May 02, 2023 - Oregon Department of Corrections recognizes and supports Toastmasters as a strong educational program in the rehabilitation of Adults in Custody (AICs) and supports 5 clubs including:

Capital Toastmasters at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem, Club Number 693720 which was chartered June 30, 2004. The club meets monthly and supports educational and training events throughout the month.

Rose City Toasters at Columbia River Correctional Institution (CRCI) in Portland, Club Number 944247, which was chartered September 29, 2006, and continues to be a top club in District 7 Toastmasters.

Spirit Trackers at Deer Ridge Correctional Facility (DRCF) in Madras, Club Number 1252137 which chartered on May 14, 2009
Hopemasters at McLaren Youth Correctional Facility (MYCF) in Woodburn, Club Number 1768087, chartered June 28, 2011
Audacious Orators at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) in Wilsonville, Club Number 2711902, chartered March 25, 2013
Oregon Department of Corrections actively encourages Adults in Custody (AICs) to participate in Toastmasters educational programs. Facility space is provided for club meetings and events, as well as training and support for the participation of outside volunteers to support the clubs.
The club officers at these clubs are given administrative support to help ensure that the clubs are able to recruit members and fulfill their missions.

“Toastmasters literally saved my life. Toastmasters gave me my freedom.” says past Rose City Toasters club President Ray Fox and former AIC.

“For many people who have made terrible mistakes in life for which they were sentenced to prison, Toastmasters provides a path for them to take control of their lives and develop skills and confidence which allows them to become entirely changed individuals,” says Jim Robison, District 7 Program Quality Director, an active volunteer with the prison clubs for over a decade and a Toastmaster in the Portland Metro area since 1991.

The award will be presented by International Director Louisa Davis on May 10, 2023, at 7pm at Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem, Oregon during the Capital Toastmasters meeting. Prior to the meeting the members of Capital Toastmasters plan to provide a tour of Healing Garden at Oregon State Penitentiary to International Director Davis and other Toastmasters District 7 leaders.

International Director Davis will also visit the Rose City Toasters meeting on May 9, 2023. Members at Rose City Toasters plan to conduct a podcast interview with Davis to help more AICs learn about Toastmasters.

“There is something powerful when one can know they can confidently speak and see real improvement in their ability to communicate effectively. Through speaking and leadership skills, as well as team collaboration, Toastmasters is a winning strategy to help anyone improve both personally and professionally, we are very proud to acknowledge the ODoC for their contribution and support of Toastmasters,” says Louisa Davis.
Toastmasters' communication and leadership teach Oregon Department of Correction Adults in Custody (AIC) how to:

Confidently and effectively communicate
Prepare and conduct meetings
Practice time management
Enhance their listening skills
Sharpen their speaking skills
Boost team collaboration
Guide successful teams

For more information about Toastmasters and any of the above-mentioned clubs please visit (www.d7toastmasters.org) or contact District 7 PR Manager Stephana Johnson at 360-210-2204.

About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization's membership exceeds 280,000 in more than 14,700 clubs in 144 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow ( @ ) Toastmasters on Twitter.

Contact Information
Stephana
District 7 Toastmasters
Voice: 360-210-2204