President and Vice-President of Education

This series concludes with the final two officers to be discussed: the club President and VP of Education.  These two roles are considered the top two officer positions in the club.  The reason for this is that the President and VP-Education automatically get votes in the District Executive Council.  The "DEC" meets twice a year at the District Fall Conference and Spring Convention.  Matters dealing with the District as a whole are voted on and discussed.  So, these two officers form a link between the club and district as they represent the club at these DEC meetings.

Now let's look at each officer position.

VP of Education - The VP of Education is considered the second-ranking officer behind the President.  The VP of Education's main focus is all things educational about the club, primarily the progress of the members through Toastmaster's educational tracks.  In our club, the VP of Education passes around a signup sheet for the next 5 meetings.  Members sign up for the roles they want to do.  The VP of Ed then fills remaining holes in the agenda via in-meeting anoouncements and through e-mail.  This officer also initials members' speech and leadership manuals after each meeting, and submits award applications when a member achieves a communication or leadership designation.  The VP of Education also is responsible for scheduling club speech contests and recruiting members to serve as contestants or judges.

President - This is the top officer role in the club.  The president is the club contact for other Toastmaster entities.  If Toastmasters International needs to pass some important information to the clubs, then the letter or e-mail is sent to the President.  He/she is contacted by the Area Governor frequently, most importantly to schedule the Area Governor's semi-annual visit.  Within the club, the President works with the other officers to make sure that meetings are scheduled and run well.  They should also verify that Toastmasters rules and regulations are being followed.  They also open and close the club meetings and conduct the business portion of the meeting.  You may also think of the President as the "face" of the club.  They help set the mood an tenor of the club meetings and the club as a whole.  Many newer members think that the President must be the hardest of the roles because of all that has to be done.  But remember, officer opportunities exist to help members learn leadership skills.  By practicing delegation, the president does not have to feel that he/she must do it alone.  Sometimes the office serves as a springboard to other Toastmaster postitions out side of the club -- for example, Area Governor.

Our club will hold officer elections in May.  Please read my earlier post where I descibe the various reasons why someone would become an officer.  Please consider taking on one of the 7 roles.  You'll enjoy the discovery of your own leadership strengths, and you'll be helping your club stay strong and provide an environment where all club members can grow and flourish.