The Board of Directors approves the packaging, marketing and piloting of a new Signature Program called “OWLS” (Optimists Working for Learning Success) with the intended outcome to be:
Optimist International will be the primary organization known for supporting a safe, comfortable and productive learning environment for elementary school students, supporting schools and students as needed.
This will provide a focus and a purpose for those Clubs struggling for an identity and will provide a project to attract new members and can be a focus for identifying new communities needing the support of an Optimist Club.
Next Steps: For Clubs interested in being part of the development of this program or that would like to be considered for the pilot, please complete the OWLS Interest Form HERE.
Optimist Clubs and Members:
Special Needs Club Pilot Project Concluded
The Special Needs Club Pilot Project has c0ncluded. Membership in any Optimist Club will continue to represent adults, who are persons of good character, from the business, social and cultural life of the community.
Clubs formed under the Special Needs Club Pilot Project will continue to be recognized as such and maintain their current dues structure through the 2023-2024 Optimist year.
College Club Pilot Program Concluded
The College Club Pilot Program, including its unique dues and fee structure, has concluded. Beginning October 1, 2023, ALL College Clubs formed under the College Club Pilot Program will transition to the traditional College Club dues structure as outlined in the Table of Dues and Fees.
College Members (in Traditional Clubs)
Effective October 1, 2023, the maximum duration for the classification of College Membership within a Traditional Club is five consecutive years. On October 1, 2023, ALL College Members within Traditional Clubs who have met or surpassed the five consecutive years time period will automatically transfer to regular adult membership status.
Special Allowance: The College Member is allowed to submit a certification of college enrollment in order to continue the College Membership classification beyond the five consecutive years time period.
Standard Club Bylaws Updates
The Standard Club Bylaws were amended and will be effective October 1, 2023. Included in these amended are two additions:
- Directory Information on Club Websites & Sharing with Club
The Club may publish directory information on the Club website and to Club membership. Such information shall be password protected on the website and restricted to Club use if printed. Its use is restricted to Optimist Club business by an authorized representative of the Optimist Club. Directory information or Membership lists will not be shared with any party outside of the Optimist Club.
Clubs must update their Bylaws to include these updates by September 30, 2024. Clubs Bylaws will only be accepted through the Optimist Leaders portal (no longer accepted in paper format).
International Club Development: Baseline Commitment to Recognize any Group to Organize
At the recommendation of the ADHOC Committee on International Development, the board agreed the organization will maintain a baseline commitment to recognize and facilitate a desire by any group, worldwide, to organize under the general vision, mission, and core values of Optimist International.
Fourth Quarter Membership Incentive:
A fourth quarter incentive where Clubs will compete for cash prizes based on their 4th quarter growth (new member additions July 1 – September 30, 2023) was approved:
1. The Club with the largest net growth in the 4th quarter will earn $1000.
2. The Club with the largest percentage of growth in the 4th quarter will earn $1000.
3. The Club with the 2nd’ highest net growth in the 4th quarter will earn $750.
4. The Club with the 2nd highest percentage of growth in the 4th quarter will earn $750.
5. The Club with the 3rd highest net growth in the 4th quarter will earn $500.
6. The Club with the 3rd highest percentage of growth in the 4th quarter will earn $500.
7. Two (2) random draws for participating Clubs @ $300. each
Starting Membership will be what is posted in the Membership Database on July 1, 2023.
District Branding Compliance:
In order to qualify for District Allotments, Districts must comply with the Optimist International Branding Guidelines, effective October 1, 2023.
District Allotment Requirements Board Policy ID-27
The following items are required for a District to receive its November and May allotment of fifty cents per member from the General Fund as determined by the International Bylaws:
· Minutes of Board and Executive Committee Meetings Budget
· Financial Statement Review and Form 990 (for U.S. Clubs) 1st, 2nd, and 4th Quarter Financial Reports
· District Policies (as approved by the current year Board of Directors); Effective 10/1/13, should the Board of Directors deem the District’s Policies as not in compliance with Optimist International Bylaws, the District will be notified and given the opportunity to revise the policies. The allotment will be withheld until approved policies have been submitted.
Finance:
Canadian Exchange Rate - Effective Oct. 1, 2023
In accordance with The Canadian Currency Rate Cap will be set at 1.30, effective October 1, 2023.
Cost of Living Adjustment – Fiscal Year 2023/2024
The 4% cost of living adjustment (COLA) will be instituted for the fiscal year 2023/2024 Annual OI Membership Dues.
2021-2022 Organizational Audit Accepted
The 2021-2022 Consolidated Financial Statements and the Independent Auditor's Report were presented to the Board by RubinBrown and the Audit & Finance Committee. The Board accepted the report as presented. The report can be viewed HERE.
Policy Updates:
The following International Policies for Clubs, Districts, and International have been updated:
There are a number of amendments and updates to this policy, all Clubs should review it to fully understand the updated standards.
Permission for Member Photos in Letters of Understanding.
Clarify language for VP/VP-Elect eligibility and responsibilities.
Non-Discrimination Clause in Board Policies:
I-126:
Optimist International Code of Ethics for International, District and Club Officers, Board of Directors, and Employees
ICD-13:
Optimist International Code of Ethics for Optimist Members
The following statement has been added to these board policies:
Optimist International and its affiliated Clubs shall not discriminate based upon race, color, creed, national origin, age or sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, or any other basis protected by local law, ordinance, or regulations when considering membership or during any of their activities or operations.
2023-2024 International Committees Established:
The following International Committees were approved by the Board of Directors:
Operating Committees
· Community Action
· Growth
· JOI Advisory
· Junior Golf
· Membership Engagement
· Scholarships
Administrative Committees
· Audit and Finance (min 5 members per policy)
· Convention
· Governance (min of 5 members per policy)
· Leadership Development
· Marketing
Convention Business Committees
· Candidates Qualification
· Credentials
Special Committees
· Pension Committee
· Revenue Expansion Task Force
· Canadian Centennial ADHOC
