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Spotlight
In February, First Lady Penny and I traveled to South Carolina to a club event and to the North Carolina Conference and we discovered two more fantastic projects that Optimist do.
Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas: This organization started with one Optimist Club in South Carolina helping one family dealing with a child with cancer. It is now supported by a number of Optimist clubs in both North and South Carolina, and they have helped more than 2,000 families overcome distance and cost barriers, so their child’s care is timely and complete. Their help for children battling cancer is immediate, comprehensive and continuous until the child reaches age 21. Check them out online at www.childrenscancerpartners.org.
Boys and Girls Homes: This project is located on Lake Waccamaw in the North Carolina East District and consists of 6 cottages, each sponsored by a separate service organization (Optimists, Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Jaycees and Civitan). What a fantastic example of non-profit organizations working together! These cottages are used by children who must be separated from their families, and this becomes their new home. During the conference, one Optimist club announced they were committing $10,000 plus labor to upgrade the Optimist cottage (painting, flooring, kitchen upgrades, etc.). You can learn more about this fantastic initiative at www.boysandgirlshomes.org.
Optimist International Updates
“Spreading JOI” webinar
March 13, 2023, 7-8 p.m. CDT
Only a small percentage of our Optimist Clubs sponsor youth clubs each year. It's time to spread JOI! Are you interested? Members of the JOI Committee and JOI Board of Directors will lead this session, which will cover the basics of building youth clubs, including creative ideas and innovative tips to take your sponsorship to next level. And if you have questions about keeping your existing JOI clubs active, this webinar is for you.
“Optimist International Foundation Helping Optimists Help Kids” webinar
April 10, 2023, 7-8 p.m. CDT
Did you know that the Optimist International Foundation (OIF) is the charitable arm of Optimist International, providing Club Matching Grants and Scholarships for the Oratorical, Essay, and Communication Contest for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing? The OIF also supports Optimist International programs including Junior Golf and Junior Optimist International (JOI). Come learn how the Foundation supports these programs and how it can support your
3rd Quarter “Chat with President Bob”
April 20, 2023, 6:30-7:30 p.m. CDT
"PGI and PDP – What’s in it for Me?” webinar
May 8, 2023, 7-8:15 p.m. CDT
How do you become a more knowledgeable, involved Optimist volunteer? The Personal Growth and Involvement and the Professional Development Programs are your answer. Both are designed to promote member engagement while providing opportunities to develop greater leadership and professional skills. During this session, the basics of each program will be discussed, as well as updates and changes.
Find information about Scholarship Contests ~ Essay and Oratorical
Learn more about YOUR International Convention!
Online registration is now open!
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