Dues Increase FAQ
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When are membership dues increasing, and by how much?Back to Top
Starting with the October 2023 renewal period, Toastmasters International semiannual membership dues will be $60 USD, which breaks down to $10 USD per month. This is a $2.50 USD increase in cost per month.
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When is the last day I can pay my membership dues at the current rate?Back to Top
Any membership payment for the October 2023 renewal period received by 11:59:59 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (UTC –6) on July 31, 2023, will cost the current rate of $45 USD.
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Who is responsible for determining the dues amount?Back to Top
It is the Board of Directors’ responsibility to determine the dues amount, as directed in the Bylaws of Toastmasters International, Article IV: Revenue, Section 2: Membership Dues Payment. Additionally, Policy 8.0: Dues and Fees, Section 10, requires the Board to review the dues, fees, and submission processes annually.
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Why are dues increasing?Back to Top
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has experienced membership levels that have retreated to those last seen in 2013 and income that has decreased to 2015 levels. In addition to this, inflation has caused expenses to increase since the last dues adjustment seven years ago.
The Board of Directors carefully considered many options to address these realities, including but not limited to, reductions in service and a greater scaling back of initiatives. To prepare us for the future, the Board chose to prioritize our commitment to improving our service to you, the dedicated members and leaders of Toastmasters International.
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When did the Board of Directors announce the dues increase?Back to Top
The membership dues increase was announced on March 29, 2023 during the Board Briefing.
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Is Toastmasters International membership a good value?Back to Top
A Toastmasters International membership, at $120 USD per year, costs $10 USD per month. Seminars, conferences, and college or university courses cost hundreds, even thousands, of U.S. dollars.
As a member of Toastmasters International, you receive personalized feedback and support from your peers through consistent practice while also learning how to provide valuable feedback in return. You additionally gain access to Pathways, a comprehensive public speaking and leadership education program. Toastmasters International is a highly regarded organization that is recognized by professionals around the world, making your Toastmasters International membership an invaluable networking and resume-boosting asset.
Toastmasters continues to be the best and most cost-effective way to become a confident communicator and inspiring public speaker or leader.
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Is there an increase to the New Member Fee?Back to Top
This change does not impact the New Member Fee, which remains at $20 USD.
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Can I receive a discount for having dual or multiple memberships? Can I purchase a lifetime membership?Back to Top
Toastmasters International does not offer discounts for having dual or multiple memberships or provide lifetime memberships to individuals.
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Is the Toastmasters International budget made public for the members?Back to Top
It is not. As directed in Policy 11.0, the Board of Directors is responsible for approving and overseeing the budget and financial matters. Rather than providing the annual budget, which is a planning and management tool, the organization makes available its annual financial results and its annual United States Internal Revenue Service filing, known as Form 990.
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Will the Membership Management page in Club Central and the Self-Pay feature show the new dues amount?Back to Top
Yes. Starting April 1, 2023, club officers and members using Self-Pay will be able to pay for membership with October begin dates and pay renewals for the October-March period online with the correct dues amount displayed. Before August 1, the website will reflect the $45 USD semiannual dues cost. Beginning on August 1, the website will reflect the new $60 USD semiannual dues cost.
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What will the dues be for new clubs that charter by September 30, 2023?Back to Top
Members of new clubs that charter by September 30 will pay six months dues in advance at the old rate of $45 USD. The subsequent prorate paid by those members will be at the new rate.
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Can I pay for future renewal periods at the $45.00 dues amount?Back to Top
The last day to pay for the upcoming October 2023 - March 2024 membership period at the $45.00 rate is July 31, 2023. Payments received on August 1, 2023 for October 2023 – March 2024 or future periods, will be at the new rate of $60.00, regardless of when future membership dues are collected. The April - September 2024 membership period will be $60.00. Please ensure that you update any club incentives or accounting practices to plan for the increased membership dues.
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Do we need to change our club’s Addendum of Standard Club Options? If so, how?Back to Top
Article III of the Addendum of Standard Club Options requires clubs to indicate the amount of dues and fees they collect from their members. Depending on how much your club currently charges members (membership dues plus club dues), it may be necessary to change your club’s Addendum of Standard Club Options. Please remember that a majority favorable vote with quorum present is required to change the Addendum of Standard Club Options.
Any active club officer can make changes to their club’s Addendum of Standard Club Options by:
- Logging in to Club Central
- Selecting the applicable club name and number
- Under “Conduct Club Business”, clicking on the option “Change my club’s Addendum of Standard Club Options”
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What do we do if our club forgets to submit a new member who joined prior to October 1, 2023?Back to Top
You can still add the member online or send in a membership application with a join date prior to October 1. The dues for the previous period will be at the previous rate. The renewal payment for the October-March period will be at the new rate.
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Who should I contact if I have questions?Back to Top
Please email duesincrease@toastmasters.org or call +1 720-439-5050 ext. 1402.