Serving Special Groups
Few Toastmasters clubs could offer such an impressive charter night program as the one held for the Los Caballeros Toastmasters of Santa Monica (Charter No. 322) when they recently received their charter. The program featured the participation of Leo Carrillo, a well-known star of film and radio, and Ferde Grofé, an orchestra conductor and composer.
A twenty-minute speech by Leo Carrillo was filled with valuable suggestions on public speaking, enhanced by his wit and humor. Ferde Grofé shared how he came to compose the “Grand Canyon Suite” and then performed selections from the work. Hon. Leland M. Ford, a former Member of Congress from Los Angeles, praised the important work being carried out by Toastmasters clubs. Everett W. Morgan, a member of Santa Monica Toastmasters Club No. 21 and a remarkable amateur magician, also contributed to the evening’s entertainment. All four distinguished guests were made honorary members of Los Caballeros Toastmasters and expressed their intention to attend future meetings. For those unfamiliar with the pronunciation, Los Caballeros is pronounced “Los” (with a long “O” sound) and “Cabalyairos” (with emphasis on the “yair” sound).
Serving a group of accomplished men at the California Institute for Men near Pomona was the Institute Speakers’ Club, sponsored and supervised by the Pomona Toastmasters Club. In this remarkable correctional institution, speech training proved to be a valuable tool in encouraging clear thinking, helping individuals develop personally, and preparing them to return to their normal roles in society. The Toastmasters program and methods appeared to be especially suited for this purpose.
A Toastmasters club that truly deserved the description “unique” was being formed in Los Angeles among men who had lost their sight. This chapter was sponsored by the Toastmasters Club of Alhambra No. 34, whose members worked diligently to help the visually impaired men attend meetings and understand Toastmasters methods. The members converted a considerable amount of material into Braille so they could read it, and they were learning how to participate despite their visual limitations. It was expected that they would be ready by September to receive a regular charter, creating a new opportunity for men who were unable to take part in many usual activities because of their loss of sight.
The Toastmasters Club of Alhambra continued assisting with the organization of this Toastmasters club for a group of men in Los Angeles who had lost their sight. Difficulties with transportation and other challenges related to visual impairment affected the progress of the work, but the effort was actively continuing. Pictured at a recent meeting of the group were M. X. Dahlstrom, President of Alhambra Toastmasters; Bob Anderson, organizer of the new group; Al Stolliker, Deputy Governor of Alhambra Toastmasters; and Jack Felthouse, a member of the new group who was studying law. Bob Anderson had been active in promoting opportunities for people with visual impairments and was a world champion blind bowler.
The immediate reason for this discussion was the report that the Pomona Toastmasters Club had sponsored a speech club at the California Institute for Men in Chino, which was operating successfully. The Pomona Toastmasters Club requested guidance on how to continue this work. At the same time, requests were received to bring the Toastmasters program to Birmingham Hospital in Los Angeles, where many service members needed this type of training.
Another unusual application of Toastmasters’ work developed through a club for men who had lost their sight. This club was sponsored by the Alhambra Toastmasters Club for a group of men in the area who faced challenges due to visual impairment. The club adopted the name “Men of Vision Toastmasters Club,” and in time received a regular charter. It operated successfully for several years but was eventually forced to close due to local difficulties, most importantly the challenge of transporting members to meetings.
The Creation of Gavel Clubs
A question arose that would influence Toastmasters International’s policy for years to come and, by 1959, would open the way for expanded service. Special clubs were being organized in schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and state and federal institutions under the sponsorship of local Toastmasters clubs.
The question was whether these groups could be officially authorized. Since “Toastmasters” was a registered trademark and these groups did not meet the requirements for a chartered club, they could not use the name Toastmasters clubs. The Board of Directors decided that while Toastmasters International was willing to support these special groups, they should operate under another distinctive name, such as “Gavel Club,” with the added designation “Sponsored by [Name of Club].” This approach to supporting special groups proved successful and allowed Toastmasters International to provide valuable service to a wider range of communities.
The immediate reason for this discussion was a report that the Pomona Toastmasters Club had sponsored a speech club at the California Institute for Men in Chino, which was operating successfully. The Pomona Toastmasters Club requested guidance on how to continue supporting this initiative. At the same time, requests were received to introduce the Toastmasters program at Birmingham Hospital in Los Angeles, where many service members could benefit from the training.
Another unique application of Toastmasters’ work developed through a club for men who had lost their sight. Sponsored by the Alhambra Toastmasters Club, this group was created for men in the area who faced challenges due to visual impairment. The club adopted the name “Men of Vision Toastmasters Club” and eventually received a regular charter. It operated successfully for several years but was ultimately forced to close due to local challenges, especially the difficulty of transporting members to meetings.
The broad adaptability of the Toastmasters training program, along with the positive impact created through the dedication and efforts of its members, continued to inspire new opportunities for service. In 1959, this expanding need led Toastmasters International to adopt a formal policy for establishing and supporting groups in various types of institutions. The name “Gavel Club” was officially adopted for these affiliated groups, which could be connected with Toastmasters International without receiving a formal charter. Through this approach, Toastmasters International could extend its support to many more people who could benefit from its programs but were not able to become members of regular Toastmasters clubs.