My Journey as a Sponsor and Mentor for Schneider Calgary Toastmasters

Taking on the role of both a sponsor and mentor for the Schneider Calgary Toastmasters Club has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my Toastmasters journey. It was an opportunity to help establish a new club while guiding its members in developing public speaking and leadership skills. The experience came with challenges, but the growth I gained made it all worthwhile.

Sponsor vs. Mentor: Understanding the Roles

• A Club Sponsor helps establish a new club, recruits members, organizes meetings and sets a strong foundation.
• A Club Mentor supports the club after chartering, guiding officers and members in running meetings and developing leadership skills.

I had the privilege of serving in both capacities, witnessing the club’s transformation from an idea into a thriving community.

Lessons Learned

As a sponsor, I learned perseverance and adaptability while recruiting members and keeping momentum. I was lucky to have a great core group who made it very easy, ensuring a smooth transition from idea to reality. I was not alone in this process – I worked with experienced Toastmasters like Laura Chambers and Shelley Hoye, whose guidance and support were invaluable.
Collaboration and delegation were key in building a successful club.

As a mentor, I focused on coaching without controlling, allowing club leaders to learn through experience. Encouragement and patience helped members gain confidence, and I improved my own leadership and problem-solving skills.

Challenges Faced

• Sustaining Momentum – Keeping engagement high required creative meeting themes and recognition programs. Being a corporate club, people come and go, making retention a challenge.
• Balancing Guidance with Independence – Supporting without overstepping was crucial for leadership development.
• Encouraging Leadership Growth – Motivating members to take officer roles took consistent mentorship.
• Finding the Right Meeting Format – We went through different formats, from in-person only to hybrid, adjusting to members’ needs. Finding the right day of the week was also a process of trial and adaptation.

Why Be a Sponsor or Mentor?

These roles provide a chance to give back to Toastmasters, develop leadership skills, and help shape a new club’s future. Watching members grow in confidence is incredibly rewarding. Plus, it counts toward the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation!

Final Thoughts

Serving as a sponsor and mentor for Schneider Calgary Toastmasters reinforced my belief in the power of mentorship and community. It was a challenging yet fulfilling journey that expanded my skills and allowed me to make a lasting impact.

If you’re considering these roles, I’d love to share more insights and help you get started!

Vesna Ivkovic, DTM
D42 Webmaster/Dispatch Designer