We are perhaps one of the more unique clubs at UCSB in that becoming a member can eventually lead to (after the completion of 10 speeches) a certificate prestigious enough to include on a résumé. This is also the cause for being one of the few clubs that require dues.

As a University of California, Santa Barbara recognized club we are required to allow Students free access to our meetings (where we treat them almost like any other member). Thus, it is free to attend our meetings and give speeches- the only drawback is that we give speech sign-up preference to those who have paid dues. Also, one cannot get a certificate without paying dues.

This is because it is Toastmasters International that awards certificates. They also give guidance to our club by providing officer training and sending speech manuals to members. This means that members of Gaucho Toastmasters follow time proven procedures recommended by the organization to help streamline the process of becoming a better speaker. We are not a rag-tag group of people hoping to become a better speaker. If one follows the manual, they are almost guaranteed to learn at least one thing.

Sometimes, however, members of the club decide to have more unique meetings. These can include debates, speech contests, and providing hors d'oeuvres. Last year there were two debates, two meetings where food was provided, a social dinner (Indian food) and an end of year banquet at an upscale Italian restaurant (paid in full by the clubs budget- we receive university money as well). In the past the club has gone on retreats as well. Click here for what we're planning this year.

As a social club that also has serious goals, Gaucho Toastmasters hopes to become a welcoming place where members can befriend other motivated individuals, learn life skills, and expand horizons of members and non-members alike.