District 25 Toastmasters Reaches Out to Area's Youth

District 25 in Toastmasters International has a well established youth program to equip tomorrow's leaders. End Quote

Fort Worth-Arlington, TX (1888PressRelease) February 24, 2012 - Toastmasters International is an organization which promotes leadership and public speaking skills in fellow members. A majority of those members are adult men and women. However, the world-wide organization also believes in developing these skills in our youth. On the organization's website, www.toastmasters.org, it states, "Kids need the Youth Leadership program so they can grow to meet the challenges of adulthood and leadership successfully. Sponsored and conducted by Toastmasters International and its local clubs, Youth Leadership helps young people build their communication and leadership skills so they may become tomorrow's leaders in business, industry and the community."

District 25, which encompasses a good portion of North Texas, takes the Youth Leadership program seriously. Toastmasters such as Sandra Price, Brenda Daniels and Dr. Jeff Johnson have been actively involved in these programs for years. Dr Johnson, who has been conducting Toastmaster programs for the youth in District 25 since 1992, explained, "I started teaching these programs at the request of a friend from my church and have enjoyed it ever since. During Youth Leadership we teach young people the core elements of speaking. The students enjoy table topics (off the cuff answers which help them think on their feet) and many of the course exercises conducted during the weekly 2 hour class. We teach effective listening, how to give evaluations and provide lessons on group discussion. We also train students how to engage their audience. Each class culminates on the 8th week with a speech contest in which trophies are awarded. It is amazing to see these young people ages 9 to 16 year olds blossom in just 8 short weeks."

Gary Miller, president of the club called Burleson Toastmasters in District 25, has established what is called a gavel club with 5th and 6th graders at Nolan Dun Elementary. With the help of school counselor Sherry Smith, who is also a member of the Burleson Toastmasters, he and other Toastmasters hold a meeting similar to the ones they conduct as adults on Thursday evenings at the Chamber of Commerce Building in Burleson, Texas. Mrs. Smith saw the value in the Toastmasters program which helps individuals to speak confidently in public, develop leadership skills, and to effectively evaluate performance. Mr. Miller stated in an article for the local Now Magazine, "It wasn't long before she told us this would really benefit her kids at the school. She caught on fire with the idea and has been instrumental in making it happen."

The Burleson Toastmasters constructed a lectern especially for the children which was more size appropriate. Mrs. Smith makes up the topics which would interest the students at their level. Each meeting, the children vote for the best speeches, table topics answers, and best evaluations. At the end of the meeting, ribbons are awarded.

When asked why developing a successful gavel club at the elementary school level was important, Miller responded, "Toastmasters encourages youth clubs, though most are at the high school level. But, can you imagine when you were in fifth and sixth grade, or even in Junior High, how much a boost of confidence would have made your life easier? It would have mine." According to Miller, the kids have become so enthusiastic they want to continue the club next year. It is his hope the graduating 6th graders will wish to take the concept with them to the Junior High level, and eventually to have clubs established in every school in the district from elementary through high school.

For more information about these youth oriented programs or Toastmasters International in general, go to www.d25toasmasters.org.

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