TI RELEASES NEW EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM | PDF Version

Toastmasters International is making some exciting changes in its educational system and award designations. In January 2006, new leadership award programs will be introduced and educational awards will be renamed in order to distinguish between speech programs and leadership programs. This will strengthen leadership training and make all educational designations in the communication and leadership tracks clearer and more meaningful. The development of leadership skills has always been part of the Toastmasters program. Members have had the opportunity to learn and practice leadership skills while serving in various club meeting roles and in officer positions. In fact, many people join because they want to improve their leadership skills. Beginning in 2006, you will see the following improvements in TI’s educational program:  

New Manual
The 10-project Competent Leadership manual will help you develop leadership skills while serving in various club meeting roles. The manual will debut in January 2006 and will be included in the new-member kit, which all new members receive. Other members may purchase the manual (Catalog No. 265) for $6.00 ( U.S. ) plus shipping. Members completing the manual will receive the new Competent Leader.

New Leadership Awards Titles
The current Competent Leader award will become the Advanced Leader Bronze award. The current Advanced Leader award will become the Advanced Leader Silver award. The requirements for the Advanced Leader Bronze award will include completion of the new Competent Leader manual. (See the sidebar for all requirements for these awards.) Because the requirements for this award are changing, there will be a two-year “grace period” for those working toward the current Competent Leader award. This means World Headquarters will continue to issue Competent Leader awards under the current requirements through June 30, 2008 . Beginning July 1, 2008 , all members will have to meet the new requirements. Those who have already earned the Competent Leader award under the current requirements and who apply for the Advanced Leader award after June 30, 2006 , will receive the new Advanced Leader Silver certificate. To download the OCL application, click here.

New Communication Awards Titles
Effective July 1, 2006 , the Competent To astmaster (CTM) award, given to those completing the Communication and Leadership Program manual, becomes the Competent Communicator award. The Advanced Toastmaster Bronze, Advanced Toastmaster Silver and Advanced Toastmaster Gold awards will become the Advanced Communicator Bronze, Advanced Communicator Silver and Advanced Communicator Gold awards respectively, with no changes to award requirements. (See the sidebar for all requirements for these awards.) Beginning July 1, 2006 , members applying for any of the current awards will receive certificates reflecting the new award names.

New DTM Requirements
Beginning July 1, 2006 , to be eligible for the award, a member must have received the Advanced Communicator Gold (or current Advanced Toastmaster Gold) and the Advanced Leader Silver (or current Advanced Leader) awards.