District 10 – Northeast Ohio
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District 10 History
District 10 began with the formation of Akron Toastmasters Club #151 in 1939.
Lewis (Lew) Turner, while visiting California in the 1930s, heard of an organization that promoted self-development and the “how-to’s” for more effective communication. Turner was so impressed after visiting the Toastmasters club of our founder, Ralph Smedley, that he vowed to form a club on his return to Akron. He started the first Toastmasters club in Ohio, which was chartered in Akron in December 1939. Akron became the 151st community in the world to welcome Toastmasters.
The idea spread, and by late 1941, there were seven Toastmasters clubs in Ohio. Lew Turner then set in motion the formation of the district, which required a minimum of 10 clubs in order to be officially chartered.
In early 1942, we became the tenth district in the world to be formed, and thus that is why we are known as “District 10.” Lew Turner was appointed by Dr. Smedley to serve as district governor until the first election was held in 1943.
Turner’s interest in Toastmasters energized him to become an international director in the 1940s and ultimately the 1949-50 international president, overseeing all of Toastmasters International. He is one of two District 10 members to have served as international president. The other was T. Vincent (Vince) McIntire (1956-1957). There have been 12 other members of District 10 who have gone on to become international directors.
Youth Leadership Program (YLP)
The Youth Leadership Program is a workshop consisting of eight one- to two-hour sessions that enable young people under the age of 18 to develop their communication and leadership skills through practical experience. The program is presented during or after school, or on weekends.
In the workshop, young people learn valuable skills including:
Evaluating their own speaking ability
Preparing and giving speeches
Giving impromptu talks
Controlling their voice, vocabulary, and gestures
Giving constructive feedback and more
How the program works
Participants in the Youth Leadership Program are selected by a sponsoring Toastmasters club or by a cooperating organization (such as a school). The workshops are structured for small group learning and are limited to 25 students. They are presented by a coordinator who attends each meeting. Meetings generally follow a format similar to that of a Toastmasters club meeting, with an announced agenda that includes practice in parliamentary procedure, prepared and impromptu speeches and the selection of presiding officers.
Steps to coordinate a Youth Leadership Program
How to Start a Youth Leadership Program
The Speakers of YLP—See Examples of YLP Participants in Action
District 10 Speakers Bureau
Whether it’s a 10-minute presentation or a full-day seminar, our expert speakers will add a compelling element to your gathering without subtracting from your budget.
Speaking engagements arranged through the District 10 Toastmasters Speakers Bureau are a complimentary community service. Some Speakers Bureau members may be available for future appearances on a for-fee basis. The Bureau does not schedule, negotiate, or collect fees for any paid appearances.
All Speakers Bureau presenters are currently members in good standing of Toastmasters International. They’ve met rigorous requirements of communication and leadership training, and many have earned advanced awards, held officer positions, and competed in speech contests against some of the best speakers in the world.
Toastmasters District 10 can help fill your event schedule and make you look like a hero!