On July 28, 2026, District 46 hosted the Lead Beyond Your Club Workshop, an engaging evening of leadership development, practical guidance, and volunteer opportunities.
The workshop introduced members to several ways they can serve beyond their clubs while supporting club growth, developing future leaders, and progressing toward the Distinguished Toastmaster designation.
“It Takes All of Us Working Together”
The workshop opened with remarks from Jessly Chettaniyal, District 46 Club Growth Director, who thanked the presenters and participants for supporting the training.
“This year, our focus is on helping our clubs THRIVE, and it takes all of us working together to make that happen.”
She encouraged participants to use the information shared during the workshop to identify an opportunity that was right for them and make a meaningful impact.
Club Coach: “It Is Totally Doable”
Thomas Marino, DTM, presented the Club Coach segment and explained how experienced Toastmasters can help clubs facing membership and operational challenges.
Club Coaches work alongside officers and members to identify concerns, strengthen meetings, improve the member experience, and create sustainable plans for growth.
During the discussion, Evelyn Marrero, DTM, encouraged participants not to feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities:
“It sounds like more than what it actually is. Don’t be intimidated by these requirements. It is totally doable.”
Her words reinforced the idea that members can succeed in the role when they approach it with commitment, patience, and teamwork.
Club Sponsor: Building New Clubs
Ana Popescu, IP5, District 46 Extension Chair, presented the Club Sponsor segment.
She explained how Club Sponsors guide prospective members through the process of organizing and chartering a new Toastmasters club. The role includes helping the group understand Toastmasters, meet charter requirements, recruit members, and establish a strong organizational foundation.
When participants asked where they could learn more or volunteer, Ana shared:
“You can always reach out to me or Stella if you have any questions after this session.”
The discussion also clarified how dual and reinstated members may be counted during the chartering process.
Club Mentor: Give Each Role Your Full Attention
Evelyn Marrero, DTM, presented the Club Mentor segment and discussed how mentors help newly chartered clubs develop confidence, structure, and effective meeting practices.
Mentors support officers, explain club procedures, strengthen meeting quality, and help members become self-sufficient.
When asked whether someone could serve in more than one leadership role, Evelyn advised:
“If you feel you have the time and capacity to do more than one role at a time—go for it!”
She also reminded participants that giving their full attention to each assignment would greatly benefit both the volunteer and the club receiving support.
“Doing more than one role at a time can be very time consuming.”
Her guidance emphasized the importance of balancing enthusiasm with realistic availability.
Speechcraft: “A Great Tool to Recruit New Members”
Rosalynn Mok, PI5, presented the Speechcraft Coordinator segment.
Speechcraft helps participants strengthen their communication and public-speaking skills through a structured educational experience. It can also introduce prospective members to Toastmasters and serve as a valuable membership-development tool.
One attendee summarized its impact:
“Speechcraft is a great tool to recruit new members.”
Another participant shared a personal club success story:
“Speechcraft paved the way to help my club get better and get experienced members to run the club.”
These comments highlighted how Speechcraft can benefit both individual participants and the clubs that coordinate the program.
Youth Leadership: Developing Future Communicators
DoraMaria Abreu, DTM, presented the Youth Leadership Coordinator segment.
She explained how the Youth Leadership Program helps young people build communication and leadership skills through prepared speeches, impromptu speaking, evaluations, meeting roles, and practical experience.
The program can be offered in collaboration with schools and community organizations.
During the discussion, attendees identified potential community partnerships, and Evelyn Marrero noted:
“You can partner with a school or community organization dedicated to youngsters to have a Youth Leadership Program.”
The segment also covered parental permission, participant safety, program size, volunteer requirements, and the responsibilities of the sponsoring Toastmasters club.
Attendees praised DoraMaria’s energetic delivery and depth of information:
“Wonderful presentation, Dora—very energetic and so much knowledge and information!”
Questions, Answers, and Leadership Opportunities
Dr. Stella Umunna, DTM, District 46 Retention Chair, facilitated the question-and-answer and volunteer sign-up portion of the workshop.
Participants asked questions about program eligibility, chartering requirements, Pathways speech timing, multiple leadership roles, youth-program guidelines, and available District resources.
The interactive discussion reflected the attendees’ interest in continuing their leadership journeys and supporting clubs throughout District 46.
Get Involved
Demo Team Volunteer Form
Volunteer to participate in a demonstration meeting:
Coach, Mentor, or Sponsor Interest Form
Express interest in serving as a Club Coach, Club Mentor, or Club Sponsor:
Club Support Request
Clubs that need the assistance of a Club Coach may submit a request:
New Club Leads
Submit information about a potential new Toastmasters club:
“Invaluable Insights Shared Tonight”
The enthusiastic responses from attendees demonstrated the value of the workshop.
One participant shared:
“Thank you for this amazing presentation. Invaluable insights shared tonight.”
Another described the workshop as:
“Very informative.”
The evening concluded with appreciation for the presenters and their willingness to answer questions:
“Thank you to all the presenters for answering the questions!”
Another attendee simply responded:
“Great presentation. WOWWW! Thank you.”
The Lead Beyond Your Club Workshop demonstrated that leadership does not stop at the club level. Members can continue growing while making a meaningful difference as Club Coaches, Sponsors, Mentors, Speechcraft Coordinators, Youth Leadership Coordinators, demonstration team members, and District volunteers.
District 46 extends its sincere appreciation to the presenters, guests, volunteers, and attendees who helped make the July 28 workshop a success.
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