In late 2010, a group of Chrysalis staff members, lead by Marc Biollo, started researching the possibility of creating a toastmasters club at Chrysalis to provide the individuals whom we serve with a fun, safe and inclusive environment to practice their public speaking skills. The initial research included a trip to Red Deer to sit in on a toastmaster's session at Cosmos Rehabilitation Society. A group of staff members and clients made the trip to join the Dream Catchers Toastmasters Club to get a firsthand look at how the club operated. After leaving the session and seeing how beneficial this club had become to nearly 30 individuals with disabilities, it was decided that Chrysalis would attempt to start Edmonton's first Toastmasters club specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.

In early 2011, Marc Biollo continued to put a lot of time and effort into getting the club off the ground. In order to steer the club in the right direction, Marc sought out the expertise of Peter Kossowan, a local toastmaster who has been an integral part in organizing over 120 Toastmaster clubs throughout Alberta. Peter, and a group of well respected toastmaster within the Edmonton area, put on two formal demonstrations to help illustrate what toastmasters is all about and provide our individuals and staff members with a chance to gauge their interest in possibly joining the club. The response from the demonstrations was overwhelming and with that, 30 members (a mix of staff, service clients and members of the general public) filled out charter membership applications to officially join the Chrysalis club. Not only was the response to the group very positive, we were able to establish an executive group that includes 4 staff members and three service clients who are responsible for the governance of the newly established group.

In April 2011, the first gathering of the new club took place and after some discussion and a few rounds of voting, the group determined an official name for the new club - the Chrysalis Social Butterflies! The Social Butterflies club has been going strong ever since.  Membership is increasing and the benefits of providing a safe environment for the individuals whom we serve to practice the skill of speaking are starting to shine in many of the club members. While our meetings are a little different than what you would see at your typical toastmasters club, the practices and principles are the exact same. Aside from developing a knack for public speaking, members of the Social Butterflies also develop communication and leadership skills which are demonstrated by taking on the responsibilities of performing various roles during a club meeting which are integral to any toastmaster gathering.

The Chrysalis Social Butterflies club meets every other Wednesday from 3:30 ? 5:00 pm at Chrysalis in Edmonton. This is a public club meaning anyone is free to attend club meetings and join our group.

If you would like to learn more about Toastmasters visit www.toastmasters.org. If you are interested in learning more about the Social Butterflies, or looking to attend a club meeting, please contact club president, Marc Biollo at MarcB@chrysalis.ca  or Matt Mandrusiak at MattM@chrysalis.ca