Celebrating Toastmasters 90th anniversary
Toastmasters International has come a long way since founder Ralph C. Smedley held the first meeting in the basement of a YMCA in Santa Ana, California on October 22, 1924.
As society has changed, so as Toastmasters. In contrast to the white males who formed the original club, diversity is evident at any Toastmasters meeting today. What a difference nine decades makes! But to be fair, back in 1924 women in America had only won the right to vote four years earlier. However, it took almost 50 years for the idea that women could speak in public to sink in–membership was not opened to women until 1973. Indeed, Helen Blanchard, the first woman President of the organization, joined prior to 1973 under the name “Homer Blanchard”. The President at the time told her ‘You didn’t do too bad – for a woman.’ (I swear, you couldn’t make this sort of thing up!)
Since 1924, more than four million men and women have become more confident speakers and leaders through the Toastmasters experience.
Smedley’s idea of turning young business leaders into “would-be orators” has led to a thriving global organization with membership exceeding 313,000 in more than 14,650 clubs in 126 countries. The first club outside the United States was formed in Southport, England.
I’m a big proponent of anyone who wants to improve their public speaking and leadership skills joining a local Toastmasters club, even if you’re a woman!
2 Comments so far
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Ian:
The idea that women could speak in public (and needed a club too) goes back 35 years further than you mentioned. International Toastmistress Clubs started in 1938, and it eventually became POWERTalk International:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/POWERtalk_International
Isn’t it a bit silly that there are two different co-ed organizations instead of one larger and stronger one?
Richard
By Richard I. Garber on 10.23.14 5:41 am
Couldn’t pass up the chance… Club #16 just observed their 80th anniversary, two weeks ago.
I’m so very proud of the club. Speak of diversity (They’re right by the University of Arizona)… Men, women, black, white, Native Americans, Asians, Foreign ESL speakers… just so much is there. I am so thankful for the organization! I Love the people of Saguaro Toastmasters, as they introduced me to the organization. Hope to see some of the Saguaro Toastmasters in Vegas, later this year.
By Tim Beeker on 01.26.15 8:54 pm
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