What the heck is On-Line Club Officer Training?

For years now, we have looked for opportunities to increase the number of clubs officers trained. Strong club officers mean strong clubs; this has have been proven time and time again.

Whether you're new to a club officer position, or have been in the position multiple times - being trained helps you be effective in your position. Think of it like this - in your workplace, if you start a new position, you are trained for it. And many companies are now realizing the value of ongoing training for employees that have been a position for years. If you extrapolate that to Toastmasters, you will be more effective in your club officer position if you are trained - whether it's "new" training or "ongoing" training. And that's where experienced officers can be so helpful ... offer to conduct the training using TI's club officer training material. Your experience matters! One of the great benefits I always receive when attending training is the networking opportunity.

In August, your Division Governors will be lining up Club Officer Training for those officers not trained in June. In person training in a group setting is always the best as you have the opportunity to ask questions right there, right then. Even if you're not a club officer, I encourage you to attend the club officer training sessions. However, there are times when the training sessions offered simply do not fit into your schedule, or you live at a great distance. Therein lies the strategy for on-line club officer training.

So ... what the heck is on-line club officer training?

Last September, your District 42 Toastmasters took a bit risk and a giant leap of faith. As your Lt. Governor Education & Training, I contacted Toastmasters International with a plan for a pilot project. I laid out our plan and they say Yes!! In fact, a big resounding yes. In TI's words "There is no doubt we're headed that way -- but we're not quite there yet. ... [W]e applaud you in your efforts to do a pilot on distance learning. We support your efforts ..."

Although still in its first form, our on-line club officer training will evolve to a web-based version; it is currently available only on a download basis. Although it is unlikely it will be web-based during this training period of June-August, we do plan on having it functional by the December-February training period. How does it work? So, how do you participate in on-line club officer training? Visit http://www.d42.org/ (it will be on our banner heading shortly) or follow this 3-step process:

Step 1: Download the appropriate training file for your role and work through it. You can sit back and listen to the PPT as it takes you through the training.

Step 2: Register your on-line training by completing the survey. Our District 42 Statistician will contact the Area Governors to notify them you have taken the training.

Step 3: Your Area Governor will arrange for a follow up meeting to ensure you understand your role and answer any questions you may have. This step is critical as it completes the TI's requirement that there be a face-to-face component of the training (it doesn't need to be a long meeting, it can be done as a group with your fellow club officers). This is also a great time to review your Club Success Plan with your Area Governor.

You must complete all of these three steps in order to get credit for your training.

Special thanks!

The on-line training did not create itself. It took conviction, determination and countless hours by my team members to make it a reality. My sincere thanks to my amazing team of Greg, Kevin, Alice and Glenn. You are each amazing people and you have truly impacted my world ...

Now you know what the heck on-line club officer training is all about! My first preference is that each officer attend the Division training events organized by your Division Governor, however, this is a viable option. And yes, if you attend the group training sessions, you can still participate in the on-line training to supplement and have available as a reference tool. There's no reason we can't have 100% of club officers trained!

With well-trained officers we will Impact Our World in District 42 and can convert even a challenged club into a strong club!

Enjoy!