Coaches Corner
Does the DCP matter?
Norm Frickey, DTM Lt. Governor Education and Training

YES, it should matter to everyone in the club. People join Toastmasters because they want to learn to communicate better and the club provides that Venue. How does the club is fulfill its obligations to its members? Look no further than the club’s performance against the Distinguished Club Plan. Over the years Toastmasters has developed a plan that if followed will cause the club (and the members) to be successful. The club that meets or exceeds 50% or more of the goals is meeting the basic needs of the members – it’s that simple

Goal 1 – 2 Competent Communicators.
Goal 2 – 2 more Competent Communicators

This indicates members are doing speeches from one of the challenging and fun Advanced Manuals

Goal 5 – One CL, ALB, ALS or DTM
Goal 6 – One more CL, ALB, ALS or DTM

This indicates members are experiencing the benefits of Toastmasters proven leadership program

Goal 7 – Four new members
Goal 8 – Four more new members

New members are the life-blood of the club

Goal 9 – Four officers trained every six months

Trained officers provide better club leadership

Goal 10 - Dues renewals and officer list submitted by deadline

Reflects attention to detail.

Achieve five of 10 goals - Distinguished Club
Achieve seven of 10 goals - Select Distinguished Club
Achieve nine of 10 goals - President’s Distinguished Club

The DCP ensures productive meetings. Focusing on the educational goals of the DCP will keep us moving through the education program. When members earn communication and leadership awards, they gain much more than just a certificate or points toward the DCP; they gain the satisfaction and confidence that comes from completing a goal. They also provide an inspirational example for other clubs, who can see the transformation that has occurred as a direct result of Toastmasters training. Other aspects of the DCP help keep meetings productive, too. Keeping club membership at or above 20, for example, will fill club meeting roles and maintain the energy level needed for a successful meeting.

The DCP provides structure and guidance. Clubs that perform well in the DCP always know who should be doing what and when they should be doing it. The club officer training requirements of the DCP, for example, help ensure that club business is conducted fairly, efficiently and in accordance with Toastmasters policy. Similarly, the educational goals of the DCP provide direction and incentive for all s to achieve individually as well as collectively.

The DCP increases the enthusiasm of the club. The goal is not for clubs to compete against one another; it’s for all clubs to strive to achieve the same standards of excellence. Nonetheless, striving for achievement in the DCP program is a way to engage the spirit of friendly competition that can help motivate club s to perform their duties with gusto.

 
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