From Andrew P Bennett, Area 45 Governor
Imagine how different your life might have been if you had learned the valuable Toastmasters Communication and Leadership skills as a young person.
I’ve been appointed by the London Division B Council as Champion to co-ordinate Youth Leadership Programmes for 2011/2012. Our target is to equip 1000 young people in the London area with Toastmasters skills. This objective is particularly on our minds in the wake of the recent riots. If each London Club were to sponsor a Youth Leadership programme in a local school or youth club we could achieve this target
The Youth Leadership Program (Item 811 Toastmasters.org/shop) can be led by a Toastmaster at any stage in his/her educational progression. Being a Program Leader can also count towards your Advanced Communicator Gold Award.
The programme consists of 9 interactive sessions delivered in a School or Youth club setting. Qualified Teachers and Youth Leaders are present to maintain discipline and a suitable learning environment. The Toastmaster Leader is there to offer guidance and to model skills such as Impromptu Speaking and Evaluation in the same way that you already do in your regular meeting.
Session 9 is called 'The Banquet' - a party at which the young people present their newly acquired skills to family and friends. In addition they receive an attractive completion certificate.
We have the opportunity to shape the future of our country by equipping our young people with communication skills. Let's seize this occasion, set the ball rolling in Division B and who knows how many lives could be touched by our efforts? Aaron Wood has already taken up the challenge – perhaps you can too?!
If you would like to lead a programme or participate in any way please forward your name, club and email contact to your Area Governor. Alternatively you can contact me via my contact form Click here. I'll be delighted to provide you with further details.
