Invocation and Pledge

The meeting role of Invocation and Pledge.

With an invocation, be sensitive to the fact that in a club, members come from diverse religious, social and cultural backgrounds. Your role is to invoke, to bring into play, to start the meeting and bring everyone's attention to focus. Sharing a few inspiring, uplifting words or a quote relating to the meeting's theme is appropriate. Appreciation relating to the club mission or the critical success factors (e.g., “We are thankful for the opportunity today to improve our listening, thinking, speaking and leadership skills”) is always a good subject. The invocation is approximately 1 minute.

To lead the pledge of allegiance, start by saying, “Please stand and face the flag.” This gives everyone a moment to get ready. The 'Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag' reads as follows "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for all." (If you are uncomfortable with any of the pledge, simply remain silent. Once you begin with “I pledge . . .” the group will continue.) When you finish ask everyone to "Please be seated."

Transfer control of the meeting to the President (or most senior officer present). Bring them to the lectern with their introduction or simply introduce them with, “Toastmaster _____________ (first and last name)."

Club Officer Roles and Leadership Rewards

Club's elect officers for a six or twelve month term of office. In January or July the officers are recorded with Toastmasters International. Serving as an officer moves a member to the second tier in Toastmasters Leadership track, the Advanced Leader Bronze, ALB designation.

Advanced Leader Bronze, ALB requirements are:

• Achieved CC award
• Achieved CL award
• Serve six months as a club officer, and while in the office:
• Participate in preparing a 'Club Success Plan'
• Participate in district sponsored club officer training program (Toastmasters Leadership Institute, TLI)
• Conduct any two programs from the Successful Club Series and/or The Leadership Excellence Series.

Every club or group needs leaders. We are all leading others by and through our interpersonal relationships. Leading with intent and a clear focus has a positive effect on everyone involved. Just like learning better communication skills, leadership is a learned sequence of steps to a desired end. Congratulations to the clubs' officer team who will guide the club to new and greater possibilities by her or his participation in the club.