BERT and all Toastmasters International clubs are non-profit educational organizations, not civic organizations. Communication and leadership training is BERT's primary focus. Unlike civic clubs, there are no requirements for members to attend a minimum number of meetings. However, members create more opportunities for personal growth when they attend and participate regularly.

BERT serves the community in offering communication and leadership seminars to local schools (Youth Leaderships) and invites the general public to attend all speech contests and conferences.

Diversity is one of BERT's many strengths. The membership is a good mix of beginning Toastmasters and those who have been members for years. The experienced Toastmasters serve as mentors to the inexperienced.

Most BERT members live in Davidson, Williamson and surrounding counties.

BERT ranks among the top clubs in the district when one is measuring education goal completions, membership retention rates, membership contests, public relations efforts, and speech contest participants.

 Frequently Asked Questions:

Q . How much are the club's dues?

A. BERT's annual dues are $108.00; $54.00 paid by March 1, and $54.00 paid by October 1.

Q. Are there new membership fees?

A. Toastmasters International charges a one-time fee of $20.00 for educational materials. BERT charges a one-time fee of $8.00.

Q. What if I join in mid-year?

A. You will owe the one-time new member fees of $20

.00.

Depending on the month of your membership, your monthly fee of $9.00/month is prorated. Example: If you join in February, you pay $18.00 for February and March. You will owe a total of $42.00 through March.

You will owe $54.00 for April-September.

Q. What will I learn to do as a Toastmaster?

A. You learn by doing:

• How to think on your feet (impromptu speaking)
  How to prepare and give a prepared speech
  How to evaluate a speech
  How to introduce speakers
  How to organize and plan meetings
  How to listen more effectively

Q. How will I know what to talk about?

A. Toastmasters International will mail you a new member's kit when you join the club. The kit includes a manual that guides you step by step from one speech to another. There is a planned progression, enabling you to grasp each element of good speech making before moving to the next one. You will select your topics, but you will probably select them based on the objectives each speech is supposed to accomplish.

Q. How many times may I visit a club?

A. You may visit as often as you like. When you join the club you will begin your journey of improving your communication and leadership skills. While BERT hopes all visitors will be encouraged to join, BERT recommends prospective members visit other clubs as well if they are unsure. Each club has its own personality.

Q. May I join more than one club?

A. Yes. You will pay the one time membership fee for the educational material in just one club. Each club would invoice you for the monthly fees, payable semiannually.

BERT has several members who have or have had dual memberships.

Application form: http://www.toastmasters.org/fupload/media/400-MembershipApp.pdf