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Optimist International Leadership Publication
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December 2013
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Ron Huxley,
2013-14 International President
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President's Message
Here we are, already approaching the end of 2013. At this time of year, I can't help but remember Speedy. He was a four-year old boy who helped put things into perspective for me at a time when I needed a little pick me up.
Speedy was at our Club's "Breakfast with Santa" and he was so excited. He had been given his nickname by his Grandpa. He loved to run and running he did, all around the hall, dodging other kids and parents, all the time asking questions. When was Santa coming? Where were the reindeer? Would Santa bring me what I wanted for Christmas?
I fell in love with his innocence and yet it was that glimmer of his childhood beliefs that made me realize, as one person I could only do so much. As a group of Optimists, we can do so much more.
At this special time of year, give the gift of Optimism to children. Now is the perfect time to make a real effort to add one or two new Optimists to your Club. Start the new Members off with an opportunity for a wonderful MO of their own.
So much is happening right now. This Hotline is full of reminders of how groups of Optimists, just like yours can make things in your community better for everyone.
Man, I love this organization. Stay happy, stay focused and stay the course.
President Ron
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 The Time for Recruitment is NOW! The NOW (New Optimists Welcome) program is one of the most effective tools that Clubs have for recruiting new Members. A NOW event is an opportunity to invite potential Members to dinner, explain what Optimism is and what Optimists do, and hopefully recruit them to join your Club!
NOW booklets are available from the Membership Department to help you plan a program, but feel free to add your own flavor. Make sure you provide a laid-back atmosphere where guests can interact with current Members and find out why people become Optimists.
Follow up with guests a few days after the NOW program to see if they are still interested in joining. Make sure to schedule a project soon after the event, so new recruits can get involved right away. A lot of work goes into a successful NOW event, but the results will help your Club grow and reach more youth.
For more information or NOW booklets to help you get started, contact the Membership Department at 800-500-8130 ext. 227 or [email protected]. |
Mid-Year Club and District Trainer Classes
Have you thought about becoming a Certified Optimist Trainer, but are not sure where to start? One of the first steps is to take the Club Trainer class that will be offered on Saturday, January 25 at the St. Louis Optimist International headquarters. This class will help you sharpen your training skills and decide if you wish to become part of the Certified Trainer program.
If you are already in the training program, have already taken the Club Trainer class and are planning to advance, the District Trainer class may be your next step. It will also be offered at the headquarters on January 25.
These are all-day training sessions that begin at 12:00 p.m. and run until approximately 8:00 p.m. Class size is limited, so you must sign up no later than January 3, 2014 to reserve your spot! There must be a minimum of eight participants in order to hold the class and you will be notified if the class should be canceled.
Please contact the Leadership Development department at 800-500-8130 ext. 261 or by e-mail at [email protected] if you are interested in attending.
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Summits Offer Training on a Variety of Topics
The agenda for the Optimist Leadership Summits has been finalized. To view the agenda, click here. There are topics that will be of interest to every Optimist!
The January Summits will be held in Jacksonville, Florida, and San Francisco. In February, San Diego, Dallas and Atlanta will host a Summit.
For other dates and locations and to register to attend an upcoming Summit, click here.
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Put Your Optimism on Display 
The second annual Reel Optimism Video Contest is coming soon! Clubs will be eligible to win Club grants courtesy of the Optimist International Foundation and the Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation. All Clubs are encouraged to participate. Look for more details in the January Hotline and the Winter magazine.
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 Certified Club Builder and Field Representative Certification Course
Optimist International will be holding a Certified Club Builder and Field Representative certification course for volunteers who wish to hold these designations. Applicants must have built at least one Optimist Club prior to taking the course.
Certified Club Builders are Optimist volunteers who are trained to build new Optimist Clubs in a variety of ways, as well as mentor other volunteers on the New Club Building process. Certified Club Builders can be requested from Optimist International by the Districts to help with New Club Building efforts. Training will consist of classroom-style learning and working on an actual New Club Building effort. The class will be held at the St. Louis Optimist International headquarters on April 25-26.
Field Representatives are authorized representatives of Optimist International who conduct the official organizational meeting when a new Club forms. This training will be conducted from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on April 27 at the Optimist International headquarters in St. Louis. Training will consist of learning the rules and procedures for bringing in new Clubs.
If you are interested in taking this course or if you have any questions please contact the New Club Building department at 800-500-8130 ext. 226 or [email protected].
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Online Voting for International Officers
 Each and every Optimist Club has the right to vote for International officers online beginning in the spring of 2014. To be able to vote for the next Optimist International President, two At Large Board Directors, and your Regional Vice President, your Optimist Club's International dues and fees must be paid in full by April 30, 2014.
Please make sure that your current Club President's email address is correct in the Optimist membership database to ensure your Club receives the voting procedures next spring. Call 800-500-8130 or e-mail [email protected] to verify his or her e-mail address. |
 Spotlight Your Club Projects and Win
Now is the time to submit your Club's 2012-2013 CPA entry. It's simple and can earn your Club $500 for a youth project!
The categories are:
Best in Writing - Scan your pages into a .pdf file, put on a CD and mail to Optimist International.
Best in Film - Put your video on a CD and mail to Optimist International.
Click here for the official rules and to see last year's winning entries. If you have any questions, contact the Programs department at [email protected]. The deadline for submission is December 15.
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 Optimist International Tournament of Champions
Top junior golfers, ages 11-18, recently competed in the Optimist International Tournament of Champions at ChampionsGate Golf Club in Orlando, Florida. The tournament brought together some of the world's most talented young competitors, many of whom possess the potential to become leading collegiate and professional players. Congratulations to the age division winners and special thanks to all the Optimist volunteers for making the event a success! For full tournament results, click here.
Tournament of Champions winners also earned invitations to compete in other prestigious events. More>>
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Live from the Board Room
If you've ever wondered what happens in an Optimist International Board of Directors meeting, now is your chance to find out! The board's next meeting - this Friday and Saturday, December 6-7 - will be streaming live at stream.optimist.org. This link will take viewers to the Optimist channel on the Ustream website. Optimists can watch the meeting and even chat online with other viewers about the discussions and decisions as they happen.
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