Smedley Award
Club Membership Contest
Dates: August 1 – September 30
It all began in 1924. Ralph Smedley invited a small group to meet in the Santa Ana, California YMCA where he conducted the first meeting of what would eventually evolve into Toastmasters International. One person initiated a program that would go on to affect millions of people.
In honor of Ralph Smedley and the birth of the Toastmasters club, Toastmasters International holds the annual Smedley Award contest each year.
To qualify, each club must add five new, dual, or reinstated members between August 1st and September 31st. Winning clubs receive a Smedley ribbon for their banner and a 10% discount off their next club order.
Holding an Open House or another event is a great opportunity to engage your members, which in turn fosters member retention. Help and encourage your members to invite others to come to your club event.
The contest runs from August 1 to September 30. If you have not done so already make plans on how your club will add five (5) members to qualify for the Smedley Award.
Membership Building Resources
Organizing Your Club’s Open House
How to Host a Club Open House
Membership Building Contests
Success 101 Brochure-How to Attract and Retain Members
PR Marketing
Open House News Release Template
Open House PowerPoint Template
By: Michelle Hanchey, DTM (x2) – PRM