los gatos toastmasters

Los Gatos Toastmasters is a social club based in Los Gatos, California USA. We practice our public speaking and leadership skills every week.

Our membership comprises of over 30 individuals from all walks-of-life seeking professional growth.

We welcome residents of Los Gatos, Campbell, Saratoga and surrounding San Jose/Silicon Valley Area to join us.

Drop-in to any of our meetings on Tuesdays at 6:30pm.

As part of the Toastmasters leadership program we elect club officers that manage the club while building confidence in ourselves and our organizational skills. Here are our officers:

Tom Bartasi
Club President

Latha Ram
VP of Education

Sarah Beauchamp
Secretary

Chris Genetti
Treasurer

Atish Sorte
VP Membership

Alex Sandoval
Sergeant-at-Arms

Chris Genetti
Immediate Past President

Soheila Assadi
Past President

Eddie McMorrow
Past President

Are you meeting during Covid-19?

Yes!  As of September 21, 2021, We have been meeting at 6:30pm every Tuesday In-Person and online via Zoom SIMULTANEOUSLY.  In-Person indoors attendance is for registered Members only and requires COVID VACCINATION CARD and MASK as per Santa Clara County Guidelines.  We ask that Guests attend our hybrid meetings via Zoom until becoming Members at which time they can choose to attend in person or Zoom.  Members can attend in person at Office Evolution Los Gatos, 16185 Los Gatos Blvd #205, Los Gatos, CA 95032.

**** Note that during June, July, and August we alternate between our hybrid meetings and outdoor in-person-only meetings.  For Summer 2022 our outdoor in-person-only meetings are at 6:30pm at Pageant Park, 110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95032 (behind the Civic Center and next to the Los Gatos Public Library) on June 7, June 21, July 5, July 19, August 2, and August 16, 2022.  For all other dates we hold our regular hybrid meetings on Zoom and at Office Evolution.

For hybrid meetings, email us for Zoom link at info@losgatostoastmasters.org

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.

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