The Board of Directors met on August 10-11. As a part of the discussions, they approved a two-phased approach for integrating virtual clubs into the Toastmasters experience. Phase 1, which is effective immediately, allows for virtual attendance. In Phase 2, which is expected to begin by mid-2016, clubs may charter as virtual (online only) clubs.SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! Effective immediately, it is possible to sign-up members who will attend meetings virtually. This is great news for clubs who are struggling to get members in the door. There are some qualifying rules to consider before you go out and celebrate. Let the smiling and cheesecake eating begin ...
There are a couple of minor stipulations that are required before you can commence with your massive club building program. First, a simple majority of the club members must be meeting "in-person" before others will be attending virtually. The best way to insure this happens is to have a majority of your club members be local. Clubs that allow virtual participation must decide on the platform and service before hand and pay any/all associated costs for the "audio and video" solution. This does not mean that the club is responsible for web cameras or headsets - software only. Second, clubs must update the Addendum of Standard Club Options to reflect the allowance.
Phase 2, will include the chartering of "un-districted clubs" with all virtually attending members. This option may sound convenient, but, the members will not be a part of any District. Additionally, they will only be allowed to participate in the Taped Speech Contests. However, this means there will be few excuses left to NOT join a Toastmasters Club.
Now that we have heard the good news, keep in mind the need to amend the Addendum of Standard Club Options and have a majority of members meeting in person, we can immediately begin designing traditional meetings to include audio/video participation. I am recommending the use of OOVOO (http://www.oovoo.com). Using the FREE account, you can have up to twelve (12) participants at one time. There is a version for Windows, MAC, Linux, Android, iOS, iPhone, and the iPad.Remember that the club camera is one of those twelve, meaning you can have up to eleven (11) more members meeting virtually. So for a club of 8 local members (an otherwise low member qualifying club), you could sign-up 7 virtual members. The club should use the infusion of virtual members to help the club grow further so that they could continue adding virtual members.
More information to follow ...
