Pathways Guide Review

Today was a special meeting, as there were no roles. President Brian opened the meeting by explaining how Pathways Guide Lauralee would be presenting the new Pathways program to our club. He also welcomed MIME Speaks, another club, to our meeting via Zoom, as well as a few other guests that were present on Zoom.
Lauralee started off by explaining how Toastmasters started with the basic manual under Ralph Smedley in the 1940s. She talked about how it had evolved to the traditional program that we recognize today, such as the Competent Communicator and Competent Leadership. Another thing she went over that the board of directors had World Headquarters review and refresh the education program. To do this, they looked at the basis that the current education program, and created the five primary core competencies. Those are: public speaking, interpersonal communication, strategic leadership, management, and confidence. From this, Toastmasters created ten paths.

(Toastmasters.org)

She went over how each path starts with level one where the individual completes their ice breaker, evaluation and feedback, and research and presenting projects. From there the Paths vary to meet the individual's needs. Lauralee talked about how there are now badges where you are awarded for completing levels. One new thing about Pathways is you can give and receive badges from members. In her speech, she briefly talked about how the evaluation form had changed so it is now three pages long and is more specific to the speeches. The mentor program had also changed so that each mentor is trained by Toastmasters before receiving a mentee.
During the second section of her speech, Lauralee talked about how there is a new manual called the navigator that goes over club roles, and the Pathways program. She mentioned when choosing your Path, the in print does cost more but the first Path is covered by your Toastmasters dues. The second Path is the one that costs. Lauralee also talked about the online assessment that helps you decide which Path is the best one for you, including how there are short questions, and it is based on your goals and needs. Once you have selected your Path, you begin working on Base camp, if you are working online.
Lauralee talked about the fact that the meetings will not run longer due to Pathways, and Table Topics, evaluations and club roles will all still be a part of Toastmasters. Due to Pathways rolling out, the Distinguished Club Program added new education goals so you could have either levels from Pathways or advancements in the traditional program for two years.