Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback. Through this regular practice, members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals. Founded in 1924, the organization is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, and has approximately 270,000 members in more than 14,200 clubs in 148 countries.
On an eventful day in January 1948, someone planted a TOASTMASTERS seed, and the Lynchburg Club No. 562 was chartered. The seeds spread, and in April 1948, the Cavalier Club No. 596 was founded. This was followed by Norfolk No. 686 in February 1949, Portsmouth No. 771 in February 1950, and Roanoke No. 1011 in February 1952.
These five clubs are the oldest, most active clubs in District 66. They are part of the original twenty-eight clubs that initially formed District 66. Clubs still active from that original group include Tidewater, West End, Merrimac, Virginia Beach, and Bellwood.
On July 1, 1961, Toastmasters International issued a provisional district status for District 66. Jack Tallent of Norfolk was elected to serve as the first District Governor. Before the creation of District 66, all of our clubs were a part of District 36, the Capital District, in and around Washington, D.C. The boundaries were established, with a line just south of Fredericksburg, VA, our northernmost, and the North Carolina state line, our southernmost. This is why District 66 is called the greater part of Virginia.
Since 1961, thousands of members have developed better listening, thinking, and speaking skills. From our original 28 clubs, we have grown to over 70 clubs, with many more opportunities available to us. Through proper planning and exhaustive efforts by many, District 66 has continued to provide opportunities for women and men to achieve the goals each has set. We commend those who have served over these 39 years (at all levels of district service) for a job well done in making our growth possible.
FIND A CLUB NEAR YOU
