June 2020
Less than a month until iMagine 2020!
The iMagine 2020 Virtual Convention is less than a month away. Are you as excited as President Adrian Elcock is?

Results are in

After an election season filled with excellent candidates, our Clubs have selected the next group of Optimist leaders. 

Optimist International thanks all candidates who participated to give our Members a choice in their representation, as well as all Clubs that voted. Participation and engagement make Optimist International stronger.

President-Elect: Patsy Garner (NTX)



Board Director at Large (Three-year terms): Robert Doyle (EONT) and Janet Lloyd (IA)

Vice Presidents-Elect 
• Region 1 Northeast & Great Lakes – Sue Armstrong (OH)
• Region 2 Southeast – John Grover (SC)
• Region 3 Mid-Atlantic – Kathleen Manchec (AC)
• Region 4 Middle America – Lister Florence (EMO)
• Region 5 Great Plains – Josh Zaidel (SWIS)
• Region 6 Southwest – Curtis Merrill (COWY)
• Region 7 West Coast – Cathy Hicks (PSW)
• Region 8 St. Lawrence – Nicole Paquette (EONT)

Get complete information on our winning candidates at www.optimist.org/elections .
CCOF: Greetings from Gulliver and Weasel

Why are Gulliver and Weasel, of M.I. Understanding , writing to the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation ? Be present on June 28, at 4:30, at the first business session of the Optimist International Virtual Convention to hear CCOF President Rod McKendrick speak about the projects the Foundation has supported this year.

Don’t miss the CCOF Workshop to meet these two fluffy creatures and learn
more about how to apply to our programs.

Global Spotlight

June's Global Spotlight continues to show how Optimists are assisting in pandemic-relief efforts and showcases new clubs in Nepal and Ghana.

Oratorical contest re-iMagined

The Optimist International Oratorical Committee has been working hard to re-iMagine our signature youth program in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are excited to report that we will have about 50 students from around the globe participating in the 2020 Regionals and World Championship in an online competition.
Viewing this as a unique opportunity to re-iMagine our Optimism during a difficult time and to show the world that Optimists are still serving youth, the Oratorical Committee has developed the following action plan:
  • The Regionals and World Championship will go forward via Zoom on July 16 and 17, 2020.          
  • The contest will also be live-streamed on YouTube and/or Facebook.
  • Due to the limited funds available for scholarships this year, there will be seven regions instead of nine.
  • There will be one French-speaking Region and six English-speaking Regions (to include global contestants speaking in English). There will not be a separate Global Region.
  •  Regional winners will receive $5,000 scholarships.
  • The World Champion will receive an additional $15,000 scholarship. There will not be additional scholarships for second and third place.
  • The deadline for submission of the paperwork for the contestants in the Regionals and World Championship has been extended to June 15, 2020.
2020 Hugh Cranford All-Scholastic Team

Golfers from around the world demonstrated their talents as student athletes in hopes of being selected for the Hugh Cranford All-Scholastic Team.
Congratulations to the golfers who exemplified an impressive balance of academics, golf and community service. These golfers receive an exemption into the Tournament of Champions, November 14-15, 2020 at PGA National Resort and Spa, plus a $1,000 scholarship.
The Optimist Junior Golf Committee selected the following exceptional student athletes to the Hugh Cranford All-Scholastic Team:

Academic Award
Cody Krause (Sylvan Lakes, Michigan)
Jack Sonne (Mainsville, Ohio)
Caroline Wales (LaQuinta, California)
Michelle Zhou (Keller, Texas)

Community Service Award
Eleanor Hudepohl (Cincinnati, Ohio)
JOI sets election procedures

Junior Optimist International members will be voting for officers at their virtual convention June 27-28. Candidates must submit their materials by June 15. Click here for complete rules and information.
Webinar: Just Ask!

JUST ASK ... Your membership growth and retention strategy has just found a friend, JUST ASK

The JUST ASK program supports Professional Development, Marketing and Communication, Activities ... and is a great way to get more hands to SERVE more children. Join us as we share our thoughts on how to use the JUST ASK program to strengthen your STAR in the iMagine year.

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