History and Overview
Hershaw Toastmasters came into being in 1988 and was chartered by Toastmasters International in February 1990.

The Club was founded by Isabel Hershaw, to service Brampton and the surrounding area. It was a spin-off from the Brampton Club, which has seen a history of over 45 years. Once established the Hershaw Club quickly gained a solid reputation as a premier Speaking and Communications Toastmasters Club. It has been recognized by Toastmasters International every year since its inception as a "Distinguished", "Select Distinguished", or "President Distinguished" Club.

The Club and its members have always strived in creating an atmosphere for learning and Hands-on teaching. The club achieves a unique environment that inspires people joining the club to accomplish their goals in positive, supportive surroundings.

The Executive
Toastmasters International recommends each club form an Executive of 8 members. The positions are:

President
Oversees Executive and Club operation ensuring both vision and goals are met or exceeded during their term.

Vice President of Education
Sets the Agenda for each meeting. Also is responsible for providing each member the opportunity of reaching their individual goals in public Speaking, Communications and leadership. This includes ensuring each member has the right material needed for the level of certification the member is seeking.

Vice President of Membership
Handles all aspects of recruiting and maintaining membership for the club.

Vice President of Public Relations
Responsibilities includes advertising the Club to attract new and existing members, introducing variety to the club, such as theme nights, Guest Speakers, and community relations.

Treasurer
Is the accountant for the club, takes care of all membership funds and keeps the club within the guidelines of a non-profit organization.

Secretary
Records the minutes of both the executive meeting as well as regular meetings, and ensures that the people responsible take care of the action items from the minutes.

Sergeant-at-Arms
A unique role, this person makes sure the club is set up for each meeting for the executive and club.

Past President
The immediate Past President provides guidance and continuity.

News Bulletin Editor
For Toastmasters this is optional. Hershaw Toastmasters has a news bulletin, which is managed by the News Bulletin Editor.


The Club
Hershaw Toastmasters meets once a week and follows the Robert's Rules of Order governing a meeting. The meeting often carries themes, such as "seasons of the year", or the "Ice Breaker Night". The members are always looking for ways to add to supportive atmoshere that always exists.

To see Hershaw in action, drop in, or contact us, we are always happy to see new faces.

Meetings
The object of a Toastmasters meeting is to give as many people a "role" to perform with the opportunity to speak. There are 18 such roles in a typical meeting. Those without a role can give short inpromptu speeches in the "Table Topics" session.

A typical meeting format would look like this: