08/23/2026
Roll Up Our Sleeves
by Elizabeth Rothner
On August 22, 2026, following his installation at the Toastmasters International Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Stefano S. McGhee, DTM, delivered his inaugural address as Toastmasters International’s 2026–2027 International President.
Those words—and the action that accompanied them—set the tone for his message.
As he removed his formal jacket and rolled up his sleeves, McGhee made it clear that he does not intend to lead from a distance. Drawing upon his experience as a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, he promised to work alongside the members he serves and confront the challenges facing our organization with humility, accountability, and action.
His message was both sobering and inspiring: Toastmasters is facing declining membership and revenue, fewer employees at World Headquarters, and increasing expectations from members. But he does not believe we have run out of people to reach or lives to transform. Instead, he challenged us to change how we approach growth—and to recognize that the future of Toastmasters will not be secured by headquarters alone.
It will be secured in our clubs.
McGhee reminded us that the club—not conventions, titles, rankings, contests, or even World Headquarters—is the true heart of Toastmasters. It is in our club meetings that someone nervously gives a first speech, receives a thoughtful evaluation, accepts a leadership role, or begins to believe they are capable of more than they ever imagined.
Those transformations do not remain inside Toastmasters. The confidence and leadership developed in our clubs travel into workplaces, families, nonprofit organizations, neighborhoods, and communities.
Invoking the words of fellow Massachusetts leader U.S. President John F. Kennedy, McGhee adapted Kennedy’s famous challenge for our organization:
“Ask not what Toastmasters can do for you, but what you can do for Toastmasters.”
That call to action was unmistakable. What can each of us do for Toastmasters—and for one another?
Can we reconnect with a member who has stopped attending? Invite someone who is afraid of public speaking? Help charter a club where none exists? Offer an evaluation that changes someone’s direction? Make certain that every person who enters our meeting feels seen, welcomed, and included?
Toastmasters grows from the inside out—one club, one meeting, and one relationship at a time.
The challenges are real, but so is our ability to meet them.
It is time for all of us to roll up our sleeves.
