Open the Door to Membership: 14 Tips to Attract, Welcome, and Grow

5 minutes ago

3 min read

Compiled by Angie Collier, DTM Sep 19, 2026

Every successful Toastmasters club begins with people who believe in the power of communication, leadership, and connection. As District 55 continues to evolve beyond the bridge, our clubs have an exciting opportunity to welcome new members, strengthen our foundation, and grow together. But how do we get people through the door? How do we create an atmosphere that makes them feel welcome and excited to return? And how do we turn that first visit into a lasting membership? Here are 14 tips to help you open the door to membership.

Prepare a two-sided club membership flyer. One side tells all about the Toastmasters educational program, a self-paced communication and leadership educational program by a non-profit organization, etc.. The other side gives testimonials about the organization, along with the profession of the individual. Include Toastmasters, district and club website addresses, and contact information for 2 members with email addresses and phone numbers. Distribute to local businesses, guests, and members to use when inviting guests to the next club meeting.
Get some fellow Toastmasters to donate time for podcasts, public radio, etc..
Have a guest book, and ask guests to sign. Make sure you get their name, address, phone, email, for follow up. Then be sure someone follows up!
Do press releases to local media on all special events and on member's accomplishments. Include photos whenever possible.
Participate in Career Day at your local High School where you can tell students about Toastmasters. Don't forget, many high school seniors are 18 and eligible to join a club.
Leaflet a neighborhood with flyers about your club. This works well in apartment or condominium complexes.
Wear your Toastmasters T-shirt or pin on a regular basis, not just at Toastmasters meetings. Have a 30 second speech ready for when people ask “What’s that nice looking pin you’re wearing?” “What’s Toastmasters?”
Place your Toastmasters awards and ribbons where co workers can see them and be ready to have a conversation about it.
Invite your family and friends to attend the club, Area, Division or District Speech Contest.
Offer to pick up a guest so you know that they will make the meeting.
Invite your boss to a club meeting, with the possibility that he/she would encourage your co-workers to join Toastmasters.
Appreciation night: Honor a community member at a special meeting. Ask the guest to say a few words promoting Toastmasters. Be sure to have lots of guests to help express your appreciation.
Put a Toastmasters bumper sticker on your car. Use a Toastmasters license plate holder. Use a Toastmasters coffee mug at work. Wear a Toastmasters polo shirt or t-shirt to exercise class, running errands, to the grocery store, eating out, etc.… Give these as opportunity gifts at your Area, Division Speech Contests and District Conferences; or as recognition gifts for a Job Well Done! Look at the Toastmasters catalogue for these items. Be prepared to answer questions.
Sponsor a Toastmasters booth at community events, craft show, fair, trade show, Career Fairs and Employment Fairs. Have a guest sign-in book, and follow up with people who express an interest.

District 55 Toastmasters Clubs that have

Recently had Events

An Open House is an invitation to discover the possibilities that Toastmasters offer. It’s a chance for guests to experience the warmth of our clubs, witness the confidence that comes from speaking, and see how our members support one another on their journey.

Take a look at the photos of District 55 clubs that have recently hosted events. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to welcoming guests remind us that membership growth begins with action.

Together, as we Stabilize, Rebuild, and Grow, let’s open our doors, extend our reach, and invite others to discover the confidence, connection, and leadership opportunities that await them in Toastmasters.