About Toastmasters & District 45

Speak Better. Think Better. Listen Better. Lead Better.

Toastmasters is for people who want to improve their communication skills and learn how to lead more effectively. You may think, "My communication skills are already good. I don't need Toastmasters." However, the top presenters and speakers worldwide rave about Toastmasters and are themselves members. Even the best communicators find Toastmasters help them hone their skills.

The first Toastmasters club was established on October 22, 1924, in Santa Ana, California, by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, who conceived and developed the idea of helping others to speak more effectively. More clubs were formed, and Toastmasters International was incorporated under California law on December 19, 1932.

Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. Toastmasters International's business and services are administered by its World Headquarters, located in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. It employs no paid promoters or instructors. It has no salaried staff except the Executive Director and World Headquarters staff, who provide services to the clubs and Districts.

DISTRICT 45 is one of Toastmasters International's 77 districts found worldwide. We are unusual because we have a combination of America states and Canadian provinces. On the American side of the border are Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. In Canada, we have New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

The Toastmaster Organization starts at the International level and is broken down by Regions. The Regions are further broken down into Districts, Divisions, Areas and Clubs. We are a part of Toastmasters International's Region VII which runs from Maritime Canada down the eastern seaboard of the United States to the northern part of Virginia. It includes Districts 18, 27, 31, 36, 38, 45, 46 and 53. Below the district level, we have four divisions serving 17 areas and 86 clubs. View Area map.

To find a club near you, click here. Or call 1-888-340-3633.