February Means Optimist Day! |
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We hope all our Optimist Clubs and Members had a great Optimist Day! During this time we were notified by National Day Calendar that Optimist Day was officially added to their national calendar Press. Be sure to share all our Optimist Day pride over social media. We will be searching the hashtags #OptimistDay & #OptimistDay2021 for your posts, photos, and videos. While you are posting be sure to get your Pledge form in because your social media post can be used for one of the Certified Optimistic Optimist Club pledge categories.
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Your Optimist Club may be Certified Optimistic |
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"We're on a mission to convert Optimist International from a service club organization to an optimistic organization that focuses on service to youth," states President Mark Weinsoff. To help Optimist Clubs achieve that mission, we've developed the opportunity for every Optimist Club to be certified as an Optimistic Optimist Club. The Certified Optimistic Optimist Club pledge asks each club to fulfill five important steps to signify Optimism, Purpose, Engagement, Relationships, and Accomplishment, especially now, in our new virtual-driven world. Now, more than ever, we must Choose Optimism. Make the pledge, take the steps, and your Optimist Club will be Certified Optimistic.
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The best way to spread Optimism and to bring out the best in everyone we meet is to get people involved in our mission. Invite them to Choose Optimism and we'll send you a ribbon declaring that you are an Optimistic Person. Have you shared your Optimism with someone today?
International Day of Happiness is March 20, 2021
Optimist Clubs are invited to celebrate the International Day of Happiness on March 20, 2021. Created by the United Nations in 2013, its purpose is to "recognize the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world." Find out more at https://thedayofhappiness.org and begin making plans to bring happiness to your Optimist Club and community.
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Optimist Clubs See Glass Half Full—Even in a Pandemic
This past Saturday, Wall Street Journal published an article about Optimist International and the resilience of Clubs and Members around the world. Featured in the article is Executive Director Benny Ellerbe, President Mark Weinsoff, Jim Boyd, Director of Strategic Growth, Les Lowery of Gretna, Louisiana, and President of Northwestern State University Optimist Club MeKayla Jenkins.
To read the full article will require a paid subscription. If you have one please enjoy and share with others, if not we can all still take pride in all the work our organization has done to be featured in Wall Street Journal. Please use this among your Members and community to help promote the Organization and your Club's efforts.
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Optimist International Presents:
Musical Happiness
Music That Makes People Happy Competition
This exciting new program is designed to encourage and celebrate youth Musical and Vocal categories. Scholarships will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place at the OI level for each category. The Musical or Vocal submission shall be no longer than three minutes. The Musical Happiness Competition – Musical and Vocal gives the youth we serve another outlet for their creativity!
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Due to the huge success and high demand we are BRINGING BINGO BACK!
Join us for another virtual event leading up to National Convention in Atlanta, GA! This installment... BINGO!!
Meet your opponents at 6:50 p.m. before the start of Bingo. Registration is $10 for your bingo card. You can purchase multiple bingo cards for an additional $10 per additional card. Grab some snacks and a drink and get ready to play! See you all there!
Please make sure to share this event with your Clubs and Members. Participates do not need to be a Member to join in and win.
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Upcoming Webinars
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 AT 7 PM CST – 8 PM CST | Effective & Fun Meetings- Online, In Person or Hybrid
Learn the difference between a public Facebook page and a Private group. Explore the differences and how your club could benefit from both.
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Global Spotlight for February2021 |
What are our international Clubs doing to make a difference in their community and what new Clubs have formed? Click below to find out more. |
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Junior Optimist International February Notes |
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Lets paint together for a great cause - the JOI Annual service Project! Your Personal Device (e.g. computer, tablet, mobile phone) via ZOOM
Starts at 2:00 pm CST on Feb 21, 2021
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Please email junioroptimist@optimist.org if your Club has participated in any projects as we would like to share in the next issue of The Torch!
Thank you for all that you do!
2020-2021 Junior Optimist International Board of Directors
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OIF Election Reminder
The Optimist International Foundation will be holding their election for the open Board of Directors position. The election will run February 1 to 28. We have three great candidates;
Ben DeRemer
Carol Hodges
Debra Merritt
Those eligible to vote are
- 2019/20 Dime-A-Day members
- CFRs from Clubs that reached the 365 patch level
Looking forward to a great turnout to select the next Board Member of your Foundation.
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Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation |
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The Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation (CCOF) to issue shortly the Tax Receipts for 2020 donations
We remind you to check your email in the coming weeks for any tax receipt you might be expecting from the CCOF in connection with donations made in the 2020 calendar year. Also make sure to check your Spam folder as well.
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Bylaws Notice
Make Valuable Changes Organization-wide
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(s) may be mailed, emailed and/or faxed to the International Office, but the original Club letter must be received by the International Office in order for the proposal to be considered. All submitted changes 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 5:00 p.m. (CT) Friday, April 2. Please mail and/or email them to: Dana Thomas, Senior Director of Administration and Operations, Optimist International, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108; dana.thomas@optimist.org.
Make Your Club Heard
The Convention resolutions process can be used for any aspect of the organization not covered in the bylaws. Clubs must submit resolutions by 5:00 p.m. (CT) Saturday, May 1 to the Resolutions Committee. The Committee will choose the strongest resolutions and report them to Convention delegates for debate and vote. Resolutions endorsed by Convention delegates are non-binding and are sent to the International Board of Directors for further consideration and study. Please type resolutions on Club stationery and include your Club name, Club number and Club President's signature. All resolutions should be written in standard resolution format: "Whereas... , Whereas... , Whereas... , Be it resolved that the Board of Directors of Optimist International is asked to consider...." Resolutions should be mailed to: Resolutions Committee ATTN: Dana Thomas, Optimist International, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108; dana.thomas@optimist.org.
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Finance Department:
REQUIRED FILING: All US Optimist Clubs tax form 990 series - due February 15th
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When calling to reserve a room use the group code G-OPTI |
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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.
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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
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See what's happening on our social sites |
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