We meet every Thursday from 6pm-7:30pm barring holidays at 3040 S Lincoln Ave
We are the oldest club in Springfield, IL, and our members' experience tops 20 years! In an obscure, small town 20 miles southwest of the state capital a boy was born, and grew up to change the world. Who knew that by wanting to help make people better, he would have such an impact on society? Toastmasters was the brain
child of Ralph C. Smedley, born 1878, in Waverly, IL. Toastmasters International, a nonprofit organization, reaches 143 countries across the globe, with 358,000 members in 16,000+ clubs. The main objective: build and nurture confidence and self-awareness. The quantitative ideology: improve public speaking skills, and build leadership skills. Benefits to ascribing to its tenets: maximizing your potential, gaining a competitive advantage in the work place, and enjoying unlimited personal growth. You get real life lessons, such as working on networking in a small and supportive environment, practicing writing speeches, and presenting in a group setting. The first unofficial meeting began March 24, 1905 in Bloomington, IL. Dr Ralph Smedley tried to start clubs when he was in Freeport, IL; Rock Island, IL; and San Jose, California. In Santa Ana, California, he organized a club in the YMCA basement on October 22,1924, and the concept caught on; 96+ years of experience and inspiration to be made available to average people with an above-average trajectory. The Story Behind our Club's Name
The Lincoln-Douglas club was chartered in March of 1936. Later McBrian was added for Charles "Judge" McBrian, a member that was adamant about the attributes gained by participation: Rise above mediocrity, change your life, transform your world of influence, uplift everyone that hears your voice. Fear is only in your mind, and live life to the fullest! We encourage you to see for yourself what a Toastmasters' meeting can do for you and your speaking & leadership skills!