WordPress for Toastmasters*Documentation for this software is being added a little at a time via the blog.
For WordPress basics, you can also consult books about WordPress or the support site for WordPress.com (a few details may be different, but the tutorials on writing and editing posts and pages still apply). Also worth checking out is the Easy WP Guide, which you can either download or view online. Some of other online tutorials you will find are more geared to developers and will tell you a lot of things you don’t need to know if you just want to run a club website.
The more specific documentation for Toastmasters is below. Since we’re all friends and all communicators in Toastmasters, you’re welcome to provide me with an evaluation: what here is not as clear as it needs to be? Post your feedback in the comments on these posts or write me with your thoughts.
Recent Updates
Some of the documentation included below refers to the “old” version of the agenda editor. WordPress is transitioning to a new editor for pages and blog posts, which the WordPress for Toastmasters software can also take advantage of. If you signed up for an account on toastmost.org, that is the agenda editor you will get. See, Tutorial: Agenda Editor.
Getting Started
Video: Sign Up and Setup a Free Toastmasters Club Website – directions for setting up a club website, hosted for free by the WordPress for Toastmasters project. The free and easy option.
Video: Create Your Own WordPress-powered Toastmasters Website – get the same functionality with your own WordPress website. Requires you to pay for your own web hosting (or get a friendly techie to sponsor you). Gives you more control and the ability to have the site at your own domain, independent of wp4toastmasters.com.
Member Orientation
The basic member experience of changing your password, setting up your profile, and starting to sign up for meeting roles is covered in this new member video.
Public Website vs. Member’s Dashboard
When you are logged in, you will have access to both the same public website everyone else sees and a “backstage” Dashboard area that only logged in users have access to. You can navigate between one and the other using the black menu bar that appears at the top of the screen when you are logged in.
Regular club members will only be able to access a few functions from the dashboard, such as the screen for updating their own member profile (name, email, phone number, etc.). It also includes links to other members-only content, such as the member directory.
As site administrator, you will have access to a longer menu, including both Toastmasters-specific functions and general website management functions such as customizing the theme of the website, posting blog entries, or editing the home page.
Setup and Customization
Agenda Setup and Fine Tuning (Video + Tips)
Toastmasters Member Import/Sync Routine
Meeting and Member Management
Video: Organizing Meetings and Promoting Your Club with WordPress for Toastmasters
Email Reminders Help Keep Members Showing Up
Tracking Member Performance with WordPress for Toastmasters
Making Your Toastmasters Website VP Education-Friendly
Available Plugins
See the list of Plugins available to add features such as social media sharing buttons at the bottom of posts.
Free Versus Custom Options
Free Toastmasters Club Websites vs. Custom Websites
WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com vs. WordPress for Toastmasters