May 2020
iMagine 2020, a Virtual Convention

We will miss seeing everyone in Chicagoland in person, however, this unfortunate situation has given us the opportunity to re-iMagine our International Convention. Join us for this online event, June 27-28. Fees will be $25 for the first 500 registrants, with $35 thereafter. Further registration information and complete schedules for will be available soon at www.optimist.org/convention . 

Junior Optimist International will also host its virtual convention at the same time.

If you registered for the Chicagoland event, we will be issuing refunds within the next few weeks. Please make sure you cancel your hotel reservations!
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Elections are here
 
It's time to vote for the next class of Optimist International leaders. With multiple candidates for President Elect and the Board of Directors, this is one of the most exciting elections in recent memory.

Voting will take place through 5 p.m., Central, on May 30. Each Club will receive one ballot via email. If your Club has not received a ballot, please do the following things.

  1. Check your spam, junk or trash folders.
  2. Make sure that noreply@directvote.com is on your list of approved senders. This email will not be coming from Optimist International directly.
  3. Check that we have the correct email for your Club president in our database. This can be done from the Optimist International
  4. Make sure that your Club is current on dues. Ballots will be mailed to Club Presidents on the Wednesday after April dues are posted. Dues must be received by May 22.

Visit www.optimist.org/elections for full information candidate information.
 
It's time to learn

Our new Learning Management System launched May 4. This will make it easier for Clubs, Officers and Optimist Members to participate in training and educational programs.

To start this project, each Club will have one account. This will require your Club to establish a Gmail account that is specifically for the LMS. You will receive information on accessing the LMS when you have completed the steps below and informed MIchelle Turner of your Club's address at Michelle.Turner@optimist.org .



Webinars


May contains a full slate of sessions devoted to helping you make the most of Optimist International programs online.


All about the Honor Club and What it Takes / ICD 135

Earning Honor Club helps your Optimist Club create its legacy and ensures that Optimist International can move forward into the second century of service. Clubs that meet the Honor Club designation have completed the minimum steps to ensure their Optimist Club is healthy and growing to serve future generations.

Global Spotlight

May's Global Spotlight shows how Clubs around the world have fought the COVID-19 pandemic in their own communities. From sewing Optimist Club face masks to delivering personal care products, Optimists are bringing out the best in service to others.

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.




The Optimist International Foundation continues to work closely with Optimist International to support children and communities served by our great Clubs and Members. We are proud of our ongoing support of all OI programs and services, even in the face of these uncertain times. But it’s because of the great Optimist members and their past and continued gracious support. Allowing OIF to remain strongly involved with the Scholarship programs, World Oratorical, Grants to Club(Club Grant, Childhood health and Wellness, Disaster Relief). Plus continued club support through programs such as Pass Through and Club Campaign. We appreciate your help during this crisis that will allow us to follow our adopted slogan of “A Strong Today, Makes A Strong Tomorrow”.

Canadian Clubs: Grant deadline extended

 With the pandemic going on, what a great time to think of innovative hands-on club projects for your community!

That’s why the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation decided to postpone the CCOF President’s Incentive Grants deadline to June 30. Your Club may earn a grant of $2,500, $1,500 or $1,000!

Visit our website or contact us by e-mail at info@ccof-foec.org for more information.

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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.
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