Who we are
Don’t blend in, stand out!
With 70 years as a Toastmasters District, District 26 is just beginning! We encompass Colorado, Wyoming, western Nebraska and a sliver of Utah. With almost 200 clubs and approximately 4,000 members, our future is bright as we look forward to huge growth in the next 70 years.
Through activities in more than 190+ local clubs, our members help each other develop effective communication and leadership skills. Throughout the year, our district also provides a variety of growth opportunities through conferences, speech contests, and educational workshops.
We are District 26 – Distinguished District 2014-2015, 2016-2017 and home of the World Headquarters of Toastmasters International!
Chartered on September 19, 1948 with Gordon Merrick serving as the first District Governor, Toastmasters District 26 includes:
- Colorado
- Wyoming
- Nebraska panhandle
District 26 is comprised of eight divisions:
Denver
Metro
Eastern
Foothills
Northern
Southern
Urban
Western
Through activities in more than 190 local clubs, our members help each other develop effective communication and leadership skills. Throughout the year, our district also provides a variety of growth opportunities through conferences, speech contests, and educational workshops.
We are Leaders
Five past District 26 Governors and one other Distinguished Toastmaster have risen to International level within Toastmasters
Don Paape was International Director, 1966–68 and International President 1972-73. It was during his term that women were first admitted to Toastmasters International.
Watt Pye (D26 Governor from 1969-70) was International Director from 1970-72.
Dorothy Chapman (D26 Governor, 1989-90) was International Director from 1990-92.
Beth Boaz was (D26 governor from 1995-96) was International Director, 1997-99.
Distinguished Toastmaster Brenda Smull served as the first in District 26 to serve as Region Advisor for Region 1 (2011-2012)
Past District Governor Linda Rhea (2014-2014) served as the Region Advisor for Region 10 (2016-2017)
We are Movers
Marilyn Boland served as the first female District 26 governor in 1975-76
A. Edward Bick became a member of D26 when he moved to Colorado in 1996. Ed represented D40 as international president 1990-91 and presided over the creation of the Excellence in Marketing, Excellence in Education and Excellence in Leadership recognition programs.
Peter Coors joined a Toastmasters club at the Coors Brewing Company early in his career to gain the skills and confidence needed to appear as the company spokesman for a series of national TV commercials. He is currently Chairman of the Molson Coors Brewing Company and Chairman of MillerCoors.
As members of District 26 we are proud of our history and accomplishments.
New achievements will be added to this page as we move forward as Toastmasters.