Are you an enthusiastic, experienced Toastmaster who has served as a Club Officer and earned at least a CTM or CC? Do you enjoy being a key for helping a new club form it's personality? Does watching others endure their first stint as a Table Topics Speaker make your day?

If so, consider becoming a Club Mentor to further develop your leadership skills.

A Club Mentor serves for at least six months to guide and assist a newly chartered club. This guidance and assistance includes:

• Attending regular club meeting, filling meeting roles to set an example for club members
• Serving as a resource person to the club for any questions they have about meeting procedures or Toastmasters guidelines
• Ensuring that Club Offers understand the Distinguished Club Program and how it serves the needs of club members. Providing samples of Club Success Plans of helping officers develop the Club Success Plan
• Explaining the Toastmasters educational program
• Coaching Club Officers on their roles and responsibilities
• Encouraging Club Officers to participate in District activities
• Keeping District Officers informed of the club's progress

Note: An excellent way for a prospective Mentor to begin establishing rapport with a club is to participate in the Club Demonstration Meeting.

The District's mission is to enhance the performance of clubs and extend the network of clubs, thereby offering greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from the Toastmasters education program. One way we support this mission is through our Blue Ribbon X-Team. The X-Team builds new clubs. Once a club is chartered, a Club Mentor helps the club get off to a good start emphasizing those things that will make the club a success.

You may be asking yourself, "What's in it for me?" While no two of us are exactly alike, here are some ways that being a Club Mentor may benefit you.

• Practice leadership skills with a group of people over whom you have no authority. This is a truer indicator of your leadership than in situations where you have a position of power
• Gain satisfaction from helping others meet their personal goals
• Get recognition from district officers as they show appreciation for your efforts
• Earn credit toward Toastmasters Advanced Leader Silver award
• Gain satisfaction from leaving a legacy of a healthy, thriving Toastmasters Club!

To place your name on the list of candidates for Club Mentor, contact a current district officer:

• Area Governor
• Division Governor
• Lieutenant Governor Marketing
• Lieutenant Governor Education & Training
• District Governor