TI History Brief History of Toastmasters International 1999 marked the 75th anniversary of Toastmasters International, but the idea for clubs that would help people develop their public speaking skills actually began to take shape in the mind of the founder, Ralph Smedley, as early as 1900. At that time he worked as the educational director for the YMCA in Bloomington, Illinois, and formed a small group within the Y to help members practice these skills. As Dr. Smedley was transferred to different locations he continued to organize similar groups, so that by 1924 he was able to outline a basic plan for a Toastmasters club. That general design, which continues as the plan for clubs today, has at its heart the idea that members help each other achieve success.
Toastmasters provides a safe place to develop and practice public speaking and leadership skills.
During the next 30 years Dr. Smedley continued to write manuals and supervise the development of Toastmaster educational material. Since the early groups were organized under the umbrella of the YMCA, and the next stage in TI's evolution was focused on the businessmen of the thirties, women were not allowed to be members. Through the years many women may have joined covertly, using gender neutral names in order to pass the scrutiny of World Headquarters. The issue was resolved in the 70's when gender barriers were dropped. Gradually several levels were developed for the Toastmasters educational program and members were recognized for their progress.