District Recognition Program FAQ

• Submission of the District Success Plan by September 30
• At least 85% of Division and Area Directors trained by September 30

The District Director, Program Quality Director, or Club Growth Director can request the previous year’s plan(s) by emailing the District Growth and Support Team at districts@toastmasters.org.

A club must have at least eight members to be considered in good standing or paid. Of those eight (8) members, at least three (3) must be renewing from the previous renewal cycle.

The District's club base is the number of clubs in the District that are in good standing at the start of the program year (July 1). Clubs that are not in good standing (low or ineligible) are not included in the club base number unless they come back into good standing.

Yes, a club base may be revised any time during the year to reflect clubs that pay their April dues renewals from the prior program year after July 1. Reinstating clubs may also increase the club base.

For example, District 99 has 100 clubs on July 1, 2025. On September 15, 2025, two clubs in the District submit their April 2025 dues. As a result, District 99’s club base increases to 102.

Yes, dues payments received after July 1 for the previous program year are counted in the membership payments base. Therefore, the membership payments base may be revised at any time during the year to reflect late membership payments for the previous program year.

For example, District 99 has a membership payment base of 1,000 on July 1, 2025. On September 15, 2025, 50 members in the District submit their April 2025 dues. As a result, District 99’s membership payment base increases to 1,050.

Their membership payment applies toward the program year in which the payment was made. If a payment is made on or after July 1, it will apply toward that program year, even if the payment is for April renewals. The membership payment base may be revised at any time during the year to reflect late membership payments for the previous program year.

Transfer members’ payments count toward the clubs from which they transfer. Payments to members’ original clubs are not transferred to their new clubs. The same is true when members transfer from one District to another.

For the submission of materials to count toward Distinguished recognition, materials must be received by World Headquarters by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the due date, regardless of when they were sent. Material that arrives after 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the due date does not count toward Distinguished recognition even if it is postmarked before that time.

Net club loss occurs when the total number of paid clubs in the area at year-end (June 30) falls below the base amount. To have no net club loss, Divisions/Areas must end the program year with at least the same number of clubs as the club base. Clubs that pay April dues after year-end are not counted for that year. If the Division and Area Director anticipates a net club loss, they must organize a new club to prevent a net club loss.

Twice: Area Directors must submit the Area Director Club Visit Report for at least 75% of the Area's club base for the first round of club visits by November 30, and for at least 75% of the Area's club base for the second round of visits by May 31.

The Success Plan isn’t a qualifying requirement for the Distinguished Area or Distinguished Division Programs and are not submitted to World Headquarters, however it is an important tool in meeting annual and long-term goals and should be shared with other District leaders.

Net club growth occurs when the total number of paid clubs in the District at year-end (June 30) is greater than the base amount. Clubs that pay April dues after year-end are not counted for that year. If the District expects to experience a net club loss, it should work toward surpassing the loss by building new clubs before year-end.

To be considered for recognition, Districts must submit the District Success Plan through District Central by September 30.

Ultimately, the District Director is responsible for ensuring that the District Success Plan is submitted by September 30. However, the District leadership team works together on the plan, and it may also be submitted by either the Program Quality Director or Club Growth Director

To be considered for recognition, Districts must submit the Division and Area Director Training through District Central by September 30 showing that 85% of appointed Division and Area Directors were trained.

Ultimately, the District Director is responsible for ensuring that all items are submitted by September 30. However, because of the requirements for the Excellence in Education and Training Award, the Program Quality Director often submits the report.