Puc(k)sters
505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, California
A President's Distinguished Club
Welcome Puc(k)sters and Honored Guests!
We are Toastmasters Club 3873. Our meetings take place on Thursdays from 12-1 PM, both online through Webex and in-person at 505 Van Ness Ave in San Francisco. If you are interested in joining Puc(k)sters or learning about our club, please join us in-person on Thursdays or contact membership@pucksters.org for the virtual meeting link.
Mission Statement
We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.
Puc(k)sters Club has achieved "Presidents Distinguished" Status since 2019, which is the highest level of excellence recognized by Toastmasters International.
Puc(k)sters Meetings Are Open to All
Our meetings are Hybrid
Every Thursday at 12:05pm
via WebEx or In-Person
at the California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
Golden Gate Room
A Warm Welcome from Puc(k)sters Toastmasters
A President's Distinguished Club (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024)
Testimonials
I visited a handful of clubs and couldn’t decide which to join. I ended up meeting a friend, who works for the PUC. When I told her I had visited the Puc(K)sters club, she said “That’s a group of really nice people.” That was the clincher for me and I have found it in spades. I like how the club has high standards, but is not uptight about how they go about things. I like the diversity in our club and how we have long-term members, who lend a lot of support to the newer members. We laugh a lot and really like each other. Gretchen Thometz
I joined Puc(K)sters Toastmasters club eight years ago. Being a member, but most importantly, an officer has helped me enrich my communication, presentation, and leadership skills. I was afraid of public speaking, like everyone else, but being a member gave me the opportunity to practice with genial fellow Toastmasters. I enjoy preparing for a speech and delivering it, but even more so getting feedback from a receptive group. I have learned to practice thinking on my feet by participating in the Table Topics speech program, which is a spontaneous speech from 1 to 2 minutes on a surprise topic. I also have strengthened my communication and interpersonal skills with my family and friends. Carmen Rocha
I joined Toastmasters in 2000 in Atlanta, GA, at Hillside Toastmasters. I first attended because I wanted to improve my presentation skills for my job. I found myself among like minds, because everyone was there to improve their communication skills as well. I got involved by moving up in the rank of officers, eventually becoming president. This was possible because I had coaches and mentors that helped me along my path.
After moving to California in 2018, I started looking for local Toastmasters clubs. After visiting a few other clubs, several of which didn't seem to accept visitors. I decided on Puc(K)sters Toastmasters club because of the friendly atmosphere, the well-structured meetings, the interesting and knowledgeable members and the convenient location. Melvin Nibbs.
What a New Member Can Expect
Visiting for the First Time?
Visiting a club is an exciting first step in reaching your goals. There’s no need to feel pressure to participate at your first club meeting – you can simply observe if you wish.
Every journey has a destination. Your journey through Toastmasters—from delivering speeches to acquiring leadership skills to mentoring others or even becoming a professional speaker—will lead to a place of experience and confidence from which you’ll turn goals into realities.
And you won’t be alone. Along the way, you’ll become a part of a supportive group of people in your local area who share a common desire: to improve communication and leadership skills through practice, peer feedback and objective evaluation.
You’ll also become part of a worldwide organization dedicated to supporting members and constantly improving the Toastmasters experience.
If you’ve found a Toastmasters club that you’d like to attend on a regular basis, it’s time to take advantage of the benefits of membership.
Let your journey begin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why should I join Toastmasters?
Have you ever struggled to give a presentation to your boss? How about a toast at your friend’s wedding? Your Toastmasters journey is tailored to help you achieve your specific goals, whether it’s to gain confidence, learn leadership skills, or become an expert storyteller.
2. How much does it cost to join Toastmasters?
It costs $126/year to join Puc(K)sters Toastmasters. Dues are paid 6 months at a time, meaning $63 is due every 6 months. If you join in the middle of a 6-month period, the amount you pay is reduced/prorated accordingly. (Of that $63, Toastmasters International receives $45 and Puc(K)sters club receives $18.) There is also a one-time New Member fee of $20.
3. How many members does Puc(K)sters Toastmasters have?
The number of members fluctuates in all clubs, but our goal is to retain our membership at 20 or above. Twenty members are required for a club to qualify for any of the 3 Distinguished Club awards. Puc(K)sters receives these awards regularly.
4. When and where do members meet?
Every Thursday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in the Courtyard Room (unless otherwise posted) at 505 Van Ness Ave. in San Francisco, or online via Webex.
5. I’m pretty busy with work. How will Toastmasters fit my busy schedule?
Toastmasters takes into account that most people have busy schedules. You can attend as frequently or infrequently as you like. We find, however, that those who attend more frequently tend to get the most out of their membership and reach their goals faster.
6. Is my attendance mandatory for every meeting?
Absolutely not! You will reach your own goals at your own pace.
7. How is Toastmasters tailored to my interests?
At the start of your Toastmasters journey, you will take an online assessment to determine your interests. Your program will be tailored specifically to those interests. Some of the possible paths of study and practice are Presentation Mastery, Dynamic Leadership, Effective Coaching and Persuasive Influence, just to name a few.
8. Can I come in and check it out before joining?
Absolutely! You are highly encouraged to “come in for a test drive”. We welcome your observation of what a typical meeting looks like. Come and see if Puc(k)sters is the right fit for you. We are a club that is both serious about progressing on our educational goals as well as a club that likes to laugh and have fun.
While Puc(k)sters meets at the California PUC, our meetings are open to all, so you do not need to work at the PUC to check us out.
9. Additional Questions?
Contact membership@pucksters.org.
