.png)
Local club helps develop confidence, leadership and communication skills
Just one year after chartering, Bastrop Toastmasters has earned one of the program’s highest honors, a milestone club leaders say reflects a growing demand for communication and leadership development in Bastrop County.
The club was recognized as a President’s Distinguished Club after achieving all 10 goals in Toastmasters International’s Distinguished Club Program, a performance standard measuring educational achievement, membership growth, officer training and club administration.
Club President Scott Allen said the accomplishment is especially significant because many new clubs struggle to maintain momentum after launching.
“We achieved it in five months that most clubs get a year to do,” Allen said. “We had a plan, enthusiastic new members and friendly accountability.”
The recognition caps a successful first full year for the club, which was chartered in early 2025 and now serves members from Bastrop, Elgin and surrounding communities.
While many join to become more comfortable with public speaking, members say the club also helps develop leadership skills, both professionally and in everyday life.
“People think it’s just a public speaking club, and it’s so much more,” Allen said. “We create a safe and supportive environment for people to develop communication and leadership skills and build greater self-confidence.”
According to Allen, the club attracts members from a variety of backgrounds, including people whose careers require public speaking and residents simply looking to become more confident communicators.
Heather Bloom, president of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce, said she joined the club earlier this year to build upon skills she uses regularly in her position.
“Public speaking isn’t something that comes naturally to me,” Bloom said. “Toastmasters has helped me become more confident speaking in front of groups and helped me find a more authentic voice.”
She also credited the club’s supportive atmosphere with helping members grow.
“Toastmasters meetings are safe spaces for us to make mistakes and learn from our peers,” Bloom said. “It makes me more prepared for the real world when I need to apply those skills.”
Allen noted building that environment has been key to the club’s success and is central to its future.
“We want growth to become a habit … participation is what drives growth,” he said.
The Bastrop Toastmasters meet Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at First National Bank on Texas 71 in Bastrop. Allen encourages anyone interested to attend the meetings and participate at their own comfort level.
