| The initial
events a new member experiences play important roles in his/
her long-term impressions about the Club and the
organization as a whole. The orientation session and
induction ceremony are two of these important initial
events. Toastmasters International recommends using the New
Member Kit for Clubs (Catalog No.1162). This kit contains
materials and instructions that will assist in the orienting
and inducting five new members. These materials, along with
the New Member Kit, form the base that each new member needs
in order to become fully integrated into the Club's
educational and social structure. Orientation is the
responsibility of the Vice President
Education. The Vice President
Membership, however, is the responsible for the
induction ceremony. This ceremony may be performed by the
Club President, the Vice President Membership, or by any
senior Toastmaster who can handle it with style. The
following is an example of a ceremony inducting two or more
new members simultaneously:
INDUCTING OFFICER
"Membership in Toastmasters is a
privilege. And the only way to gain the benefits of our
program is to actively participate.
Do you, (names), promise to be active members of this Club,
attend regularly and prepare fully for your duties? Do you
also promise to fulfill the other points in the Toastmasters
Promise?" (You can list additional points if you wish.)
(Members reply, "Yes") Then turn to the club and ask...
"Do you, the members of Philipsburg Toastmasters Club,
promise to support (names) as they work the Toastmasters
program?" (The club members say "Yes".) "It is my pleasure
to declare you installed as members of Philipsburg
Toastmasters Club. " ( If your club presents a Toastmasters
pin to members, do it at this time.)
|
Show your
members that the club cares by providing all new members
with the following " symbols of excellence":
* "Toastmasters and You" Kit ( Catalog
No. 1167, 1167A, package of five), welcoming the new member
to the club and providing a copy of " The Ice Breaker"
exercise.
* Membership Certificate ( Catalog No.
513), suitable for training.
*Membership Lapel Pin ( Catalog No.
5751, 5753), which allows the new member to prominently and
proudly promote Toastmasters.
* Club
Constitution and Bylaws ( Catalog No. 210 C),
allowing the new member to become aware of the policies and
procedures governing the Club.
BE SURE EACH NEW MEMBER
IS ASSIGNED A MENTOR.
A mentor is a friendly, experienced
Toastmaster who helps the new member become familiar with
the Club and work on the first few speeches. mentors can
also be assigned to more experienced members wanting to
develop special skills. A mentor program can help the Club
have more satisfied and long-term members. Ask the Vice
President President Education to conduct
The successful Club
Series program, "Mentoring." ( Catalog No. 296) which
describes the duties of mentors and explains the benefits of
mentoring for both the Club and its members. Then have the
Vice president Education use the "Club Mentor Program" kit (
Catalog No. 1163) to start and maintain a mentor program in
your Club. |
