Toastmasters International -Moments of Truth

Aletta Rochat, Toastmasters International President, white jacket

I remember vividly when my home club, Cape Town Club in South Africa, began to struggle. We were in the midst of the pandemic—navigating shutdowns, uncertainty, and loss. Like so many clubs, we had adapted to online meetings. We kept going, but something was missing.

Members were coping with enormous personal challenges. Some had lost loved ones, others their income. And though we met regularly, we stopped attracting new members. Over time, engagement dropped—at one point it looked like only six members would renew.

I’ll never forget the sinking feeling of seeing that number. Our club had been President’s Distinguished every year for almost 20 years. That legacy mattered to me. It wasn’t about maintaining a record for its own sake—it was about honoring those who built the foundation we were standing on.

So, we called a meeting. It became our Moment of Truth—a checkpoint and a choice point. We could quietly fade, or we could rally. Together, we chose to act. We each committed to bringing in new members, completing Pathways education levels, and contributing to the success of our club. We all focused on this goal and challenged ourselves to deliver.

Every new member brings fresh ideas, and every engaged member strengthens the heart of the club.

We also changed back to fully in-person meetings as soon as we were able to. The moment we did that, our membership grew dramatically. We rediscovered what makes Toastmasters powerful: shared purpose, teamwork, and belief that transformation is possible. We rebuilt our community.

That’s why I’m so passionate about membership building and club growth. Every new member brings fresh ideas, and every engaged member strengthens the heart of the club. Growth happens when members feel connected, supported, and inspired to learn.

If your club is struggling, take a step back and see the bigger picture. Ask honest questions: Are members engaged? Are they progressing in Pathways? Do they feel heard and valued? These are your Moments of Truth—opportunities to listen, adjust, and reignite purpose. This is how we build a legacy that benefits others.

And if you belong to a strong club, reach out. Offer to mentor a struggling club. Arrange an open house. Become a club coach. We all share responsibility for helping each other thrive and for building our clubs, our communities.

Because when we help one club succeed, we strengthen every club. Growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about renewing belief in what Toastmasters makes possible: transformation, connection, and community.