by Gillian Sheldon, DTM; Scott Schaefer; Jeannette Kreher Heberling, DTM; Maria Maier
District 65 is looking for members to serve as club coaches. If you’re looking to tackle a High-Performance Leadership (HPL) project as a Level 5 requirement/elective, a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) project as a capstone for your Pathways goals, or other leadership elective projects for Levels 3–5, sign up today!
What is a club coach? What do they do?
Individuals in this crucial role are experienced Toastmasters members who assist clubs in rebuilding club membership and restoring club quality. If you’re working in the Pathways paths of Dynamic Leadership, Motivational Strategies, Persuasive Influence, or Visionary Communication, you could be a great fit as a club coach!
Your job is…
- Build rapport with club officers and members
- Create a culture of enthusiasm, collaboration, and structure within the club
- Assess the club environment and recommend best practices for success
- Work with club officers to develop a Club Success Plan
- Motivate the club to strive for Distinguished Club Program (DCP) recognition
Who can be a club coach?
If you are a paid member in good standing, have been a member for one year or longer, have served as a club officer for one annual term (or two semiannual terms), and have completed at least Levels 1 and 2 in any path, you can be a club coach!
Why be a club coach?
Serving as a club coach is a great way to gain experience, grow your knowledge, and feel a sense of accomplishment. https://www.toastmasters.org/Membership/Leadership/club-officer-tools/club-management/club-quality/club-coach-program/helpful-resources/coach/ Benefits include:
- Personal Growth: Refine your speaking and leadership skills
- Leadership Development: Build such skills as facilitation, active listening, critical thinking, and motivation
- Grow Your Network: Connect with club members from a wide variety of backgrounds
- Make a Difference: Make a positive impact on the community by helping members develop their public speaking, communication, and leadership skills
SESSION 1: Coaching Fundamentals
December 18th, 7-8PM
Register at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OLia6lkwRb25bFqPWb3TcA
“Coaching Unlocked: What It Is, What It Isn’t & Why It Matters”
Description:
Step into the foundation every effective Club Coach needs. This session breaks down the true essence of coaching—far beyond giving advice or solving problems. You’ll discover what coaching really is, what it absolutely is not, and why understanding the difference transforms your impact.
Through practical examples and easy-to-apply frameworks, you’ll learn how to:
- Ask questions that open minds
- Empower instead of direct
- Guide members to their own insights
- Coach with clarity, presence, and purpose
This is the starting point for every powerful Club Coach. When you master the fundamentals, you unlock a ripple effect of growth—in the club, the coaches, and the members they serve.
SESSION 2: Influence, Connection & Motivating Action
January 8th 7-8PM
Register at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QrBVcdAxRqeT3Yk-GCKs4w
“The Coach’s Edge: Build Trust, Reduce Uncertainty & Inspire Momentum”
Description:
Great coaches don’t just guide—they transform. In this energizing session, you’ll discover the core relationship-building skills and influence principles that help you connect quickly, earn trust, and motivate club members to take consistent action.
You’ll learn how to:
- Reduce resistance by lowering uncertainty
- Build stronger relationships and rapport
- Spark action through clarity, consistency, and encouragement
- Use ethical influence to accelerate club progress
When coaches know how to create connection and inspire movement, clubs shift from “stuck” to strategic, from hesitant to hopeful, and from uncertain to unstoppable.
Ready to grow your leadership? Step up as a club coach — not as a rescuer, but as a partner, mentor, and guide. A club coach helps rebuild confidence, rekindle enthusiasm, and reestablish a culture of excellence. And in doing so, they often experience some of the greatest leadership growth of their Toastmasters journey.
Resources
- Club Coach Program for Clubs (Item 930CF 07/2022)