Are you an enthusiastic, experienced Toastmaster who has served as a Club Officer and earned at least a CTM or CC? Do you enjoy helping others become new Toastmasters? Do you live for that moment when a club decides upon its name?

If so, consider becoming a Club Sponsor to further develop your leadership and organization skills.

A Club Sponsor guides and assists a newly forming club until it receives its charter. This guidance and assistance includes:

• Show the group interested in forming the Toastmasters Club what they need to do. Alleviate any remaining doubts they may have
• Help the group establish regular club meetings. Fill meeting roles to set an example for club members
• Assist the group in selecting interim Club Officers. Ensure that these officers understand their responsibilities
• Work with the club to establish ongoing recruitment efforts
• Ensure that interim Club Officers understand the requirements for chartering their club
• Assist the Club Officers in completing the charter paperwork
• Serve as a resource person to the club for any questions they have about meeting procedures or Toastmasters guidelines
• Keep District Officers informed of the club's progress. Ask for a Club Mentor as soon as the club approaches charter strength

Note: The high-initiative way to be a Club Sponsor is to organize the Demonstration Meeting yourself. The District 22 Extension Team is standing by to provide you with all the Toastmasters you need to fill the Demonstration Meeting roles. Consult "How to Build a Toastmasters Club" for a step-by-step plan to identify opportunities to organize a club, gain support for your idea, promote attendance and gain the commitment of 20 to 30 people to become Charter Members.

The District's mission is to to enhance the performance of clubs and extend the network of clubs, thereby offering greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from the Toastmasters educational program. One way we support this mission is through the district Extension Team. The Extension Team builds new clubs. One key role in the club building process is that of Club Sponsor.

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 a Club Sponsor may benefit you.

• Earn credit toward Toastmasters Advanced Leader Silver award
• Achieve the final step in earning President's Distinguished Area or Division
• Gain the real-world experience of building a new organizational unit from the ground up
• Get recognition from district officers as they show appreciation for your effort
• Gain satisfaction from helping others meet their personal goals
• Position yourself for a run for District Governor!
• Leave a legacy of a healthy, thriving Toastmasters Club that you started!

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

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