I think one of the hardest parts this year about being Club Growth Director is knowing I can’t be everywhere at once, I can’t make more magic out of minor miracles and ‘no thanks’ is an opinion that can’t be changed.
Someone told me earlier this year that the wheels were already in motion when I arrived, and the train for some was heading towards a cliff and there was nothing I could do; to not take it personally if clubs closed down on my watch.
I didn’t listen. I chose to act, and we reached out to clubs who didn’t have hope at the time. And some of them? Responded. Some of them didn’t give up. Some of them survived.
But for every club my team and I have saved, we lost more than we’ve gained. There were clubs who said ‘hello’ by handing me their dissolution paperwork, and others who told me that they had zero interest in continuing. Some of them wouldn’t even answer the phone or their emails. (Perhaps I should have asked them about their club’s extended warranty.)
And so when the dust settles, others who don’t know will just see what didn’t happen (only two clubs added — by the way, welcome to the Dashboard finally, Clot Masters!*) and I’ll be rated a mediocre Club Growth Director at best, a failing one at worst.
But I know the score. For the folks who I’ve met this past year and cheered on as you ground out that eighth member in the nick of time, for the fledgeling clubs who are sitting at 12 or 13 members, don’t give up growing. Don’t give up speaking and leading. And above all? Talk to friends and coworkers and get them to come talk, too.
And if you’re in one of those suspended clubs and want another home – I have some clubs that need members! Send me a message at jeffrey [at] d57tm . org.
If you’re hoping to reinstate your club and have three members still on the roster, there’s a couple of tricks we can pull, too. It’s just a _little_ bit harder…
—Jeff Young, CGD
PS. Clot Masters of Alameda still needs an in person mentor. Easy DTM credit up for grabs!
Also, congratulations to the latest updates to the Distinguished Clubs List:
President’s Distinguished
- F.A.T. Toastmasters
Distinguished
- Southern Marin
- East Bay Municipal
- Talk and Thrive