How do I approach the prison about starting a Toastmasters Club?
Each prison should have someone appointed as a Programs Director. Call the prison and ask for the phone number of this person. Other suitable contacts might be the prison chaplain or prison principal. Keep in mind that all prisons are looking for outside volunteers to present programs. Setup a meeting so you can explain what Toastmasters is all about. Let the contact know what the program will need from the prison, such as a meeting location, materials storage, access from outside volunteers, and about 20 inmate members. Let them know what materials you will give the inmates, such as manuals, 3 ring binder or folder, stop watch, pen or pencil, and paper. Use your best Toastmasters presentation skills. Be flexible in working through barriers. Prison needs get top priority and must be met before we can even think about Toastmasters needs. Toastmasters meetings have a lot of flexibility in structure, meeting materials, and surroundings. Use this flexibility to simplify life for the prison
