July 2020
President-to-President

Join Optimist International President Adrian Elcock for a forum focused on Member Health at the Club Level. This opportunity to share ideas with President Elcock and other Club Presidents will take place at 7 p.m., Central Time, Wednesday, July 22.

Participants must register in advance.
Note: An earlier version of this email had an incorrect link. This has been corrected. Thank you.
Oratorical is On The Way

The Optimist International World Oratorical Championships are on their way, with $20,000 in scholarships for the winner, July 16-17. Like many events, this speech contest has gone virtual, with contestants participating via Zoom. Competitions for six English-speaking Regions will take place on July 16, while French-speaking contestants will compete on July 17. Winners from each Regional contest will advance to the world finals, which will take place on July 17.

The World Champion will receive a $15,000 scholarship, and Regional winners will receive a $5,000 scholarship. There will be no scholarships for second and third places this year.

Visit www.optimist.org/oratorical for complete information and to stream the event live.
iMagine New Presidential Incentives

We unveiled new Presidential Incentives in June. These 9 new programs include recognition for being a foundation influencer, participating in new service activities, and the re-iMagining Support incentive for Clubs that have developed projects related to COVID-19, or adapted existing projects to address COVID-19.

Nominations for the Making a Difference Member Award are due July 31.

View these incentives at www.optimist.org/imagine .
September 30 is a Big Day!

It's true that it's Optimist New Year's Eve, but it's also the day that many reports and incentive forms are due. New Club Officer Reports are due that day, as are many of the presidential incentives above.

You can register your 2020-21 Club officers by logging in to optimist.org and clicking on "Reports."

Make sure you set a reminder to get your ducks in a row for a successful end of year!

Members Can Now Join At-Large!

Do you know someone who wants to join an Optimist Club, but can't find one nearby? President Adrian Elcock announced at iMagine 2020 Virtual Convention a new membership category: Member-at-Large.

This category is ideal for those who live in locations where there is no Club available and are not able to commit to starting one on their own. This does not replace the Friend of Optimist category, which is available to those who want to support OI, but do not want to make the commitment to full membership.

Information on how to join as a member-at-large will be available soon.
Get the Benefits of Virtual Convention

All sessions from the iMagine 2020 Virtual Convention are still available through Sept. 30. This means that if you were busy that weekend, or there's just something you want to review, you can still get the benefits of our training and speakers.

If you registered for VC, use the information in your login email.
If you have not registered for VC, you can still do so at www.optimist.org/convention .
JOI Elects New Officers
Junior Optimists attending the Virtual Convention elected officers for the coming year. Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you to everyone who participated.

2020-2021 JOI President
Sophie-Chanel Bourré, Ottawa, Ontario

2020-2021 Immediate Past President
Julia Cooper, Whitby, Ontario

2020-2021 Directors
Jayce Abrams, Corunna, Ontario
Brynn Gorney, Spring Valley, California
Erin Kramer, Jeffersonville, Indiana
Alex Mona, West Des Moines, Iowa
Online Officer Registration

Optimist Clubs can register their 2020-21 officers online. A current officer must login to  optimist.org  and click on “Reports”. Scroll down, and on the right side of the screen, you will see “Club Officer Elect Report,” and click on “Report”. You will be able to select the names of the Club Members who will be filling the leadership roles during the Optimist 2020-21 year. If you have questions or need assistance, contact Charlotte Baker at Member Services at  bakerc@optimist.org  .
Fly Your Optimist Flag

Optimist International is introducing a new way to celebrate the start of the Optimist Year. On October 1, Optimist Clubs around the world are encouraged to work with a local government organization to fly the Optimist Flag at a municipal building or similar facility.

If you don't have a flag, use one of our official suppliers to order.

Do you want to commemorate the iMagine 2020 Virtual Convention forever? Good news, you can do that and support the Optimist International Foundation's mission with a commemorative pin. Use the form below to donate $20 to the OI Foundation, and you can wear Jake and Elwood Blues on your lapel forever--fedora and sunglasses are recommended, but not included.

OI Foundation Club Grants

Congratulations to these Clubs that received $500 to start a new program. Winners and programs listed below.
Optimist Club of Georgetown, Indiana, 4-H Optimist Art Ecology Project
Optimist Club of Nawalparasi, Nepal, Hope in Action
Optimist Club of Kalamazoo-Breakfast, Michigan, Kalamazoo Kids Book Garden Project
Playa Vista Optimist Club, California, Safe Place for Youth (S.P.Y.)
Marana-Foothills Optimist Club, Arizona, Youth at Risk - Aging Out of Foster Care
"Abilities" Optimist Club of Tucson, Arizona, Bike Rally(s) for Visually Impaired Kids
Optimist Club of Oregon City, Oregon, Preserve Our Past: Art and Poetry Contest
Optimist Club of Kewaunee, Wisconsin, Snackpack for Kids
Optimist Club of Lincoln, Nebraska, Purses with a Purpose
Brandon Optimist Club, Mississippi, Bringing the Gift of Music to the Mississippi School for the Deaf
Northern Wake Optimist Club, North Carolina, Rolesville Reads/Rolesville Eats
Optimist Club of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, Autism Sensory Kit
Rushmore Noon Optimist Club of Black Hills, South Dakota, Celebrate Our Youth Luncheon
Optimist Club of Lower Montco, Pennsylvania, Buddy Luncheon
Optimist Club of Greenville, North Carolina , Read to Learn
Optimist Club of Hall County-Gainesville Inc., Georgia, Character Matters
Hartford Area Optimist Club, South Dakota, Holiday Giving
Optimist Club of Wake Forest, North Carolina, Emergency Clothing/Toiletries/Hygiene Products for Students
Optimist Club of Dickinson, Texas , "A Time for Tennis" Tennis Clinic
Lake Country Optimist Club, Wisconsin, True Grit Program
Clinton Mid-Day Optimist Club of Missouri, Life Skills
Spread Relief with the CCOF

Does summer inspire you to launch a health-related project? Would you need some help to make it grow? Apply through the CCOF Spread Relief program by September 30. Your club might receive up to $3,000 to launch its childhood health project.

Visit our website for more information: ccof-foec.org/spread-relief/ If you have any questions, please contact us at info@ccof-foec.org , (514) 593-4401 ext.: 336 or toll free (800) 363-7157 ext.: 336
Global Spotlight

Optimist International now reaches six of the seven provinces in Nepal! Join us for a trek through our latest Optimist Clubs there and in Jamaica. Plus, find out which two countries we're planning to reach next.

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.
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