Q: What does it cost?/How much are club fees?
A: Fees are $110 per student for the club year (2024-2025), with a $10 discount for early bird registration and $10 discount for siblings. This covers the cost of the Role Manual, Schedule, Competent Communication Manual, rental of our meeting space, and a social event.
 

Q: Is there an Early Bird discount?
A: Yes! $10 off if registration is completed by August 1st.
 

Q: Is there a discount for siblings?
A: Yes, siblings receive a discount of $10 off the regular rate.
 

Q: Do you have any programs on weekends/summer/for younger students?
A: No, we only have one program for students in grades 6-12. The club currently meets on Thursdays, 4:15-5:45, mid-Sept-mid-May.
 

Q: Can my younger child/pre-6th-grader join?
A: No. Every member must be in at least 6th grade to join.

Queen City Gavel is for 6th-12th graders. We use speech manuals from Toastmasters International. Although our club format is slightly modified from an adult Toastmasters club, our materials are the same. Therefore, the expectations and work required for club members is simply too advanced for a child under the age of 12. It is difficult even then, but not impossible.

For younger children, we encourage them to take every opportunity in school, civic, and religious settings to speak in front of groups, even if briefly. This will slowly but surely help them overcome the natural nervousness that happens when speaking publicly. Also, they will be more ready when old enough to join Gavel Club.
 

Q: Do you ever meet on Zoom?
A: No, Toastmasters International requires that Gavel Clubs meet in person. We meet weekly at either Carmel Presbyterian Church (2048 Carmel Rd., Charlotte, NC 28226) or Jack Hughes Park (513 Main Street, Pineville, NC 28134).
 

Q: Can I register later on in the year/for one semester?
A: Perhaps. If a space opens up in the club, a student that has been on the waiting list may be allowed to join. The club Counselor will contact the family to discuss admission at that time. If there is no waiting list, new registrants may be considered. A student’s schedule and maturity will be taken into account.
 

Q: When does registration open?
A: Registration opens in early June, for the following fall school year, and will remain open until the end of August. Current Gaveliers will have precedence for available spots before new students may be considered, as long as they request a spot to be held for them before mid July.
 

Q: Can I preregister?
A: No, registrations are only accepted between early June and late August each year. (The exact open and close dates for registration change each year.) Also, a new registration cycle begins at each yearly opening. Registrations are not held over from the previous year.
 

Q: How does the club work, and how much preparation time is needed for weekly roles?
A: The club is a junior club of Toastmasters International, and we use their manuals and format, modified for students in 6th-12th grade. Students are assigned a different role each week. Examples include Toastmaster, Timer, Joke & Poetry Masters, Historian, Ballot Master, Evaluator, and Speaker. In this way each student gets at least one turn at the lectern each week. Some roles require only 5-30 minutes per week prep time. Toastmaster may require 45 min-1 hour preparation time, and speeches may require as much as 6 hours prep time. Students will be assigned a 5-7 minute speech approximately four times per year. The student will know well in advance when they have a speech scheduled.
 

Q: Can my child observe a meeting as a guest?
A: Yes, we love having guests! Please fill out the Contact Form here, and let us know that you’d like to visit. Please keep in mind that if you would like to observe a meeting before registering for the club, you’ll need to plan a visit before the club year ends in mid-May. Otherwise, registration will open and close for the upcoming club year before you’ll have an opportunity to observe.
 

Q: What do I need to do in order to register?
A: Fill out the Registration Form ONLY on the Register page.
The form asks for parent and student names, address, phone number, and email addresses.
No fees are due at the time of registration. Fees will not be due until the end of August or early September.
 

Q: May I get a refund if my child drops out of the club?
A: Yes, a full refund may be obtained if requested before September 30th, or a partial refund of $75 if requested before October 31st. Unfortunately we cannot offer refunds beyond October 31st.
 

Q: What is the Parents' Area?
A: The Parent's Area is a place for parents of students of the club to interact and build community. In the Parents' Area, parents can make and reply to posts and share comments about the meetings.
You can see the privacy policy and terms of the Parents' Area here.
 

Q: How much commitment is required of students?
A: Gavel Club requires commitment! That means being present at weekly meetings and not leaving early. Being committed to the other Gaveliers also means planning for your role in advance of the meeting. Gaveliers become better speakers and learn more leadership skills when they’re present and attentive.
Note that we have a new attendance policy—see Register for the policy.
 

Q: As a parent of a Gavelier, how involved should I be in the club?
A: Gaveliers become better speakers and learn more leadership skills when they’re present, attentive, and have an audience. Your children want to showcase their skills and progress for you! The mood of the club is elevated when your students have an audience that encourages and cheers them on. As the parent of a Gavelier, you’ll be asked to sign a covenant to, at bare minimum, come inside to hear your child when they give a speech or are the Toastmaster. We also encourage parents to join the Parents' Area. The Parents' Area is a place for parents to connect and interact with other parents. The Parents' Area is not for the students, it is exclusively for the parents.