Q: I’m the Moderator Elect, and I’ll be Moderator starting on July 1st. I’m concerned that one or more members of our Forum are considering leaving when the fiscal year ends in June. How do I handle this?
– Anonymous
A: Thanks for the question. Losing a Forum member, or even the possibility of it, can feel heavy when you’re stepping into the Moderator role.
In my experience, the best approach is honest conversation and curiosity, not assumption. I would start by speaking with the current Moderator. They may already have insight into who is struggling with the Forum experience and why.
From there, I’d recommend having one-on-one conversations with each member. Not as an interrogation about whether they’re leaving, but as a genuine check-in. Ask how they’re feeling about the Forum, what’s working, what’s not, and what they would like to see under your leadership as Moderator. Those conversations will usually tell you far more than speculation ever will.
If your Forum is healthy and has a strong level of trust, you could also consider a group conversation at an upcoming meeting. Sometimes members simply need space to talk openly about what’s missing, what’s changed, or what the Forum needs next in order to stay valuable and meaningful for everyone.
At the end of the day, not every departure can be prevented. But strong communication, trust, and vulnerability often create the best chance for members to re-engage rather than quietly disconnect.