Creating a Company Sponsored Toastmasters Club in Latin America

I am writing as a concerned individual who has been personally involved with Toastmasters International for the equivalent of 35+ years, and who has achieved twice Distinguished Toastmaster (#DTM), the highest educational award.

Over the years, I have personally benefited greatly from my interactions with the organization and its #training in #inter-#personal #communications and #leadership programs.

While Toastmasters International has had historically a geographically sporadic #presence in #LatinAmerica (#LATAM), it is now embarking on a mission to achieve wider coverage and make its programs available on a much #more #inclusive #basis. The organization has publicly declared its commitment to scaling its operations in Latin America, aiming to bridge existing gaps and provide opportunities to a broader range of individuals.

Considering the #principles of #diversity, #equity, and #inclusion (#DEI), as well as #corporate #social #responsibility (#CSR), I firmly believe that #now is the ideal time to actively pursue the enrollment of as many individuals as possible in these valuable leadership programs.

By endorsing and actively supporting the expansion of Toastmasters International in Latin America, #companies #can #demonstrate #commitment to these principles while also #reaping #numerous #benefits for both #individuals and the #organization as a whole.

In our experience, when we extend the reach of the Toastmasters Club beyond company employees and open it to the wider community, including contractors and auxiliary workers, the #positive #impact on the #company's #climate and #ecosystem is #remarkable.?

By #sponsoring a #Toastmasters #Club that welcomes participation from the #broader #community, the company demonstrates its commitment to corporate social responsibility and the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Investing resources in personal growth and development for everyone involved fosters a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Paradoxically, for #sponsoring #companies the #cost of accessing these programs is #negligible, whereas for individuals attempting to participate in said programs, with the lower discretionary income in the region, it could be a barrier to entry.

However, we would like to emphasize that for organizations, sponsoring these programs is #extremely #CostEffective in terms of the #perceived #value it brings to the employees. We can assure you that the cost has not been a major issue in the past for organizations. We would be more than happy to provide you with detailed information and discuss the financial considerations further.

Moreover, it is important to highlight that since most Toastmasters clubs in Latin America are set up either in #English or fully #bilingual in #Spanish and #English, there are notable benefits not just in communication and leadership skills in general, but specifically in #English #proficiency. For companies where #effective #CrossCulturalCommunicationSkills are paramount, having employees who are proficient in both languages is essential. This includes #expatriates in the region who can effectively communicate and interact with the local language, as well as field personnel in Latin America being able to fluently express themselves and understand others in English.

By endorsing and encouraging participation in Toastmasters programs, you would be providing your employees and the broader community with a unique opportunity to enhance their career prospects and personal growth. Furthermore, as a sponsor, your organization would benefit from the increased effectiveness and efficiency of its workforce, as individuals develop stronger communication abilities and leadership competencies.

In light of the above, I suggest your full and active endorsement of Toastmasters International's expansion in Latin America. By doing so, you are not only demonstrating your commitment to the personal growth and development of your employees but also contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of the communities in which your company operates.

I would be more than happy to provide additional information or arrange a meeting to discuss this opportunity further. Thank you for considering this request, and I look forward to the possibility of working together to create a more empowered and impactful future for your organization and the Latin American region.

Contact me for more details. I'm a volunteer for Toastmasters in LATAM.

PS: Please share these with other leaders of companies operating in LATAM