MoT #2: New Member Orientation

3. What Factors Should You Watch For?

Toastmasters International suggests the following standards for New Member Orientation with some added commentary:

• Induct new members formally and provide a membership pin and manuals. 
  
• Make sure to budget for pins
• Pathways has (largely) done away with manual presentations (so expect this to go away)
• Make sure you have voted in your members first
• Some clubs don't induct members until they give their Icebreaker speech, to avoid members who suddenly vanish after signing up (it does happen)
• Assign a mentor for one-on-one assistance. 
  
• If your club doesn't have enough mentors, consider using accountability buddies
• Discuss how the educational program helps develop speaking and leadership skills.
•  Have a familiarity with Pathways to show how the program is now more customized per member
• Survey all new members’ learning needs. 
  
• Get a sense of their goals to help them pick a Pathway
• Assign a speaking role for the new member as soon as possible. 
  
• Getting the Icebreaker done within 30 days is a good objective
• Continue to make new members feel welcome and encourage their participation in meetings.
  
• Provide how-tos on doing beginner roles to help their confidence here