This story was originally published in Progress and Success, District 3's Roadrunner magazine (Spring 2019), written by longtime Gilbert Toastmasters member Vince DiFranco. We are republishing it here so it stays part of the club's story. Read the original article (PDF).
Although Toastmasters International allows membership in a club for those 18 and older, those under 18 may get a head start on becoming a better public speaker by joining a gavel club. You can learn more about gavel clubs online at www.toastmasters.org.
Gaveliers for God is an excellent example of a gavel club. Sponsored by Gilbert Toastmasters Club 499, it has operated continuously for 40 years and earned President's Distinguished as a club for the past 15 years. Only 36 of the 16,600 clubs worldwide have met all goals requested by Toastmasters International every year since 2003.
Gaveliers for God has been under the direction of its coach, Kim Rebello, since February 2015. All Gaveliers members are home schooled and attend ninety-minute meetings twice per month at St Anne's Parish in Gilbert, AZ. The club follows a typical Toastmasters meeting agenda.
Members also attend Gilbert Toastmasters meetings three to four times during the school year. According to Coach Rebello, "Attending Gilbert Toastmaster's meetings help us to stay on track with our goals for the club. It keeps what we are working to achieve in the forefront of our minds and the group has a current working example of where they are headed."
When asked whether any of the members have gone on to join a Toastmasters club when eligible, Rebello said: "We have not had any high school graduates until this past year. I do know that one of our past members continued a public speaking class in college. My goal is to encourage our graduating members to move into an active Toastmasters club or start their own Toastmasters club."
She also emphasized they "are very grateful for the active participation of our sponsoring Toastmasters club. Our members always look forward to the meetings and come away energized in their commitment to our club."
Vince DiFranco, ACG, is a member of Gilbert Toastmasters Club 499 and has served as a past Public Relations Officer for District 3. He has facilitated Toastmasters Leadership Institute sessions on using public relations to build membership and advance a club's image.