District 44 History

Toastmasters International was founded in 1924 by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley in Santa Ana, California, with the vision of creating a supportive space where individuals could improve their speaking skills. This vision quickly expanded into a worldwide organization, which now serves over 280,000 members across 14,700 clubs in 144 countries.

In the 1940s, Toastmasters took root in Georgia when Harry Jaffe, an Alabama native, introduced the program to the state. The first club, #289—the Henry W. Grady Club—was chartered in December 1944, marking the beginning of Toastmasters’ growth in Georgia. Over the decades, the district continued to evolve and flourish. In 1966, John Lister became the first editor of District 14’s newsletter, initially named The Rebel Rouser and later renamed The Georgia Gavel. District 14 also began recognizing member excellence, awarding its first Toastmaster of the Year honor to P. Greg McCarthy in 1969 and presenting its first Communication Award to Dr. Noah Langdale, President of Georgia State University, for his contributions in 1968-69.

By 2012, Toastmasters in Georgia had grown so significantly that District 14 needed to split to better serve its members. This decision led to the formation of two distinct districts, divided by Interstate I-85. Clubs located on the east side of I-85 retained the name District 14, while clubs west of the highway became part of the newly established District 44 Toastmasters. Since its inception, District 44 has proudly served Georgia with a commitment to upholding Toastmasters’ standards of excellence and providing a welcoming community for members to develop essential communication and leadership skills.

District 44 Toastmasters are dedicated to empowering individuals to improve their public speaking, leadership, and interpersonal skills in a supportive and enriching environment. As part of Toastmasters International, we are proud to contribute to the legacy of a global organization that has helped millions of people develop confidence and effectiveness in communication for nearly a century.

District 44 has been guided by visionary leaders who have left a lasting impact on our community. Each past District Director has contributed to the district’s legacy, introducing innovative programs, supporting member growth, and fostering a culture of excellence. Their dedication and leadership have shaped District 44, helping to build the strong, vibrant community we are today. We honor these leaders and their invaluable contributions to our mission.

As part of Toastmasters International, all of District 44’s clubs have a mission to provide a supportive and positive learning experience where members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self confidence and personal growth. Our local clubs, spread  across Georgia, offer members the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect in a thriving environment, transforming skills learned into strengths used in every aspect of life.

Whether you’re looking to overcome public speaking anxiety, develop leadership skills, or build connections with others, District 44 Toastmasters is here to help. We offer regular meetings, mentorship, and events designed to guide members in achieving their goals. No matter where you are in your journey, we invite you to join us in discovering the power of your voice and the strength of your leadership.