A First Concern
Loss suffered when a member leaves is uncountable
by Glenn Pike, DTM.

When club officers are asked about their concerns during membership training sessions, their first response is usually, "We are disturbed by the loss of our members."
It is a valuable first concern --- for the loss of a member has far reaching effects well beyond the obvious drop in membership---for the person who leaves, the other members and the club.

Let's consider the two sides; the member who leaves and the members who continues.

 What does the loss mean to the member who leaves?

Loss of potential improvement in his or her speaking abilities

  • Loss of continued educational opportunities and personal growth
  • Loss of continued leadership growth
  • Loss of future impact continued membership might have on their life --- potential improvement in professional, social, and family circles.
 What does the loss mean to member who continue?

Loss of the positive influence that member may have had on other members and the club

  • Loss of training by that person on new and future members
  • Loss of their future leadership in the club and perhaps even the Area, Division and District
  • Loss of their personal testimony of the club's value and that of Toastmasters International
  • Loss of their presence at meetings, the energy they bring---reducing the size of the club.
It is a big loss for all concerned.

Recognition of the magnitude of the loss-ripple for everyone may help prompt a greater awareness of what is to be lost when members begin to miss meetings or "go inactive."

If awareness is the cure, as it is often suggested, perhaps greater awareness of the loss suffered by those who leave and those who stay and open discussion in the club and among members of the values we gain by our continued participation may improve that awareness.

It is worthy of being a “first concern."


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