Have you ever been a member of Toastmasters? From its humble beginnings in a small California basement, Toastmasters has blossomed into an international powerhouse with a presence in countless cities and countries, including the proud heritage of two local toastmasters clubs; Early Risers, established in 1982, and Empire Toastmasters established in 1989. With hundreds of members that have come through our clubs over the years, we are proud to continue the great opportunity that Toastmasters offers to our members.
Early Risers and Empire Toastmaster Clubs invite you to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Toastmasters International on October 21st for a party at Lucchesi Mill Street Tasting Room, 128 Mill St, Grass Valley, from 5:30 – 7:00 pm to raise a glass of wine and toast Ralph Smedley, the founder of this great non-profit.
Although Ralph Smedley started a version of Toastmasters in earlier years, the official date is celebrated in October 1924, with the first meeting of the Number 1 Toastmasters Club at Santa Ana, CA.
“How did you happen to start the Toastmasters Club?” was asked numerous times of Ralph Smedley. His stock answer was always a return question, “Why did you join the Toastmasters Club?” The answer is consistently the same. “I needed help in talking. How to face an audience, how to put my thoughts together and communicate with others.” This, along with developing prowess in leadership, such as leading meetings, planning programs, working on committees, and learning to give and receive advice on improving these skills, are all part of what one learns through Toastmasters meetings.
Ralph Smedly later noted, “I am glad to know, by years of observation, that while our language and our customs have changed, men differ very little in fundamentals from men of half a century ago. They have similar ambitions, difficulties, and impediments to progress, and their reactions today are very much like those of the earlier generation. That is, while conditions have changed, human nature and human needs have not been greatly altered.”
In California, this seems very true, as the third meeting, held November 12, 1924, offered five topics for speeches that are just as relevant in 2024: Save the Redwoods, Finding Makers for our Products, Wasted Wealth in Water, Building More and Better Highways, and Capitalizing on the Tourists.
The popularity of Toastmasters grew due to the standardized format of the meetings and roles within each meeting. Toastmasters International was officially incorporated in 1932, and a quarterly magazine was launched in 1933.
Although women were not allowed to become members until 1973, the idea of Toastmasters was appealing, and a speech club initially called ‘The Toasties’ formulated into the organization of International Toastmistress Clubs, Inc.
With the inclusion of women, Toastmasters membership grew to more than 60,000 members in 3,000 clubs in 41 countries as it celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
Membership continued to grow around the world until the pandemic. Membership declined rapidly, and clubs folded, even though the meetings were still held virtually.
Today, membership is on the rebound as clubs meet in person again. Over 14,000 clubs in 150 countries have over 270,000 members.
Are you interested in finding out more about how Toastmasters can help you? If you are in Grass Valley on Monday evening, 10/21/24, stop in at Lucchesi Mill Street Tasting Room, raise a glass, and join in the fun! Or, go to Toastmasters.org and click on ‘FIND A CLUB’. Guests are always welcome to attend our meetings!