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Optimist International Leadership Publication
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 | | International President Ken Garner: October 2014 |
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Message from the First Lady
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 Both Ken and I feel blessed and honored to have this opportunity to serve with you in Bringing out the BEST in our Kids, ourselves and our communities. Our personal goal for this year is to become healthier physically, mentally and spiritually than we are today - to be the BEST we can be in every aspect of our lives. We encourage you to join us on this journey so that we can grow as individuals, Clubs and as an organization. Improving our health and the health of our Clubs will help us serve more children and ensure a lasting legacy of Optimism. The start of a new year is a great time to give yourself and your Club a health check-up. Take time to consider the following questions: - Are there areas in your life that need a boost?
- Does your physical well-being need a lift?
- Are the projects conducted by your Optimist Club helping kids in your community get up and get moving?
Stay tuned to future issues of The Optimist magazine and The Hotline newsletter for more details. Follow us on Twitter and like our Facebook page for updates and tips.
Yours in Optimism,
Patsy Garner |
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Welcome to the Leadership Hotline
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Every month during your year of leadership, a copy of the Hotline electronic newsletter will be sent to your e-mail. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with information and news that you can use during your year in office.
This newsletter is sent to all Optimist leaders, from the Club to the International level. While the information will be targeted to leaders, we encourage you to share the news with other Members.
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New Recruitment Incentive
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Optimist International is excited to announce a new Sponsor Pin incentive. Starting October 1, Members will receive pins when they sponsor their 1st, 5th, 15th, 20th, and 35th Members.
This incentive was established by the 2013-2014 International Membership Committee to reward those Members who are helping the organization grow and reach more children in our communities. Each Member should be proud of how many people they have brought into our organization and encourage everyone else to continue to promote Member recruitment.
Please note this incentive is cumulative and permanent. It will not be retroactive before this year. Please contact the Membership Department at (800) 500-8130 ext. 227 or [email protected] with any questions.
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In Memoriam: Carlos "Charlie" Ramirez
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It is with a heavy heart that Optimist International must report the passing of Carlos "Charlie" Ramirez on September 27. Charlie served as District Governor of the New Mexico-West Texas District during the 2013-2014 year. The organization is saddened by this loss and sends their deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Cards may be sent to:
Family of Charlie Ramirez
7528 Matamoros
El Paso, Texas 79915
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Official Supplier for US and Caribbean Clubs
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As of October 1, 2014, Shumsky is the official supplier for all Clubs in the United States and the Caribbean. Shumsky provides a fresh perspective on how branded items, promotional products and custom-developed ideas can be used to bring out the best in your Club needs. For details, visit Shumsky's new Optimist International supplier website or call (877) 678-2582.
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 Optimist International is looking for "the best of the best" in leadership for selection to the Optimist International Leadership Academy. Highly successful Club and District leaders, who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, will be selected to attend. During this one-day program, the selectees will participate in a series of exercises and workshops designed to allow them to share and learn successful leadership skills and practices.
Selection to the academy will be determined by demonstrated leadership skills and recommendations from Optimist International staff, International Vice Presidents and the International President. Recommended candidates will be submitted to a special committee with Members from both the Candidate Qualifications committee and the Leadership Development Committee for final selection. Candidates will be selected for classes held at International Convention. Selectees will receive a free registration and a one-day per diem to attend the academy.
Members of the academy will be recognized on stage during the convention and receive a special lapel pin. Academy graduates will be a source for future Optimist International leadership roles and positions. Now is the time to nominate Members so that they will receive the invitation to apply for the 2015 academy. If you have questions, please contact [email protected].
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Strengthen Your Leadership Skills at a Summit
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Optimist International is proud to introduce its 2015 Leadership Summits. The agenda will include new topics and updated information to make you and your Club successful.
Every Member and even non-Optimists are invited to participate in this exciting program developed for Optimist leaders, leaders of volunteer or charitable organizations, business owners, corporate managers, department heads, and front-line employees. This intense, one-day training experience will provide attendees with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to lead a relevant and thriving organization.
These one-day training events will be held throughout North America starting in February. Check out the entire schedule and register online by clicking here. |
Optimist Website Receives New Look
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 If you visited the Optimist International website recently, you may have noticed a fresh, updated look to make both Members and visitors feel welcome. A showcase of images associated with important Optimist topics such as membership, programs and youth Clubs has been added to the main pages. The images can be clicked on for more information. Social media icons and links are now included in the header of every page, to make following the organization and communicating with other Members easy. Optimists can go to a special Members section. The website still features an incredible amount of information and resources, but users have more options upfront so they can find what they are looking for quickly. Another great new feature is automatic display adjusting, allowing visitors to easily view and utilize the website from any desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone device. If you are unable to locate a piece of information, use the "Search" function, or contact (800) 500-8130 for assistance. |
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The 97th annual Optimist International Convention is for all Optimist Members offering fellowship, training, networking and most of all FUN!
July 9-11, 2015
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
The convention opens on Wednesday, July 8 and the fun will not end until everyone leaves Sunday, July 12 - after the Presidential Banquet on Saturday night!
A detailed schedule will be posted soon. Be sure to check the convention page of the website frequently for this and other updates. If you have any questions, e-mail [email protected] or call (800) 500-8130.
See you in New Orleans!
Book Your Reservations Now Experience the best of the Crescent City in a spacious guestroom with a view, take a stroll down Bourbon Street for some entertainment, and savor local specialties at Drago's Seafood restaurant. With plenty of amenities and things to do, Riverside is the ultimate in New Orleans accommodations. The sleeping room rates start at $109 per night (plus taxes & fees) for up to two people. Each additional guest will cost an extra $20 per night (plus taxes & fees). Sleeping rooms with king beds are limited to a maximum of three people. Upgrades are available. To book your reservation and more for more information, including photos, click here or call (800) 445-8667 or (504) 584-3959. When calling, remember to mention the group name "Optimist International." As long as there are sleeping rooms available, the deadline to make your reservation is June 17, 2015. Room rates include complimentary basic internet. Please note: if you check-out prior to your reserved checkout date, the hotel will add a $90 (plus taxes & fees) early checkout fee to your account. To avoid an early checkout fee, you should notify the hotel at or before you check-in of any change in planned length of stay.
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Social Media Tips for your Club
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 Is your Club using social media to connect with current Members and attract new potential Optimists? If not, you should consider getting started. Here's an easy-to-read cheat sheet, courtesy of Constant Contact's blog, about what to post on social media and how often to post. If you need help starting a Club Facebook page, Twitter handle, YouTube channel or other social media page, contact [email protected]. |
Help Build Optimist Junior Golf
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 The Optimist Junior Golf program is an exciting way for volunteers to promote the sport of golf to the young people of their communities. Each year, more than 5,000 boys and girls compete in Optimist qualifying tournaments. The best of these golfers advance to the annual Optimist International Junior Golf Championships (OIJGC) which offers a week of golf, the opportunity to meet new friends, top competition and a great deal of fun. Why junior golfers attend the Optimist Championships - One of the top international junior golf tournaments in the world
- Ranked by the Junior Golf Scoreboard, Golfweek, the Amateur Golf World Rankings and included in the AJGA Performance Based Entry Process
- Approximately 30 college coaches attend and recruit
- Opportunity to play against golfers all over the world
What Makes Us Different
The OIJGC is a unique golfing experience where junior golfers and their families enjoy golf, meals, off-course activities and housing all under one roof. The golfer's registration fee is only $720. Golfers receive a $70 discount if they are a District first place winner. Registration fees include: - Tournament entry fee
- Golf (practice round and tournament rounds)
- 5 nights lodging
- 5 breakfasts and 4 dinners
- Access to all special events
Additional fees apply for guests. How can a Club Member Help? - Help sponsor a golfer(s) to the championship level
- Generate interest in Optimist Junior Golf
- Help expose golfers and parents to Optimism
- Use it as a recruiting tool. New Member recruitment will only strengthen and expand the Optimist Golf program.
- Help reach out to local golf courses and schools
- Contact your District Chair to help sponsor a golfer
For more information, please click here. Dates to Remember 2015 Optimist International Junior Golf Championships July 16-21, 2015 (Boys 10-11, 12-13 and Girls 10-12) July 21-26, 2015 (Boys 14-15 and Girls 13-14) July 26-31, 2015 (Boys 16-18 and Girls 15-18) |
Club Foundation Representatives
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Club Foundation Representatives inform their Club and its Members about the Foundation programs and help share the mission of the Foundation. Optimist Clubs that have not appointed a Club Foundation Representative (CFR) can submit a form online or download a form and send it to the Optimist International Foundation office.
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Optimist International Foundation Board Nominations
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Nominations for the two open positions on the Optimist International Foundation Board of Directors are now being accepted online. One open Board position is for a Past International President and the other open position is for a Board member at large. Nominations must be received by January 1, 2015. Qualifications for candidates and more information can be found on the Foundation website.
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Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation
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The CCOF is counting on your leadership this fall. Our goal is $230, 000 of unrestricted gifts. This is equivalent to an average donation of $13.50 from EVERY Optimist Member. This way, your gifts will ensure the sustainability of scholarships year after year. Think of it as sowing a small seed that will make harvesting possible for the years to come.
Make an online donation by clicking here. Or, mail a check directly to: Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation
5205 Metropolitan Blvd. East, Suite 200
Montreal, QC H1R 1Z7
Canada
If you have any questions, please contact the CCOF at [email protected] or call (514) 593-4401 or toll free (800) 363-7157.
DONATE! | IT'S YOUR FOUNDATION, EMBRACE IT
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Contact the International Board of Directors
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 If you have any comments, concerns or suggestions for the International Board of Directors, please send to [email protected].
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