Townsend Toastmasters (SoMa)

Townsend Toastmasters (SoMa) is a President's Distinguished Club — the highest recognition level awarded by Toastmasters International — located in San Francisco's South of Market (SoMa) district. Founded on February 13, 2009 as Advent Toastmasters, the club became open to the public and was renamed Townsend Toastmasters on February 1, 2013. Meetings are held every Monday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in a hybrid format at the Adobe Systems building at 601 Townsend St, with simultaneous Zoom attendance available. The club is part of District 4 Toastmasters and typically draws 10–15 members per meeting. Each session includes 2–3 prepared speeches and Table Topics (impromptu speaking). Membership is open to all — no company affiliation required.

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Contact & location

Adobe Systems Inc., 601 Townsend St, 94103

Open website

tt-membership@googlegroups.com

Membership & sessions

Membership is open to all with no restrictions. Toastmasters International dues are $60 USD per six-month period (April–September and October–March), plus a one-time new member fee of $25 USD. Individual club dues may apply in addition to international dues. Guests may attend meetings for free before joining.

Services: Prepared speeches (2–3 per meeting), Table Topics (impromptu speaking practice), Speech evaluations and peer feedback, Toastmasters Pathways education program, Leadership role practice (Toastmaster of the Day, Timer, Grammarian/Ah-Counter, etc.), Hybrid in-person and Zoom meetings, Speech contests (club, area, and district levels), Mentorship program, Storytelling contests and special events, Networking with SoMa-area professionals

Membership: 120 USD / yearly

Meeting schedule: Every Monday, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (hybrid: in-person at Adobe Building, 601 Townsend St, San Francisco, and online via Zoom)

Languages: English

Meeting formats: in-person, online, hybrid

Additional information

Club number: 1280840. Part of District 4 Toastmasters (San Francisco Peninsula). Officers contact: townsend-tm-officers@googlegroups.com. Guests are welcome to attend for free; sign in at the security desk and arrive 5 minutes early for a visitor badge. The club combines the Grammarian and Ah-Counter roles into one. Self-pay dues enabled.

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