As we commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Distinguished Club Program, we reflect on its significant role in the history of Toastmasters International (TI). Since its inception in October 1930, the tradition of encouraging clubs to strive for excellence has been integral to TI. International President J. Clark Chamberlain emphasized the importance of club improvement, stating, “International success can never be possible until we have given much attention to individual Club improvement.” However, the focus on enhancing club meeting quality took a backseat as TI leaders navigated organizational challenges throughout the 1930s.
This trajectory shifted in 1938 when Dr. Gordon Howard assumed the presidency of TI. A medical doctor from Maine, Dr. Howard joined Toastmasters in Los Angeles in 1934 and quickly became District Secretary. During his presidency (1938-1939), he introduced the “Club-of-the-Year” competition, motivating clubs to achieve high-performance standards—not just for accolades, but to provide optimal service to their members.
With the board’s approval, Dr. Howard developed the procedures and criteria for the competition, officially launching it in the 1939-1940 Toastmasters year. By 1939, TI had expanded to 55 clubs worldwide, predominantly in the U.S.
All 55 clubs were invited to participate in the inaugural “Club-of-the-Year” competition, required to submit their entries by June 1, 1940. The judging committee convened in June, and the results were announced in July.
The Santa Monica Toastmasters Club (#21) emerged as the first-ever winner of the “Club-of-the-Year” award. On July 31, 1940, a special ceremony took place where 1939-1940 International President Sheldon M. Hayden, alongside his predecessor Dr. Howard, presented the award to the officers and members of Club #21.
The popularity of the “Club-of-the-Year” contest grew as TI leaders and club officers recognized its value. The January 1953 issue of *The Toastmaster* noted that even clubs that did not win benefited from their pursuit of improvement.
For nearly two decades, clubs enthusiastically competed for this prestigious honor until it evolved into a new club achievement recognition program. Dr. Howard continued to be associated with the award, often presenting it to top clubs, including the Huntington Park Toastmasters Club (#14) in 1951.
The “Club-of-the-Year” contest laid the groundwork for the Distinguished Club Program we know today. In the 1989-1990 Toastmasters year, the organization established the Distinguished Club Program (DCP), introducing a structured recognition system for clubs, focusing on specific goals and performance metrics to encourage club excellence and enhance the overall member experience. The DCP aimed to provide a clear framework for clubs to achieve and maintain high standards of performance.
As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, let us continue to honor the spirit of excellence that the Distinguished Club Program embodies. Now is the time to reflect on the achievements of your own club, strive for improvement, and participate actively in the DCP. Together, we can ensure that Toastmasters International, and District 3, remains a beacon of personal and professional development for years to come. Join us in recognizing this legacy and take action to elevate your club to new heights!
