The Importance of the DCP
In the 2018-2019 Toastmasters year, I had the opportunity to be the Distinguished Club Program Chair, and I loved the role. I had the opportunity to promote and celebrate clubs that had become distinguished. I also had the opportunity to go around to different events and clubs, and talk about the Distinguished Club Program (DCP). From that experience I realized how useful the DCP can be. It is an excellent blue print for club success.
Motiving members to achieve DCP
A big challenge is how do we motivate others to see the value in achieving Distinguished Club status. Lets be honest, most people do not join Toastmasters to help their club become Distinguished. Most people join Toastmasters to improve their public speaking skills. But did you know six out of the ten goals in the Distinguished Club Program relate to educational achievements? Goals 1 through 6 require members to complete different levels in their Pathways program. For example, DCP Goal #1, four members must complete level 1 of their Pathways program. When members complete their levels and achieve their educational awards in Pathways, they are helping the club achieve their DCP goals too.
Unfortunately, not all Toastmasters are actively using Pathways. Another challenge becomes how do we motivate our members to log in and begin using their Pathways program.
Although it may sound difficult, it starts with finding out what the member wants out of their Toastmasters journey. If a member’s goal is to become a better speaker, use Pathways as way to motivate them. Show them how the projects in Pathways will help them become a better speaker.
Beyond Educational Goals
It is important that we don’t forget the other goals in the DCP. DCP Goal #9 requires at least four officers attend officer training (or TLI) in the summer and winter session. Telling an officer that they need to go to TLI so the club can become Distinguished is not motivating. If their goal is to become a stronger leader, show them how attending TLI will help them grow as a leader. Much more motivating!
I can go on and on about the Distinguished Club Program, but the way to motivate others to participate in DCP is not by pointing out all the goals on the DCP Chart, but rather by helping them connect their personal goals to the club’s goals. Most members that complete a path have said doing the projects helped them become effective speakers, and more effective leaders. In this wonderful organization that we are part of, it is about being able to speak, lead, and help.
Randy Casarez
Blog Editor & Media Coordinator
View other blogs: https://aztoastmasters.org/blog/
More Information about achieving a DTM: https://toastmasters.org/Magazine/Magazine%20Issues/2022/Nov/Path%20to%20DTM
