Types of Toastmasters Clubs

Toastmasters clubs are grouped into two categories: community clubs and corporate clubs.

Community clubs are formed for the general public. They may meet in public libraries, civic centers, restaurants, and other areas accessible by the public. Some larger communities, like those in urban areas, can support more than one Toastmasters club, so if your community is large and already has one club, do not let it prevent you from forming another one.

Corporate clubs are formed in companies, government agencies, and other organizations that recognize that Toastmasters offers the most effective, cost-efficient form of communication training available.

Most community clubs accept any interested people as members. Occasionally, however, a club may restrict its membership to a certain group of people. Usually this occurs in corporate clubs, where often only employees may join. No matter if you are starting a community or company club, Toastmasters International's bylaws state that membership cannot be restricted according to age (except those persons under 18 years of age), race, creed, sex, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, or physical or mental disability, so long as the individual is able to participate in the program.

What market exists in your locale? Is there a large company that currently does not have a Toastmasters club? Perhaps you could form one there. Does the community have a club? If not, you could start one. If a community club already exists that meets in the morning, for example, perhaps the community could support a club that meets at noon or in the evening. Whatever type of club you plan to build, you must have a minimum of 20 members to charter the club, and at least 17 of these members must not be “dual” members

When planning the meeting time and location, pay special attention to traffic patterns and ease of access, especially in urban areas. For example, in the downtown area of a large city, a morning club or an evening club may not succeed, while a club meeting at noon will work. In suburban locales, a noon club might fail because most residents are away during the day, but a morning or evening club could easily flourish.