Leadership Continuity: The Missing Element in the DTM Journey

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Achieving the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation is a monumental task. It requires completing two educational paths, serving in district leadership roles, organizing major projects, and excelling in public speaking and leadership. Toastmasters International (TI) has always emphasized developing leaders who inspire and guide others—a mission rooted in the organization’s core values.

However, with the introduction of the Pathways program, achieving DTM has become simpler in some ways. The removal of the Competent Leadership (CL) manual—a practical and hands-on Leadership guide—has streamlined the process, but at the cost of diluting some of the experiential depth of leadership training. While this debate deserves its own spotlight for another day, there’s another critical gap that TI and DTMs have largely overlooked: Leadership continuity.

The Overlooked Potential of the Gavels Program

Leadership continuity—nurturing the next generation of leaders—is crucial in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world. Toastmasters International already has an excellent foundation for this: the Gavels program for kids and teens. However, the program is optional, and its role in fostering future leaders is underutilized.

a Handful of dedicated Toastmasters who mentor Gavel clubs often face burnout. Additionally, since Gavel clubs do not contribute to the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) goals, there is little organizational incentive to invest time in them. This lack of integration has led to a “forgotten journey” for Gavels transitioning into full Toastmasters membership—a missed opportunity for leadership continuity.

Why Gavels Involvement Should Be a DTM Requirement

Involving DTMs in the Gavels program as a compulsory element of their journey could bring numerous benefits:

1. Developing Leadership Continuity:
   DTMs would play an active role in mentoring young speakers and leaders, fostering a seamless transition from Gavel clubs to Toastmasters. This ensures a steady pipeline of future leaders who are already familiar with the Toastmasters structure and values.
2. Strengthening Mentorship Skills:
   Guiding Gavels would refine DTMs’ ability to mentor diverse age groups, enhancing their adaptability and empathy as leaders.
3. Empowering Youth:
   By involving DTMs, Gavel club members would gain access to experienced mentors, accelerating their personal growth and confidence.
4. Boosting Toastmasters Membership:
   A stronger bridge between Gavels and Toastmasters would encourage young adults to join Toastmasters upon aging out of Gavels, boosting membership and club vitality.
5. Aligning with Toastmasters’ Mission:
   Leadership continuity is inherently aligned with TI’s mission of empowering individuals to become effective communicators and leaders.
6. Preventing Burnout:
   By formalizing Gavels program involvement, the burden of mentoring would be distributed more evenly, reducing burnout among enthusiastic volunteers.

A Call to Action

Just as the Youth Leadership Program (YLP) and Speechcraft have earned their place in the DTM & District’s journey, so should Gavels program involvement. Leadership is not just about personal growth but about creating opportunities for others to grow. Especially the younger generation. Including Gavels in the DTM journey will not only enrich the experience for aspiring DTMs but also ensure the long-term success and sustainability of Toastmasters International.

It’s time for DTMs to take the lead—not just in achieving milestones but in creating a legacy of leadership. Let’s make Gavels a priority and secure the future of leadership development, one young mind at a time. Its also Time for District atleast to incentize Gavel Club Formations and Gavel Management. This creating future memberships in the long run.

Question is …. Who is listening? who will take action? or as we do best. We only Speak!

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