Club growth remains at the heart of everything we do, it is not only about increasing membership numbers; it is about strengthening our clubs, supporting our volunteers, and creating welcoming, active environments where people want to belong and grow.
As a District we are doing ok BUT surely we want to do more, this year the District is aiming for Smedley Distinguished, this means we need;
A Club Net Growth of 14 clubs from a Base of 176 to 190, this figure doesn’t take into account the loss of any clubs, currently we have 22 Clubs under 12 members, these all need coaches, so please contact me if you are interested in helping these clubs remain Active.
Club Payments to increase by 766 from 9570 to 10336, these are made up of new members, re-instated and renewals. If we can get as many new members, as possible, in before the April renewals this will mean they count for 3 payments.
We now have the increase in renewals, with a short time to get renewals in before the price goes up. Where possible get club members to pay before 2nd August and to renew for 12 months, thereby saving $24 (£18 at todays rate of exchange).
We have some incentives to help with renewals
If 75% of Clubs obtain 75% renewals in one Area for 6 months by August 3rd 26 they will get Humorous and Topic Contest trophies for their Area Contest. If they renew for
If 75% of Clubs obtain 75% renewals by August 3rd 26 for 12 months in one Area they will get trophies for all 4 Contests for their Area Contest.
Any club that adds 8 new or reinstated members paying up to 31st March 27 by 31st August 26 they not only complete 2 of the DCP points, they also achieve Smedley Award and in addition will get a Superstar Trophy and a Certificate.
Please Note : Any payments after 3rd August 26 will be at the New rate.
Clubs that charter by 30th September 26 and pay for 6 months up to March 27 will get $150 worth Goodies.
Clubs that charter by 30th September 26 and pay 12 months up to September 27 will get $200 worth of goodies for the club.
Even better Charter clubs can use the old renewal rate if they charter before the 30th September 2026.
My focus as Club Growth Director is to help clubs grow and maintain sustainable growth. This includes sharing ideas that work, supporting membership campaigns, helping clubs identify opportunities, and Divisions appointing a Division Club Growth Director to help both District and Members to find opportunities for new clubs. Our goal this year is to get at least one viable new club lead per area and to charter at least 2 new clubs per Division.
I encourage every club to take a fresh look at how it presents itself to prospective members. Is your message clear? Are visitors followed up promptly? Do you contact members if they haven’t attended for a while? Do you contact members before renewal to check they are renewing, sometimes all it takes is a quick message or phone call to make that member feel valued.
It is every Members responsibility to build and retain members and Clubs, as stated in the Toastmasters Promise, which you signed up to when you joined.
Are you on Pathways Level 4 or 5 or even going for your DTM, do you need to be a sponsor or mentor for a club? Do you want to be a coach? We need you!
If anyone has any ideas for Club Growth or Membership Retention and Growth please contact me.
Alison Morris DTM clubgrowthdirector@d91toastmasters.org.uk
Last Updated on 27th July 2026 by Suhas Kumar