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Know Before You Go: Convention Webinar
Excitement is building for the 108th Optimist International Convention, happening June 28 – July 2, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront in Jacksonville, Florida!
If you missed last night’s Know Before You Go Webinar, you can catch up on all the important details below to ensure you are fully prepared.
Convention Raffle & Silent Auction Baskets
To help make this convention a success, the International Convention Committee is asking Districts and Clubs to donate themed baskets featuring items that showcase your local communities, businesses, products, and traditions. Convention basket raffle proceeds support youth groups participating in the Opening Ceremony, Flag Bearers and Honor Guard recognition, and speaker appreciation awards.
Delivery options:
1. Bring in person: Deliver baskets to the registration office on the second floor of the hotel near the parking garage entrance.
2. Ship in advance: Ensure shipped baskets arrive no later than Friday, June 12, 2026.
Send shipments to:
Janet Dattilo
9436 SE 2nd Road
Lake Butler, Florida 32054
You may ship items via Amazon or send funds for Janet Dattilo to purchase and assemble a basket. Please notify her in advance by email (optimistclubofnaples@gmail.com) or text (239-564-1600) so she can expect the arrival. You may also contact her to confirm a shipment has arrived.
For other basket questions, contact Phyllis Neff at pjneff@usmo.com or 636-795-3665.
Back in Balance – May 2026 Recognition
The Back in Balance program encourages Clubs and Districts that dropped below their October 1st membership numbers to replace lost members.
Ten Clubs attained a May 31 balance of Net Zero or more members. These Clubs will receive a digital badge to post on their social channels or website:
- Back In Balance (Net Zero): Denver-Monaco South, CO; Dunnville, ON; Eden Prairie, MN; Osceola, MO; West Lorne, ON; Wolf Point, MT.
- Back In Balance +1: Huntsville-South, AL; New Castle-BFT, IN; Trenton-Dade, GA; Weatherford, TX.
District Successes
Two Districts achieved Back In Balance status in May:
- Louisiana added 14 new members to end the month at Net +7.
- Wisconsin North Upper Michigan added 5 members to end the month at Net +4.
Additionally, 13 Districts are in a positive membership position relative to October 1st.
Looking ahead
To everyone that did not get back to the break-even point, do not despair – we will be publishing results every month until the end of the year. Currently, 495 Net- Clubs are short five or fewer members. Of those, 207 clubs are down one member. Signing up one new member would return these clubs to Back in Balance.
Remember – the Optimist International Growth Committee is here to help any Club or District with information or resources to aid in your growth plan.
You can do it! Be the change!
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