Club 328 JPMorgan Chase was noted to be a Presidential Distinguished Club.
Our club went well above the club requirement of Presidential distinguished to win Best of the District. We service the teenagers in the city, our company’s business execs, and our communication community of practice. The Presidential Distinguished Club status is the highest recognition a club can earn, and it requires the club to excel in the following categories:
- Membership Growth:
- Add a minimum of five new, dual, or reinstated members to the club. We hit a record high of adding 15 new members to the club in 2022 – 2023.
- Club Officer Training:
- Have at least four of the seven club officers trained twice yearly (once each of the two training periods). We had all seven officers trained.
- Club Administration:
- Submit the semiannual officer’s list on time. Check
- Dues Renewal:
- Have a minimum of 20 club members or a net growth of at least five members at the start of each semiannual period. We started with eight and closed with 24 active club members.
- Educational Achievements:
- Have members complete a specific number of education awards. This typically includes Competent Communicator (CC) and Competent Leader (CL) awards. We got 5 of the 6 points awarded for education. We have provided education for MDs and EDs of the company in “effective public speaking.” We have trained new hires and mid-career engineers on “how to tame your fear and deliver sizzling presentations.”
- Club Meetings:
- Hold at least 20 club meetings during each semiannual period, with a minimum of 13 meetings held with a quorum (the minimum number of members present for a meeting to occur). We have delivered bi-weekly meetings without fail, producing 24 well-attended meetings.
- Officer Training:
- Conduct officer training programs and sponsor a Speechcraft or Youth Leadership Program during the year. We lead a Youth Leadership Program with Delaware Teen warehouse. We are proud to have served the community.
- Distinguished Club Program Goals:
- Achieve at least nine of the ten Distinguished Club Program goals set annually by Toastmasters International. We had 9 points.
- Membership Payment:
- Ensure that membership dues are paid on time. This is simplified with self-service online payments.
- Club Leadership and Management:
- Maintain a positive culture that promotes club growth and member development. We have a powerful group of seasoned team members who have endured many hills and valleys and come out on top. This has built a culture that has proven it can endure. I was fortunate enough to serve as the president and lead our team to the top.
- Renewal and Payment of Club Dues:
- Submit semiannual dues payments to Toastmasters International on time.
Meeting these criteria requires effective leadership, active participation, and a commitment to the Toastmasters program’s values and goals. Clubs must track their progress throughout the Toastmasters year (July 1 to June 30) and report their achievements to Toastmasters International. Clubs that meet all the criteria will be recognized as Presidential Distinguished Clubs.
If I had to simplify the “meat and potatoes” you need to get to Presidential Distinguished, it would be:
- Get someone who loves marketing and is plugged into networks because one-third of your club will turn over during the year. (public relations)
- Get energy and fun into every event that makes guests curious about attending more meetings (president)
- Get a closer who understands the benefits of doing the program (membership)
- Get someone persuasive to get all speaking slots packed each week (Education)
- Get a President to pull this team together and get performance, not excuses.
P.S
It’s important to note that these requirements can change slightly from year to year, so it’s crucial to consult the official Toastmasters International website or contact your Toastmasters District leadership for the most up-to-date information and guidance on achieving the Presidential Distinguished Club status.
