Some time ago, I met a fellow Toastmaster at a conference. As we hurried back to the meeting after a break, he asked me, "How is your club doing?" Thinking he was referring to my home club, Madras Toastmasters, where I've been a member for the past eight years, I replied, "Yes, we are President Distinguished with DCP (Distinguished Club Program) 10/10." He smiled and clarified, "I'm asking about the club you are mentoring, Preludesys Club 1 Ignite, not your home club. The club you are mentoring is like your baby. Until it becomes sustainable, your guidance and support play a vital role in the club's quality and success." I then remembered that we had called him for one of our education sessions and he was impressed with the club's enthusiasm.
His observation was spot on. When Preludesys Toastmasters Club 1 Ignite became a 'Distinguished Club', I felt an immense sense of pride, much like a parent. This success was fueled by the dedication of the members, executive committee, and the club sponsor, TM Pradeepa, whose encouragement was pivotal.
Preludesys Club 1 Ignite
Madras Toastmasters Club
While the members and their experiences are the most important aspects of Toastmasters, numbers also play a crucial role in tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement. Even the best clubs can always find ways to improve, and the numbers help us assess quality. Another Toastmaster shared an interesting insight about these numbers: "Every year on July 1st, the numbers reset to zero. Every club, regardless of its past achievements, starts from square one. The only weapon they have is their past experience, which helps them achieve their goals more easily. Those without experience focus on gaining it."
So if you ask me whether it is the members or the numbers that matter, I would say, 'It's both.'
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