Toastmasters International made some exciting changes in its educational system and award designations. In January 2006, new leadership award programs were introduced and educational awards were renamed in order to distinguish between speech programs and leadership programs. This has strengthened leadership training and makes all educational designations in the communication and leadership tracks clearer and more meaningful. The development of leadership skills has always been part of the Toastmasters program. Members have had the opportunity to learn and practice leadership skills while serving in various club meeting roles and in officer positions. In fact, many people join because they want to improve their leadership skills.
Since July 1, 2006, members can earn the following communication and leadership awards:
Communication Track
COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR (CC)
Requirements:
Completed the Competent Communication manual
ADVANCED COMMUNICATOR BRONZE (ACB)
Requirements:
Achieved Competent Communicator award (or achieved Competent Toastmaster award)
Completed two Advanced Communication manuals
ADVANCED COMMUNICATOR SILVER (ACS)
Requirements:
Achieved Advanced Communicator Bronze award (or achieved Able Toastmaster award or Advanced Toastmaster Bronze award)
Completed two additional advanced communication manuals (may not be those completed for any previous award)
Conducted any two programs from The Better Speaker Series and/or The Successful Club Series
ADVANCED COMMUNICATOR GOLD (ACG)
Requirements:
Achieved Advanced Communicator Silver award (or achieved Able Toastmaster Bronze award or Advanced Toastmaster Silver award)
Completed two additional advanced communication manuals (may not be those completed for any previous award)
Conducted a Success/Leadership Program, Success/Communication Program or a Youth Leadership Program
Coached a new member with the first three speech projects
Leadership Track
COMPETENT LEADER (CL)
Requirements:
Complete the Competent Leadership manual
ADVANCED LEADER BRONZE (ALB)
Requirements:
Achieved Competent Leader award
Achieved Competent Communicator award (or achieved Competent Toastmaster award)
Served at least six months as a club officer (president, vice president education, vice president membership, vice president public relations, secretary, treasurer or sergeant at arms) and participated in the preparation of a Club Success Plan while serving in this office
While serving in the above office, participated in a district-sponsored club officer training program (if in a districted club)
Conducted any two programs from The Successful Club Series and/or The Leadership Excellence Series
ADVANCED LEADER SILVER (ALS)
Requirements:
Achieved Advanced Leader Bronze award (or “old” Competent Leader award)
Served a complete term as a district officer (district governor, lieutenant governor, public relations officer, secretary, treasurer, division governor or area governor) – if in a districted club
Completed the High Performance Leadership program
Served successfully as a club sponsor, mentor or coach
DISTINGUISHED TOASTMASTER (DTM)
Requirements:
Achieved Advanced Communicator Gold award (or achieved Advanced Toastmaster Gold award)
Achieved Advanced Leader Silver award (or achieved Advanced Leader award)
Distinguished Toastmaster is the highest recognition a member may receive.