March 2020

President Adrian Elcock would like a start a dialogue about Optimist International's structure. Watch his message and let him know what you think.

Come see us in Chicagoland!

Registration for the 2020 Optimist International Convention is officially open! Early bird pricing runs through May 1. We can't wait to see you in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Visit optimist.org/convention for complete information.

Elections: Call for nominations for international office

 

Now is your chance to determine the leadership of Optimist International by participating in our annual election.

The following individuals are running for International Office for during the election in May. This list may be updated occasionally between now and April 1. If you or someone you know would like to run for one of these positions, please contact the International Office at  [email protected]  for details. The elections will be held May 1 through May 30 . 

Please make sure your Club President’s email address is correct in our database, as the election announcement and balloting information will be sent to Club Presidents via email.

 

2020-21 President-Elect Candidates:

Vice Presidents-Elect Nominees:

Board Director at Large Nominees (listed in alphabetical order):

Speak out through Convention Resolutions

 

The Convention Resolution Process is a communications vehicle that can be used to your advantage.Resolutions can be submitted by clubs and should cover any aspect of the organization not already covered in the Constitution and Bylaws. 

The Resolutions Process

1. Clubs need to submit resolutions by Wednesday, April 29, to the Resolutions Committee.

2. The committee will meet during convention to choose the strongest resolutions to report to the convention delegates.

3. On Monday, June 29, the committee will present these resolutions for debate and vote by the convention delegates. (NOTE: Endorsed resolutions by convention delegates are non-binding and are sent to the International Board of Directors for further consideration and study.)

How to Submit Resolutions

Type resolutions on club stationery and include the Club name, number, and Club president’s signature. All resolutions are to be written in standard resolution format: Whereas . . ., Whereas. . ., Whereas. . ., Be it resolved, that the Board of Directors of Optimist International is asked to consider . . .

Mail Resolutions To:

Resolutions Committee

Optimist International

4494 Lindell Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63108

USA

March 16 Webinar: Get your tools for success!

Every Optimist Leader has a wealth of resources available to them. These resources include our people - leaders and members; communication and leadership materials and publications – webinars, marketing templates; and technology – our website, social media, Dropbox, etc.

This webinar is designed to help each leader develop an appreciation for what it means to set success targets and how to best use the resources available to help them succeed.

Register for this free event here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lPIj_zJ2TNunfMrFLu17Gw

Hugh Cranford All-Scholastic Scholarship

The 2020   Hugh Cranford All-Scholastic  Team  will recognize the academic and community service accomplishments of five junior golfers. Golfers selected receive an exemption into the 2020 Optimist Championship, tournament entry (includes golf, hotel accommodations and meals) and a $1,000 scholarship.

Applications must be postmarked by April 1, and arrive at Optimist International Headquarters by April 6. For more information on applying for this scholarship, including full eligibility requirements, click here .

Online Officer Registration

As of March 1, 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 [email protected] .

Global Spotlight

Optimist International has expanded to India! Read about our latest International Clubs, as well as travel information and projects in Ghana and Uganda.

Click here to read Global Spotlight, March 2020.

Make Valuable Changes With Bylaws Proposals

 

Please take time to evaluate the Optimist International  bylaws  to ensure they continue to effectively serve the organization.

This process allows you and your Club to help shape and improve all of Optimist International. To recommend a revision, your Club must submit a proposed amendment citing the article(s) and section(s) and exact proposed wording change to the articles and sections cited, along with a written rationale in 200 words or less for the change. The Club must submit the proposal on Club letterhead signed by the Club President. The proposal may be emailed and/or faxed to the International Office, but the original Club letter must be received by the International Office for the proposal to be considered. All submitted changes (unless deemed illegal or against the State of Missouri statutes) will be brought before the International Convention delegates for vote and possible endorsement.

 

All proposed change submissions to the bylaws must be received at the International Office by 5 p.m. (CT) Monday, March 30. Please mail them to: Dana Thomas, Executive Assistant, Optimist International, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108.

OIF has Club Grants

The Optimist International Foundation's Club Grants are a great way to fund your Club's new project. Earn up to $500 to get funding for your latest idea. Applications are due March 13.

Information is available at www.oifoundation.org .

Canadian Clubs: Spread Relief with CCOF

Apply to the Spread Relief Program before March 31.

Your Club might receive up to $3,000 for setting up a childhood health and wellness project.

For more information, visit our website:  http://ccof-foec.org/spread-relief/