District 86 is part of Toastmasters International and serves the heartland of Ontario from Welland in the south, to Sarnia in the west, to Mississauga in the east - and all communities in between. Created in 2008, District 86 has over 240 clubs and growing, with 5,000 members, 8 Divisions, and 25 Areas. This includes community clubs, corporate clubs, university/college clubs, government clubs, and bilingual clubs. Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development, serving 352,000 members in 16,400 clubs in 141 countries. It was founded in October 1924 by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California. It is registered as a not for profit educational organization in that State. The world headquarters is located in Englewood, Colorado. Member Opportunities Available Through the Clubs • Gain speaking experience that relates to specific career needs. • Develop and practise a variety of leadership skills. • Sharpen their listening and evaluation skills. • Give impromptu talks on assigned topics. • Learn and practise techniques of effective public speaking. • Prepare and deliver formal speeches on subjects of their own choosing. • Learn and practise proper parliamentary procedures. • Preside over meetings, gaining experience in running effective meetings. • Gain personal confidence that will help when speaking to one person or one thousand people.