Introducing the Choose Optimism podcast!

Be sure to listen to the “Choose Optimism” podcast, directed by 2022-23 marketing committee member Theresa Jarratt and hosted by Shane Neuman. Find the latest podcast on Spotify at the link above and tell us your Optimist story at communications@optimist.org.

Don't forget to order your Visual Arts Contest calendars!

The calendars are sold in packs of 10, and we encourage Clubs to buy as many as you can and sell them at a markup to raise money for the community projects you care about. Optimist International gets 10 percent in royalties from our supplier that will go directly toward our mission!

The calendars need to be produced in time for the holidays, so orders will only be open through the end of October.

Click here to order now!

Don't forget your passport!

Are you planning to attend the international convention next year in Niagara Falls, Canada? If so, you might need to apply for or renew your passport.

If you already have a passport, make sure it doesn’t expire in 2024. Generally, if the expiration date is within six months of your travel date, customs officials won’t accept it.

If your passport was issued before your 16^th birthday, more than 15 years ago, reported stolen or issued in a previous name, you won’t be able to renew it and should instead apply for a new passport in person. Check the U.S. passports website if you're not sure.

The renewal form (DS-82) can be found here.

If you are eligible to renew your passport, you will need a photo, your most recent passport and a check for the fees. Make sure your photo complies with the specified guidelines. If you need your passport quickly, you can request expedited service for an additional fee.

If you don’t have a passport yet, or if you are not eligible to renew by mail, you will need to make an appointment at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office or library.

The application form (DS-11) can be filled out ahead of time and is located here.

Remember to renew or apply for your passport as soon as possible, since the process can take up to 14 weeks. We hope to see you at the convention!

October 2023 Community Action Club Ideas

There is still time to plan an event for Halloween! Use your imagination to create your signature event or build on any of the ideas below:

• Community Trunk and Treat events, either community partnerships or Optimist Club stand-alone events. So many of these have been shared over the years.  
• How about a Halloween trivia fundraiser for adults or kids? 
• Pumpkin carving or decorating
• Partner with your business community and do a pumpkin scavenger hunt. This could be pictures in windows or real carved pumpkins. Families can go out for a walk and write down the locations for prizes.
• Have contests for businesses to decorate their storefronts for Halloween.  
• Hold a free costume exchange where families can bring their used costumes to exchange for ones that fit their children. 
• Children’s Halloween costume contest 
• Pumpkin chunkin' contest