How to Conquer the Pandemic with Optimism
Some Optimist Club Members are thriving through the pandemic. Using digital means, they have reached out across their home country and into new international communities to share hope with others. This is an example of the resilience of optimists.
However, not all are finding the social media world inviting and for that reason, their Optimist Clubs are struggling. Optimist International President Mark Weinsoff has some suggestions for both, and he wants to share those suggestions during the December OptiForum. Please share this optimistic learning opportunity with all members of your Optimist Club and come away with a field guide of ideas for connecting with one another during this most unusual time.
Topics to be covered will include:
- How to meet virtually and safely, including options for Clubs struggling with technology
- Financial resources for struggling Clubs
- Staying connected and strengthening relationships with each other
- Safe ways to continue “bringing out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves”
- Reaching out to share optimism with people who find themselves isolated and in need of positive interactions
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Message for Membership Hotline |
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My Optimist Friends,
Optimism and fun abounds around us as we enter the holidays! Sometimes they can also be overwhelming because of so many engagements. Between family commitments, work deadlines, and social distanced engagements, there’s a lot on your plate. But you don’t have to say “yes” to everything. These tips will help you say “no” and remain Optimistic when appropriate:
Pause before answering
Thank them for the invite and say you’ll get back to them soon. Then, determine if it’s something you realistically have time for without causing anxiety.
Keep it simple
If you’ve decided to decline, simply thank them again, but let them know you unfortunately won’t be able to make it. No explanation required.
Offer an alternative
Perhaps you can’t attend that virtual happy hour, but you can catch up over the phone. Soften your “no” by offering an alternative that works better for you.
Optimists always find a way to accept invitations and turn down one that will cause them difficulty.
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Membership Magic Oct 2020 Recap |
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It’s not too early to get ready for Atlanta
Choose Optimism Reunion 2021
We are looking forward to getting together in-person for the 2021 International Convention, June 30-July 3, 2021 in Atlanta, GA at the Hyatt Regency.
Registration will open after the winter holidays!
The group code is G-OPTI.
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Volunteers needed!
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Contact Dale Hoffert, dhoffert516@gmail.com to sign up as a volunteer to help hand out registration packets at the advance registration desk.
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Contact Derick Newton derickandchell@gmail.com to sign up as a volunteer chaperone to help with youth activities designed to keep the children busy while their parents/grandparents attend the adult convention (not JOI attendees).
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Contact convention@optimsit.org to sign up as a volunteer sergeant-at-arms, setup, or other duties as assigned.
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- ORATORICAL CONTEST "Healing the World with Optimism"
- ESSAY CONTEST “Reaching your Dreams by Choosing Optimism”
- COMMUNICATION CONTEST FOR THE DEAF & HARD OF HEARING "Healing the World with Optimism"
- KIDS SPEAK OUT! SPEECH CONTEST
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Junior Optimist International December Notes |
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Please email junioroptimist@optimist.org if your Club has participated in any projects as we would like to share in the next issue of The Torch!
Thank you for all that you do!
2020-2021 Junior Optimist International Board of Directors
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LAST MONTH FOR CLUB OF THE YEAR SUBMISSION |
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Each year Optimist International recognizes one Club as the Most Outstanding Club in the Organization as the “Club of the Year”. The award is based on service projects, community efforts, member development, increased volunteer member base and new and innovative ideas. Points in each category are awarded by independent judges and any Club is welcome to submit for this prestigious award regardless of number of members or region.
The Club named Overall Club of the Year will receive one round-trip airline ticket to the Optimist Convention, a banner patch, an award and a special article in “The Optimist” magazine and on the Optimist website. All submissions for Club of the Year are due December 31, 2020.
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December Webinar Updates:
December 21, 2020 | Getting Started with Instagram for your Club
So you want to appeal to a younger audience for Club events or recruiting but you are not quite sure how to start? Learn how to set up and get started with a Club Instagram account.
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Leadership Development
The Leadership Development Committee has been very hard at work developing material for our Learning Management System. That is important work but we believe that another, perhaps even more important part of our job is to help “develop” new Leaders in our organization. That brings on the tough part, finding these people! If you are a current leader in your District or Club, please take a minute and look around you for people that you believe should be leadership position our organization in the times to come.
If you believe that you should be in a position of leadership but don’t know how to go about getting there, we want to hear from you too. In either case, send an email to leadership@optimist.org with your name or the names of these people. We can take it from there.
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Optimist Marketing Corner |
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Optimist International website now has downloadable graphics for use in flyers, emails, and social media. More will be uploaded as we roll out more marketing material.
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Gift a special gift this holiday season
One that is colorful, one-of-a-kind, and helps support the Optimist International Foundation. You can buy a special edition product all while giving back to a good cause! Get your hands on a commemorative OIF 50th anniversary item featuring Jeff Hanson's artwork for that special person in your life.
or
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December Hotline from CCOF
This month in the CCOF newsletter:
- Appointment of Ms. Linda Loranger as Executive Director of the CCOF.
- Fundraising ideas during pandemic times.
- Winners of the Past President Rod McKendrick Incentive.
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Global Spotlight for December 2020 |
What are our international Clubs doing to make a difference in their community and what new Cubs have formed? Click below to find out more. |
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The Optimist Tournament of Champions |
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Is a junior golf championship event for top finishers of the summer Optimist International Junior Golf Championships and winners from Optimist District qualifiers. It’s a 36-hole event for junior golfers ages 11-18. The Tournament of Champions took place at PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The Tournament had 114 competitors from all over the world. The tournament is nationally ranked by the Junior Golf Scoreboard, Golfweek and is included in the AJGA Performance Based Entry process. The top finishers advance to the 2021 Optimist International Championship.
Attached are the results,
District Qualifiers
Dates are currently being set for the District qualifier in your area. These District qualifiers send golfers to the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship held in July at Trump National Doral Resort in Miami, Florida. Reach out to your Junior Golf District chair to see how you can help.
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Official Optimist International Suppliers
United States and the Caribbean:
Shumsky
Canada:
Ansell's Awards and Specialties
Members outside of the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean may order from either vendor.
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Contact the International Board of Directors
If you have comments, concerns or suggestions for the International Board of Directors, please send to board@optimist.org
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See what's happening on our social sites |
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