Hello fellow Optimist, 

I am resending this message as there was a mistake in the details with regard to the 4th Quarter incentive. Please see revised content below and I apologize for the confusion.

As we enter the ninth month of our Optimist year, First Lady Penny and I want to thank all the Clubs and Districts that have made us feel welcome during our visits. It is so gratifying to meet the wonderful people working to make our communities a better place, for ourselves and our children.

Knowing how hard our Members work makes it all the more tragic that there are fewer of us every year. As our numbers dwindle, so does our impact. Because, while our Clubs are shrinking, the needs of our communities certainly aren’t.

We must grow as well.

We hope our fourth quarter membership incentive will get us back on the right track. From July 1 to Sept. 30, we are offering cash prizes to the Clubs that recruit the most new Members, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of current membership.

Correction of June “Just 3 Things”. The top three clubs in each category in all of Optimist International (NOT IN EACH DISTRICT – as stated in my June message) will get the monetary awards. 

Here’s a breakdown of the rewards (REVISED):

• $1,000 to one Club in all of Optimist International that adds the most new members (category 1).
• $1,000 to one Club in all of Optimist International that adds the highest percentage of new members (category 2).
• $750 to each of the second-place Clubs in both categories.
• $500 to each of the third-place Clubs in both categories.
• $300 to two Clubs drawn randomly from participating Clubs not in the top three in either category.

If you want to join the incentive program and compete for the cash prizes, just follow these two simple steps:

• Register your Club to participate by July 15. You can do so by filling out this registration form. Please note that this program is only open to regular Optimist clubs. Junior Optimist Clubs, college Clubs, and any Clubs built under a pilot project are not eligible.
• Recruit as many new members as you can between July 1 and September 30. New members’ dues must be paid by October 31, and they must still be on the Club roster in January 2024. The winning Clubs will be announced as soon as possible after Nov. 6.

Consult our Member recruitment and retention webpage for ideas to grow your membership, and please contact newclub@optimist.org if you have any questions.

Fellow Optimists, we must build an organization to serve children and our communities long into the future. If we work together, we can build that future. So, good luck and have fun!

"The only way you can predict the future is to build it." ~ Alan Kay

Bob McFadyen

2022-2023 President

Spotlight

Our 105^th International Convention is only one month away. There will be something for everyone. You will be entertained on Saturday, July 1, by a children’s choir and a fun DJ playing the music you love; and, on July 4, by fireworks from our nation’s capital. You will be inspired by Amy Downs and Kelly Schaefer as they tell their personal stories of fortitude and optimism. You will be educated in our business sessions and our breakout forums. And you will have fun seeing old friends and meeting new ones at trivia night, the President’s gala and the special tour on July 5.

This convention is yours, so enjoy it!

Optimist International Update

Chat with President Bob

Join me on Thursday, June 15, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. CDT. Ask me any question you would like and offer your suggestions for improving Optimist International. Let’s work together to strengthen our great organization!

Open Know-Before-You-Go discussion about the International Convention

On June 14, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. CDT, learn more about the upcoming convention. Find out about our exciting tours, what you should bring for the service projects, what's planned for the breakout sessions and much more!

May is Optimists in Action Month

During the month of May — Optimists in Action Month — Clubs brought together Members and community volunteers for a variety of local activities, fundraisers and special events to bring out the best in kids, communities and themselves.

If you participated, please share photos and videos of your events with us by emailing communications@optimist.org!

Convention tours

The international convention is just over a month away, but there's still time to book an exciting tour of Ford's Theater and George Washington's Mount Vernon on Wednesday, July 5, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This $90 USD / $119.70 CAD optional tour package includes transportation, gratuities for the coach bus driver(s), entry fees for both locations, and lunch at Mount Vernon. The cost also includes transportation for anyone needing ADA assistance.

If you would like this tour package added to your existing convention registration, please send an email to convention@optimist.org before Monday, June 2. Please put 2023 Convention Optional Tours in the subject line, and be sure to include the names and number of people in your party and whether you require ADA transportation or have any food allergies.

The deadline to book a tour is June 2.

Volunteers needed for Junior Golf Championships

The Optimist Junior Golf Program relies on the support of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers receive discounted room rates, breakfast and lunch on days they work, complimentary parking, two tournament shirts (for working two days or more), discounted golf on certain days, and an opportunity to play a round of golf following the Parent-Child Classic.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call Optimist Golf at 800-500-8130, ext. 207, or email golf@optimist.org.

Oratorical World Championships

Join us July 20-21 in St. Louis, Missouri, to see the impressive presentations in person!