Gavel Club launched by Toastmasters

Youngsters in St. Vincent and the Grenadines can now look forward to the same personal growth benefits Toastmasters receive.{{more}}

The first Gavel Club in St. Vincent and the Grenadines was launched on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at the CW Prescod Primary School in Kingstown St.Vincent. This club was sponsored by the Achievers Toastmasters Club; the first Toastmasters Club in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Gavel Clubs are affiliates of Toastmasters International, the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality.

The Gavel Club is designed primarily for young people, but can also be formed in rehabilitation institutions, hospitals etc. Gavel Clubs function similar to the Toastmasters club.

Gaveliers, as they are called, will be elected to Club offices; use some of the same communication manuals and follow similar meeting protocols. Toastmasters are assigned as mentors to guide the young members in their various roles.

The new Club will be coordinated by Toastmaster Wendie Wilson, who alongside other Toastmasters will also serve as a mentor. Toastmaster Wendie is an Immediate Past President of the Achievers Toastmasters Club and one of the mentors of the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dynamic Leaders Toastmasters Club. The Gavel club will meet every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month to focus on developing the Communication and Leadership skills of its young members.

Present at the launch were members of the various Toastmasters Clubs of SVG, including Area Governor Toastmaster Francesca Burnham-Onu who shared the importance of effective communication with the youth. The current President of the Achievers Toastmasters Club Toastmaster Kenneth Onu welcomed the members of the Gaveliers and gave them tips on self-confidence.

The Gavel Club will serve as a medium where young people receive the necessary training to enhance their skills at job interviews, public speaking and leadership roles, while at the same time equipping them with the effective conflict resolution skills.

During the launch the first executive was chosen: President, Adiel Hope; Vice President Education, Shenice Wilson; Vice President Membership, Sachi Sutherland; Vice President Public Relations, Latif Samb; Secretary, Charitiana Charles; Treasurer, Jaylon Scott; Sergeant-at-Arms, Jessica Fernandez.

Through its member clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the art of speaking, listening and thinking-vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding and contribute to the betterment of mankind.

The Gavel Club will meet this Saturday, March 10, 2012, at the CW Prescod School, Room 16, 1.30pm. For further information on joining this club, please contact Toastmaster Wendie Wilson, toastmasterssvg@gmail.com