How to Join Toastmasters
This page describes how to join Toastmasters, what the age limit is and what the membership fees are.
Attending meetingsIf you wish to join a Toastmasters club, you need to attend a club meeting for two or three sessions to get to know the club members and how the club works. When you are ready, a member of the club will invite you to join, or you can ask to join. You must then complete a Membership Application Form available from a club officer (the link here goes to Toastmasters International website for your information only, view the Membership Application - Districted pdf), and pay the joining fee to the club Treasurer.
When the club accepts your application and your fees, you are officially voted in as a member of the club.
Your membership application form is completed by a Club Officer, and you are registered with Toastmasters International in the United States along with payment of your fees.
Age Limit
To join Toastmasters, you must be at least 18 years of age. Proof of age may be requested.
Toastmasters Joining and Membership Fees
Every new member of Toastmasters pays a one-off joining fee and a monthly membership fee. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
The dues are:
The fees are paid in New Zealand Dollars to the Club.
Club Fees
Most clubs also have a club fee to help pay for running the club, including hall or room hire, refreshment supplies, and other club expenses.
In general, club fees are usually $15-$20 per month, however the fees do vary from club to club, so check with the Treasurer or Vice President Membership for the exact fees you will pay on joining.
When you have paid your fees, and voted into the membership of the club, you will be presented with your New Member Kit.
Membership Kit
The New Member Kit provided by Toastmasters International has the Competent Communicator and Competent Leader Manuals in it. When you have completed these manuals, you will be awarded the Competent Communicator and Competent Leader Awards. You can work on both manuals at the same time, or each one independently.
Speaking Programme
When your membership has been confirmed, your name will be placed on the club's forward speaking programme and your Icebreaker (4 page pdf) speech will be scheduled for delivery. This usually happens within a month of joining the club or at the next available opportunity.
Resources
As a new member, you may be assigned a Mentor to help you get started. You'll also have access to a wide range of Toastmasters resources, some of which you can purchase, and some may be available through your club.
You can participate in speech contests (subject to eligibility), and attend Toastmasters Conferences, Conventions and Educational Workshops. Check our Events section for details of the current activities.
You'll receive "The Toastmaster" magazine delivered to your letterbox every month from Toastmasters International. This magazine is crammed full of interesting articles and news about Toastmasters all over the world.
Renewal of Fees
Ongoing membership fees are usually paid twice a year to Toastmasters International, in April and October, or possibly annually for a monthly club, so a new member joining a club will usually pay fees up until the next dues renewals date. Clubs usually issue an invoice about a month before the due date and you can pay the club in cash, by cheque, internet banking or whatever other arrangement you make with the club, such as monthly bank payments online.
Find a Club
If you still haven't found a club to join, search our Club Finder database for a club near you.
We look forward to welcoming you into Toastmasters.
