This is an abridged version of the DOs and DONTs. For the up-to-date details visit the Toastmasters International website at: https://www.toastmasters.org/Leadership-Central/governing-Documents#PolicyandProtocol

Campaign Communications

  1. A campaign communication is any message, in any form (such as phone calls, postal mail, email, social media, and facsimile) unsolicited by the recipient that promotes or publicizes a candidate.
  2. Photographs, audio, video, and electronic representations in all campaign materials and displays, and on the candidate’s website and social media profiles, related to this campaign may be of the candidate only; no other persons are permitted.
  3. All candidates are responsible for obtaining written permission for any quotes and testimonials used in candidate campaign materials and displays, on websites, and on social media profiles. Proof of written permission may be requested for review by the District Director.
  4. Unsolicited subscriptions to information by or about a candidate, such as a newsletter or blog, are not permitted.
  5. Only District Council members’ contact information is provided.
  6. The contact information may only be used for campaign purposes.
  7. District candidates may only send two (2) campaign communications.
  8. Campaign communications may only be sent to members of the District Council:
  9. The first communication may be sent between January 1 and two (2) weeks prior (May 14, 2021) to the District Council’s annual meeting.
  10. The second communication may be sent two (2) weeks prior to (May 15, 2021) and no later than the date of the District Council’s annual meeting (May 28, 2021) .
  11. Candidates may have a website and use social media to promote their candidacy.
  12. No District or club social media sites or websites may be used to promote any individual candidate.
  13. District and club websites may list the nominated candidates.
  14. Candidates are prohibited from participating in Toastmasters-related discussion groups on websites, including social media sites, for campaign purposes.
  15. District candidates may use the Toastmasters trademarks, including the logo and the names “Toastmasters” and “Toastmasters International,” on printed and electronic campaign materials, websites and social media sites.
  16. Use of the trademarks on any other items requires the written permission of the Chief Executive Officer.
  17. Candidates may not produce or distribute any wearable campaign items (such as buttons, pins, hats, sashes, apparel, etc.)

Campaigning at Events

  1. At District conferences and District non-election meetings (such as Area and Division speech contests), nominated candidates and floor candidates may only distribute and display campaign materials in the Candidate Corner (if there is a Candidate Corner).
  2. Candidates or their representatives are responsible for the delivery, set-up, and removal of materials.
  3. At District non-election meetings (such as Area and Division speech contests), candidates may be introduced as long as all candidates present are introduced.
  4. Candidates may not host hospitality suites at any District event or contribute to a District hospitality suite. A hospitality suite is defined as a room where refreshments are provided and attendance is open to any member.

District Conference Presentations

  1. Candidates may speak and give educational presentations at District conferences, at a time other than during the District Council’s annual meeting, at the discretion of the District Director.
  2. All candidates must receive equal opportunity.
  3. The time, place, and length of presentation are identified by the District Director.
  4. Candidates shall not serve as speech contest officials.
  5. Candidates may not present campaign speeches at any District non-election meeting, or campaign at any club meetings.

District Publications

Advertisements in District publications, such as in newsletters, in conference programs, or on websites, by or on behalf of candidates for District office are not permitted.

Candidate Endorsements

  1. All candidates must obtain written permission for any endorsements (i.e., quotes and testimonials) used in candidate campaign materials and displays, and on websites.
  2. Proof of written permission may be requested for review by the District Director.

Campaign Violations

  1. All actions by individual members must comply with Policy 3.0: Ethics and Conduct and Protocol 3.0: Ethics and Conduct.
  2. Candidates are responsible for ensuring campaign supporters are familiar with campaign Policies. Candidates acknowledge that violation of Policies and Protocols may result in consequences.
  3. After the nominations are published, any proven candidate policy violations must be shared with the District Leadership Committee Chair.
  4. Such violations may be disclosed at the District Council’s annual meeting by the DLC Chair or District Director.
  5. If any violations are disclosed at the meeting, all violations of equal level must be disclosed at the meeting.

courtesy of  DLC Committee Member, Japheth Musau, DTM