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Tips to climb back and rebuild membership

One article that discusses the decline in membership for all kinds of clubs is by MIchael Brand,
“Why Our Service Organizations Are Dying (and 6 ways to fix them.)” available on LinkedIn.
This article contains many insights. Below I discuss the most relevant ones to Toastmasters and
steps to
attract the elusive modern member.

1. Retaining members is more important than recruitment

Mr. Brand states that the problem is not in recruitment but in retaining members. I would
agree. In my club members join and stay for a few months, maybe a year. These members come
in and state goals like better impromptu speaking to get a new job or promotion. They come
to meetings and within a short amount of time learn the skills that they wanted and leave.

We need to take the opportunity to teach every new member how Toastmasters can serve
them long term. The way I do this is by telling them my story. When I joined Toastmasters, I was

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