From Challenge to Opportunity: A Rebrand Gives a Club New Life

In every challenge there is something to be learned and if you can make it out to the other side there are rewards to reap. Rockland Toastmasters is an example of that.

Rockland Toastmasters of Rockland County NY was founded in 2010. At that time it was called Nyack Toastmasters, after the small town the club met in. Throughout the years as the club changed and evolved, the constant was the location, a local library, a favorite to those who walked through the doors as it boasted year round views of the Hudson River and it’s charm reflected the villages vibe of art and community. In 2016, after much thought and consideration, it was decided the club would be changing locations.  

Rockland Toastmasters’ officers at training.

As Toastmasters is a non profit organization, members pay a minimal yearly fee to cover costs and take pride in volunteering their time as officers and filling other various roles within their chapter to ensure the success of their club and personal progression in public speaking. Yearly fees are used for a variety of things- materials for marketing, resources for members, contests, and open houses are typical and needed to make clubs feel well resourced. In the case of Nyack Toastmasters, starting in 2015, these fees were going solely to paying rent for the bi-monthly meetings. With only a small bank account balance, soon it became apparent that the fee was no longer maintainable.

The search was on for Nyack Toastmasters new home, officers took their time searching for the perfect donated space. One where members could gather to give speeches, have enough space to expand the club, and have access to technology if needed. After exhausting almost every local venues and business in the town, no space was found to be affordable.

Officers Laura Rose and Ken St. Denis decided to venture into another territory to gain perspective. After visiting a club in NYC called Manhattan Toastmasters, they came back to our club with an idea. Our dilemma was not a hardship, but an opportunity to expand and rebrand the club. Nyack Toastmasters changed names to Rockland Toastmasters. By changing the name of the club it opened up many doors which included hosting meetings and contests in different locations throughout the entire county, not just a single town, and opening up to a broader spectrum of the public for new potential members.

For clubs that might be feeling like it is time for a space change or change in general with their club, consider community resources, such as community centers, libraries, and local business might be willing to donate space.  Utilizing these organizations will not only benefit the club, but also the community as it learns about an organization that can help improve members’ public speaking and perhaps further their careers.

 

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