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1. When are the meetings? Are you required to live in a specific county to participate?

Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month in Riverdale beginning at 10:00 am.  The students can also join the online Zoom meeting.  Your child does not have to be a resident of a specific county to participate in the program. The club is open to all residents. 

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2. Are there any dues or fees for membership?

We do not charge dues or membership fees. This is a free program. However, we do accept donations. We also do not discriminate based on age, sex, race, religion, national origin, geographic location, financial status, or educational status.

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3. Is there a cost for materials or supplies?

We provide speech materials and an outline of the project assignments to each member. However, Toastmasters International offers a wide variety of products including specialized speech manuals, brochures, and other promotional literature and paraphernalia that is optional to purchase.

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4. How does this club benefit my child?

Members build self-confidence, become better speakers, listeners, leaders, and communicate more effectively. They give presentations and do impromptu speaking, debates; improve reading comprehension, writing, and thinking skills.

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5. Are there any speech competitions?

We have specialized projects and training on topics such as Your Speaking Voice, Gestures: Your Body Speaks, and Effective Evaluation. We will also have Speech Contests where you can compete in areas such as the Best Speaker, Best Evaluator, Best Humorous, Best Debater, and Best Impromptu Speaker known as Table Topics. Each year students who qualify can participate in an annual contest for the Georgia Best Youth Speaker of the Year.

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6. Is this program only for the summer? Is there an age limit?

This is a monthly program. The club is recommended for kids ages 6-17, including students grades K-12.

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7. Can we use this program on our child’s resume?

The 10-A-Day Speaks Gavel Club is affiliated with Toastmasters International, a highly recognized and internationally know public speaking program. We suggest including it on their resume.

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8. Will my child become a certified speaker by participating in this program?

We do not certify your child to be a motivational or public speaker. This program is designed to help improve their speaking and communication skills. However, many Toastmasters members have been requested to speak at various events.

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9. Once my child completes all 10 speeches in their first manual, what is next?

Your child can continue the program using the leadership, advanced, and specialized training manuals. There are approximately 20 advanced manuals to choose from with over 100 speech objectives.

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10. Is there a certain amount of time to complete all 10 speeches?

Members complete speeches and participate in the program at their own pace.

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11. What other types of activities take place during the meetings?

We also imitate family television shows or fun board games. We have mocked court trials, spelling bees, and debate contests. We also invite professional motivational speakers, educational professionals, and career experts to provide personal development and training for college and professional careers.

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12. Can my school or church get involved with your club?

Yes. We recommend that you discuss with your school counselor or religious leader. However, our program will partner with various educational institutions and other organizations, which assist in meeting the mission of the club.

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13. How can we partner with or sponsor this club?

Contact the Club Counselor or Facilitator who will provide you with the appropriate contact information.

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14. Do you need volunteers? Do you accept donations?

We welcome volunteers. We also accept school supplies, computer equipment, financial contributions, and more.

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15. What if my child has a special need such as a medical disorder, a learning disability, is autistic, or has a speech impediment? Can they still participate?

Yes, we welcome all students. We are aware of speech disorders or speech impairments. Our trained professionals are always available to assist any student, regardless of any disability. We network with educational professionals, who offer free or reduced tutoring for all members. Unfortunately, we do not have licensed medical professionals on staff. Therefore, we do recommend that the parent(s) remain present at the meetings in the event of an emergency.