting – you can simply observe if you wish. And since every club is unique, it’s OK to visit several clubs before you decide to join the right club for you. Have a great first meeting!
What’s a meeting like?
A typical Toastmasters meeting includes two to four speeches by members, evaluations & feedback of each speech, meeting role assignments & reports (such as Ah counter, Timer, Grammarian, etc.), and Table Topics (a think-fast Q&A session that guests can also participate in).
What does it cost?
Los Gatos Toastmasters collect member dues of $81 every 6 months. Dues cover Toastmasters International program and Pathways curriculum and our room rental costs. If you are a brand new member you are also charged a $20 new member fee. You only have to pay the new member fee once per lifetime so if you belong to a second club (Dual Membership) or have a lapse in membership (Reinstated Membership) you don’t need to pay the new member fee. We take credit card via Square PoS, Paypal, cash or check.
Do you meet at other times or locations?
We only meet on Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm. Our meeting locations may change especially in the summer months where we like to take advantage of the long daylight and get outside. We have conducted outdoor meetings all around town.
I’m not a native English speaker, do you have ESL members?
Yes! Silicon Valley has wonderful diversity and we are proud to learn from and grow with our ESL members. Speech givers always have the opportunity to give their goals, like English grammar, to their speech evaluators.
What is your non-profit status?
Toastmasters International is an organization registered in the United States as a 501(c)3 non-profit. The World Headquarters FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number) of 95-1300076 is provided to our venue to substantiate our non-profit status.
Can youth join as members?
Toastmasters is strictly 18 years and older. If you are a youth or a parent of a child who is interested in public speaking and leadership please see the following resources.
Continue reading “FAQ”
