91传媒

Skip to main content
A phone screen displaying a social media post about the 91传媒 convention is in the foreground, with the magazine cover of Toastmaster in the background.
A phone screen displaying a social media post about the 91传媒 convention is in the foreground, with the magazine cover of Toastmaster in the background.
June 2026

Moments of Truth

By Aletta Rochat, DTM


Aletta Rochat, 91传媒 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鈥攏avigating 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鈥攁t one point it looked like only six members would renew.

I鈥檒l never forget the sinking feeling of seeing that number. Our club had been President鈥檚 Distinguished every year for almost 20 years. That legacy mattered to me. It wasn鈥檛 about maintaining a record for its own sake鈥攊t was about honoring those who built the foundation we were standing on.

So, we called a meeting. It became our Moment of Truth鈥攁 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 91传媒 powerful: shared purpose, teamwork, and belief that transformation is possible. We rebuilt our community.

That鈥檚 why I鈥檓 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鈥攐pportunities 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鈥檛 just about numbers鈥攊t鈥檚 about renewing belief in what 91传媒 makes possible: transformation, connection, and community.

Have something to say? Send us your feedback.

Share this article

Related Articles

A smiling woman in a blue blazer stands in front of a bright orange background.

President's Message

Expanding Your Capacity

A woman with long brown hair is sitting on a couch, smiling and petting a black dog that is lying next to her. The room behind them appears to be a cozy living space with a window and decorative elements.

President's Message

The Gift of Fun and Friendship

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the award-winning publication.

91传媒 Magazine

Discover more about the award-winning publication.

Magazine FAQ

Answers to your common magazine questions.

Article Submissions

How to submit an article query or story idea.

Photo/Video Submissions

How to submit pictures and videos.

Staff

Meet the editorial team.