Welcome to one of the most rewarding roles in Toastmasters!

We know that there are several things to learn, and we believe these items will help you transition smoothly into your role.

Step 1 - Download a copy of the Getting Started Checklist. Keep this list handy and refer to it often throughout the year. It will help you keep on track, making sure you cover all the items you are responsible for, and meet important deadlines.

• Area Director Getting Started checklist (by Angela Ventura)

Step 2 - Also download Area Director Status Report and begin filling in information about your clubs. This will provide you with valuable information about the strengths of your clubs. Keep this information updated throughout the year to share with your Division Director.

• Area Director Status Report - by Diane Jackson

The following resources show how to access information about your clubs from Toastmasters International.

• Access Club Officer Lists and Member Lists in your Area
• Dashboard Quick Guide- get to know the Toastmasters International dashboard and learn how your clubs are performing

• Serving Your Clubs Through Visits- a guide for Area Directors
• Download a copy of your Area Report to fill out before, during, and after your visit (you will submit an electronic form online through District Central): https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/area-directors-club-visit-report-1471
• Plan a speech that you can present at each club. Examples: informational presentations about Pathways, club roles and resources for those roles, and club officer roles (especially in Spring before clubs elect new officers). Also: https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/meeting-roles-and-responsibilities

• Club Leadership Handbook - make sure club officers know this exists - and they read the sections pertaining to their roles
• Distinguished Club Program and Club Success Plan - shows a club how to become Distinguished
• Club Success Plan - fillable PDF - see also below
• Virtual Guest Packet- clubs can simply point their guests to this informational page (no need to put complicated folders or other items together)
• New Member Orientation (PowerPoint)- clubs should orient new members so that they know how to take club roles and navigate Pathways
• Moments of Truth- clubs can hold a Moments of Truth session to find out how they are really doing (not how they think they're doing)
• Meeting Roles and Responsibilities- this explains how members prepare for meeting roles
• Membership Growth guide- clubs who are struggling to get new members should read this for ideas

From Club Central, clubs can now quickly fill out a Club Success Plan. This is also the place to update their officer information, add when they are having events, etc.

• Area Director training materials - link- OK, you've been trained, but you'll want to review the training materials again
• District Leadership Handbook- make sure you know your role and its expectations, especially your deadlines
• Develop Successful Teams - customized by Past District 10 Director Alicia Smith-Kirk 7/10/21
• Club Status Guide- determine what makes a club in good standing, suspended, etc.

• My Journey as Area Director - by District 10's Tracey Touma 7/10/21
• Toastmaster Magazine - Shine as an Area Director- by former District 10 speech champion, Maureen Zappala

It's important for you to remind clubs of upcoming deadlines (such as club contests), or what's happening in District 10. Even if this information is sent from District 10, don't expect your clubs to have paid attention. In Marketing, the more 'touches,' the more someone will pay attention. If you send your own newsletter (and they have met you), they may pay more attention to deadlines and other pieces of interest.

It's also great to celebrate your Area's innovations (are clubs doing something cool in your Area? Let the other clubs know!).

To put a professional foot forward, use these resources from Toastmasters International. People will respect your authority more when it looks professional.

• Brand Portal- Toastmasters defines its brand colors, fonts, and other design criteria which we must all follow
• Newsletter Template- look for "Newsletter Template" on this page
• Newsletter Examples- from past Area and Division Directors

Are you someone who likes to go above & beyond in your efforts?

Are you not satisfied by getting away with as little as possible? Neither are we! This is why District 10 instituted the Exceptional Leader Awards for Area and Division Directors.

By doing a few things above & beyond the minimum:

• You will help clubs (and District 10) succeed and grow
• You might earn an Exceptional Leader title and electronic banner, which you can add to your LinkedIn or other profile
• You might earn an award and recognition from District 10
• You can apply some of these activities to Level 4 and Level 5 Pathways Projects
• This shows your future employers that you are exceptional; that you not only do what you say you are going to do, but you are capable of giving a little extra effort

Here are some additional resources that may help you become an Exceptional Leader:

• How to Build a Toastmasters Club - a resource for building new clubs in your Area
• Successful Area Council Meetings - article from Toastmasters International
• Toastmasters International District Recognition Program- become a Distinguished Area
• Area Success Plan- Submit your Area Success Plan to your Division Director
• Training Club Leaders- hold additional club officer training (beyond the District and Division trainings, such as a Power Hour
• Moments of Truth- hold a Moments of Truth session with your Area clubs