DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Toastmasters Club originated in southern California by Ralph C. Smedley at a YMCA in Santa Ana in October 1924 when Smedley wanted to improve communication skills of young men in his charge. The program expanded everywhere after that and in 1988 Dixon Toastmasters Club chartered a group and has been actively meeting at the Methodist Church for many years but now has a new location. They have in-person meetings every other week on Monday nights at Living Hope Church at 410 Gateway Drive. The time is 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday. 

“We are still accepting Online members and guests to attend by Zoom as well,” reported Lynda Mendez. “We are now a ‘blended’ or considered a ‘hybrid club.”

They meet every first, third, and fifth Monday, or translated to meeting every other Monday night of the month.

Members or potential members can join with Zoom. Log into the meeting with the URL # 895 5557 5950 and the password (pw) 923757.

Toastmasters come from all walks of life. Over time, and with attending meetings, that will allow one to build social connections and network with others that may not have been done previously. 

“The goal is to be comfortable speaking, provide better presentations and develop leadership capabilities,” Mendez explained.

The Toastmasters program has also been huge for younger people wanting to advance in their jobs or for entrepreneurs trying to grow their companies. Apple, Amazon, Ford Motors, State Farm Insurance and many more Fortune 500 companies use Toastmasters International program to “develop and enhance the valuable soft skills as well as their confidence of their employees,” according to a PRN/Newswire article in Englewood, Colorado.

For more information, contact Mendez, District 39 Public Relations Manager, Dixon Toastmasters Club VPE

20/20 Visionaries Toastmasters Club or email her at [email protected] or call (707) 693-0456.