A student presents during a YLP session hosted by Davie Toastmasters.
- Go into it with an open mind.
- Be patient; it may be difficult to coax the youths out of their comfort zones to get up to speak, but adults can be just as resistant.
- Get people on your team who are willing to get out of their comfort zone and give it a try.
- Get creative. Just get them talking; look for ways to connect with the teens’ interests and activities. “At my first session, all I wanted was to get the kids on their feet,” says Maureen McBeath, DTM, of Sunshine Toastmasters in Sechelt, British Columbia.
- Don’t try to do it by yourself. Recruit at least one assistant and as many helpers as you can.
- Expect the unexpected: bad weather that keeps participants home, school closures that shut down your meeting place. “Plan all you want to, but be prepared to adapt,” advises Mary Schoendorfer, DTM, Youth Leadership Chair for District 42.
- Recruiting participants can be difficult, so pair up with a group that can provide them: a community organization, church or synagogue, Scout troop, Boys and Girls Club, etc.
- Get a mix of members involved—men, women, young, old. That way, the kids can see that speaking is for everyone.
- Limit the sessions to one day a week. More than that is too much for both members and youth.
Getting Started
- Before doing any work with minors, ensure you research and adhere to local laws regarding governing volunteer work with minors.
- Visit the Youth Programs page for an overview of program requirements and processes.
- Read the Youth Leadership Program Workbook and Youth Leadership Coordinator’s Guide.
- Speak with your Club Executive Committee. It’s their decision to start a YLP, and the coordinator must be appointed by the Club President. Be prepared to provide your club leadership with any relevant information to help them feel confident that you will be an effective and responsible coordinator for the program.
—Kate McClare, DTM
