Update on the Petition Against Membership Dues Increase - Your Voice Matters

Dear Valued Supporters,

I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits.

I am writing to provide an update regarding our ongoing petition against the recently proposed increase in Toastmasters International membership dues.

Your voices have echoed across our community, with the petition already garnering more than 5,000 signatures. This united stand is a powerful testament to our collective belief in the core values of Toastmasters International and our commitment to making this platform affordable and accessible for all.

Regrettably to inform, that we have yet to receive a satisfactory response to our concerns from the designated leaders and decision-makers at Toastmasters International. Despite sending four well-detailed emails to the District Officer, Regional Advisor and International Director, we have yet to receive any response from them. The only response we have received so far came from the general Club Quality Team yesterday 28/6/2023 to acknowledge our feedback. However, it is not addressing the issues we outlined in our previous letter, as in helping the 2 specific groups of members e.g the students and members above 60 year old of age.

Our aim is not to challenge the operational decisions of the organization arbitrarily. Instead, we strive to uphold the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and respect that Toastmasters International embodies. We believe the proposed increase in membership dues could be counterproductive to our shared mission and potentially discouraging the specific 2 groups of members as above mentioned to continue their learning journey with us.

While we understand that organizations may need to adjust membership dues due to financial necessities. However, we urge the organization could be done with the involvement and understanding of the community and the impact. Hence, we strongly urge the leaders of Toastmasters International to reevaluate the proposed increase and consider alternative strategies to manage the 2 specific groups of members.

We will continue to pursue our petition and urge the appropriate parties to respond to our concerns. In the meantime, your continued support is critical. Please help us spread the word and let others know about our good intention. Encourage your friends, club members, and anyone you know who values the importance of affordable and accessible personal development to sign the petition and join us in our call for a good cause.

Remember, your voice matters and together we are stronger. We appreciate your support, and we will keep you updated on any progress.

Thank you for standing with us.

Warm regards,

Terrence Ong Jun Han
President
Kelab Pidato Kuala Lumpur (01347384, 51, Area J02)