1922

• Smedley accepts job at YMCA in Santa Ana, California


• Organizes what becomes Club No. 1 of Toastmasters International

1924

• October 22: meeting of approximately two dozen men marks birth of today’s Toastmasters


• Article published in YMCA’s national publication, Association Men; word spreads


• Smedley is recognized for avoiding oratorical style of previous century; for keeping meetings simple

1926

• Second Toastmasters club chartered in Anaheim, California


• Smedley writes Manual of Instruction (known later as The Club Management Handbook)


• Smedley writes Ten Lessons in Public Speaking

1928

• “Toastmasters Club” trademarked

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1932

• Toastmasters International incorporated


• First president: Advertising Salesman J. Clark Chamberlain

1933

• First Toastmaster magazine published in April

1935

• First club outside the United States chartered in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

1938

• Clubs reach 100-milestone

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1940

• Smedley resigns from YMCA; becomes Toastmasters’ first professional employee

1942

• Smedley writes Basic Training, the “Bible” of Toastmasters

1946

• District 18 of Scotland is first organized outside of the United States

1949

• Clubs reach 700-milestone

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1959

• The Story of Toastmasters (Reminiscences of the Founder) published

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1962

• First World Headquarters building dedicated in October

1965

• Educational Advisory Committee established


• Smedley dies at age 87

1969

• New Communication and Leadership program introduced

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1973

• Membership opened to women

1974

• Membership reaches more than 60,000 in 3,000 clubs in 41 countries


• Toastmasters International celebrates 50th anniversary

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1982

• Membership reaches 100,000

1985

• Helen Blanchard first female president

1989

• Membership reaches 150,000

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1991

• Toastmasters headquarters moves from Santa Ana to Rancho Santa Margarita, California

1993

• Clubs reach 8000-milestone

1995

• First website launched

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2004

• Clubs reach 10,000-milestone

2008

• Daniel Rex becomes executive director

2009

• Organization's structure changed to 14 global regions


• Membership reaches 250,000 in 106 countries

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2011

• Brand, website, logo and tagline are refreshed and updated

2017

• Pathways launched in various regions

2018

• Headquarters relocates to Englewood, Colorado


• Pathways fully implemented in May

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2020

• Toastmasters/Rotary announce strategic alliance


• Pandemic drives club meetings online; 83% soon go virtual


• Free 2020 Public Speaking Webinar Series begins


• Pathways becomes the official education program


• First all-virtual International Convention/World Championship of Public Speaking^®


• Toastmaster magazine wins Folio national editorial awards


• Toastmasters turns 96


• Toastmasters-developed education courses go live at Rotary International

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Envisioned Future

To be the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development

Toastmasters International Mission

We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

District Mission

We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.

Club Mission

We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

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