Club Officer Training
The Toastmasters Club Officer Training (COT) held on 27th July 2025 at the Curtin University was a remarkable gathering of club and district leaders, all united under the inspiring theme: Empower. Elevate. Excel. Aimed at inspiring club officers, the event included a dynamic workshop focused on invigorating clubs to pursue growth and achieve excellence.
Empower, Elevate and Excel
A key element of the training was the emphasis on empowering club officers to enhance the meeting experience. By equipping them with the tools and strategies needed to elevate the quality of their meetings, the program aimed to foster a culture of excellence and innovation. This focus on leadership not only sought to improve the effectiveness of each meeting but also encouraged the team to take ownership of the overall club experience, driving growth and engagement among members.
Resources
One of the key takeaways was the wealth of resources available through the Toastmasters International website, particularly the ‘Club Central’ section, which serves as a hub for managing club operations and member engagement. Additionally, the District 17 website offers a plethora of tools and guidance tailored to help clubs thrive. Officers were encouraged to connect with counterparts from other clubs who are fulfilling similar roles, fostering a spirit of collaboration and sharing best practices that can enhance the club experience.
Quickstart 1-2-3
A highlight of the training was the introduction of the new campaign, ‘Quickstart 1-2-3,’ designed to energise clubs and encourage participation. This initiative is broken down into three engaging components:
LIGHTS: Clubs are invited to craft and submit a concise vision statement, setting the tone for their goals and aspirations.
CAMERA: Following this, they can capture the essence of their club by submitting a photo that showcases their members, creating a sense of community and pride.
ACTION: Finally, clubs will develop a Club Success Plan, a comprehensive strategy to guide their efforts and submit it for recognition.
This campaign not only motivates clubs to reflect on their identity but also fosters a sense of accountability and purpose.
Meetup
In an era where digital presence is crucial, we also explored the benefits of using Meetup, an app designed to promote clubs and engage potential members.
District 17 representatives will hold instructional sessions on how to effectively use this platform for all Vice Presidents of Public Relations. This tool will enable clubs to reach a broader audience, share events, and attract new members, ultimately enhancing the club’s visibility and impact within the community.
Leading Clubs to Success
The overarching theme of the training was centred on leading clubs to success. This involves not just training and equipping club officers with essential skills but also providing ongoing support to all members. The Club Success Plan serves as a collaborative tool that fosters teamwork and collective responsibility, ensuring every member feels invested in the club’s journey. By embracing these resources and strategies, our club officers are better positioned to lead their clubs towards achieving their goals and creating a vibrant, supportive environment for all members.
A delicious lunch was provided for all participants. At 2 PM, club officers enthusiastically convened in designated break-out rooms, diving deep into the intricacies of their roles and uncovering the keys to effective leadership. Club officer training was a resounding success, providing valuable insights and resources for our leaders.
