Have you completed a full six month term as either a club President or Vice-President Education?

If so, consider becoming an Area Governor to further develop your leadership skills.

A Toastmasters district divides itself into divisions. For instance, district 22 has the following five divisions: T.A.L.K.S. The District Executive Committee divides each division into areas. Each area has several Toastmasters clubs (usually 4 - 7).

The Area's mission is to provided District contact, support, and service to its clubs so that the clubs may in turn fulfill their responsibilities to the club members.

An Area Governor serves for a full Toastmasters Year (July 1 through June 30th) to guide and assist the clubs within his/her Area. This guidance and assistance includes:

• Visiting each club in the Area twice to make formal Area Club Visits. (Each visit includes completing and submitting an "Area Report of Club Visit Form" to the District Governor). Making other informal club visits for things such as installing club officers.
• Serving as an information conduit between the District and the clubs (through the club Presidents).
• Ensuring that each club understands the Distinguished Club Program and how it serves the needs of the club members.
• Working with the clubs to hold area speech contests. (Twice yearly prior to Division and district contests).
• Encouraging club officers to participate in district-provided club officer training.
• Contacting each club President at least monthly by phone or email to share information, recognize achievements, and offer assistance.
• Holding regular Area Council meetings for Club Presidents and Vice Presidents Education and Vice Presidents Membership.
• Assisting district officers in helping to build new clubs within the area or division.
• Attending quarterly District Executive Council meeting.

Note: The district offers a training session for Area Governors at the beginning of their term. Governors will also receive a comprehensive manual.

You may be asking yourself, "What's in it for me?" While no two of us are exactly alike, here are some ways that being an Area Governor may benefit you.

• Practice leadership skills with a group of people over whom you have no authority. This is a truer indicator of your leadership than in situations where you have a position of power
• Gain satisfaction from helping others meet their personal goals
• Get recognition from district officers as they show appreciation for your efforts
• Earn credit toward Toastmasters Advanced Leadership award
• Become a better communicator as you interact with Toastmasters serving in a variety of positions and having a diversity of skills

To place your name on the list of candidates for Area Governor, contact a current district officer:

• Area Governor
• Division Governor
• Lieutenant Governor Marketing
• Lieutenant Governor Education and Training
• District Governor