Traditionally, Optimists in Action Month encourages Optimists to perform community service during May, with the goal of bringing together Optimist Members and other community volunteers for a variety of local-based activities, fundraisers and special events. While local restrictions and precautions may limit our Club and Members, we will need to rally and get creative when coming together, whether in-person, hybrid, and/or virtual.
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Choose Optimism: Rally to Vote
2021 International Officer and Board Director Election - April 30 to May 29
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Candidates for the 2021-2022 International Officers and Board of Directors election:
2021-2022 President-Elect Candidates:
2021-2022 Board Director at Large Candidates (2 to be elected):
2021-2022 Vice Presidents-Elect Candidates:
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If you are having trouble getting the message about Officer Voting or having trouble with the voting process, please try the following
- Check their spam folder for an email from direct vote.net
- Wait until Wednesday when all clubs who have not voted get a reminder. (Every Wednesday in May)
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Click this link and enter the club president’s login information as it is on the club roster and their login information will be emailed to them. https://www.directvote.net/OI/sendID.aspx
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If you are still having trouble, please contact: tom.carver@optimist.org
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Club Presidents must have their correct email recorded at the Optimist Leaders database to vote.
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The Annual Rally for Optimism:
Register today for the 103rd Optimist International Convention in person or virtual!
Advanced Registration deadline is midnight of Saturday, June 19, 2021
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Convention Keynote Speakers |
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When calling to reserve a room use the group code G-OPTI |
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Parking and Transportation all you need to know before you go! |
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YOU’RE INVITED To exhibit at Optimist International’s 103rd Annual Convention, June 29-July 2, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia |
This convention provides YOU with the opportunity to connect with Optimist Clubs who have fundraisers multiple times a year.
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Visit www.optimist.org/convention for details including a revised agenda, links to online housing and registration forms, Atlanta attractions, who is registered, and much more.
For more information, contact us at
Volunteers needed!
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Contact Dale Hoffert, dhoffert516@gmail.com to sign up as a volunteer to help hand out registration packets at the advance registration desk.
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Contact Derick Newton derickandchell@gmail.com to sign up as a volunteer chaperone to help with youth activities designed to keep the children busy while their parents/grandparents attend the adult convention (not JOI attendees).
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Contact convention@optimist.org to volunteer as a sergeant-at-arms, to help setup, or help with other duties as assigned.
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CERTIFIED TRAINER CLASSES OFFERED AT THE ATLANT CONVENTION |
Have you given any thought about working to become a Certified Optimist Trainer and didn’t know where to start? Well, one of the first steps is to take the Club Trainer class that will be offered on Monday, June 28, at the Atlanta Convention. This class will help you to sharpen your training skills and decide if you wish to become part of the Certified Trainer program. |
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This is an all-day training session that begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs until approximately 4:00 p.m. Class size is limited so you must sign-up in advance no later than June 10, 2021 to reserve your spot! Please email leadership@optimist.org if you are interested in attending.
The District trainer class will also be offered during the Atlanta Convention on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. You must have taken the Club Trainer class at least six months prior before you can take the District Trainer class. This is also an all-day class starting at 9:00 am and finishing at 4:00 pm. You must register prior by June 10, 2021 in order to take this class. Please email leadership@optimist.org if you wish to register.
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Optimist International Webinar 2021
Creating Content for Social Media
Description: So you have a Facebook page and an Instagram account. Now what? Learn some simple tips and tricks for creating impactful content for social media.
Time: May 17, 2021 07:00 PM in Central Time
To register:
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Virtual Paint Night
Let’s paint together for a great cause
~ the JOI Annual service project!
Your Personal Device (e.g. computer, iPad, iPhone) via ZOOM
May 16, 2021
Register today at: https://www.optimist.org/joipaint
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Does your District or Club have a special message to air during the Oratorical World Champion Oratorical? Here are the promo guidelines and how to get your video submitted. |
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Abigail Nicholas
District Fitness Chair and Membership Chair 2020-2021
Colorado/Wyoming Optimist Club
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Membership...what does this really mean to you, to me or your fellow Optimists? I believe it is significant to each person individually based on their desires or reasons for belonging. Some may simply enjoy the idea of making new friends and enjoying the camaraderie in a group of like-minded individuals. Others will certainly look for the benefits it will bring them such as learning something new, putting their skill set to work or the “warm fuzzies” that they will experience when they help others. The reason(s) to join are personal and very important to each individual.
The point is, we all become members of an Optimist Club or any other organization to fulfill a desire. If you want new members for your club then it is paramount to discover what it is that the person wants and/or needs from your Club. Find their “sweet spot”. Then find them a place in your Optimist Club that will enrich that “sweet spot” and you will have an engaged, enthusiastic new member for years to come.
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Fee Reduced for New Club Development
Last month the Optimist International Board of Directors approved a reduction in the fee charged for organizing a New Club. The fee has been reduced to $325 US for all Developed countries effective immediately. The Canadian exchange rate will still apply.
The Board acted upon recommendations for the change from the International New Club Building and Audit and Finance Committees. President Weinsoff initially sought the reduction as a means for stimulating New Club development in the months to come. Dues from charter members of these New Clubs is expected to more than offset the initial decline in revenue from the lower fee.
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There is a special promotion underway for New Club building, Any Club organized in the United States, Canada and the nations of the Caribbean between now and May 31st will receive two New Club building credits. This will allow Districts to develop two New Clubs and receive four New Club building credits, thus meeting the New club building requirement to become a Distinguished District. Other requirements for Distinguished status must still be met. |
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LMS REMINDER
The deadline for Officer Training has passed and the training has been taken down. The 2021-2022 training will be available in May. If any 2020-2021 officers have not completed the training prior to March 31, you are able to take the training from May to September 30. If you have any questions, please contact us at LMS@optimist.org.
Club officer training courses (President, Secretary/Treasurer, CFR) are being released this month for the 2021-2022 club officers. Officers will be receiving an email with the updated promo codes soon.
Those 2020-2021 officers that are still not registered in LMS will use the promo codes for the 2020-2021 officers. If you need a promo code, please email LMS@optimist.org
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Global Spotlight for May 2021 |
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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.
IDC (International Development Committee)
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The Optimist International Foundation |
The Optimist International Foundation Disaster Relief fund will be available to help Optimist Clubs provide assistance locally to St. Vincent or other disaster-stricken areas.
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We are sad to announce T G Thomas is stepping away from the Optimist International Board of Directors. T G is a great friend to the OIF Mission and we thank him for his service to the Board.
The OIF Board has met and unanimously approved the addition of Debra Merritt from the AL-MS District to full the remainder of the term for that Board position. She will serve on the OIF Board beginning May 6, 2021 through September 30,2023. We congratulation Debbie on her joining the OIF Board and look forward to her involvement and leadership.
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Promote your club’s activities during the live World Oratorical Contest on July 22-23, 2021
HURRY! Spots are limited.
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It’s simple! Any Canadian Optimist Club can promote its activities via a live advertisement to be aired during Optimist International’s Oratorical World Championships.
To do so, you must complete the following steps no later than June 15th, 2021:
1. Prepare your Club’s short (15-30 seconds maximum) promotional video (in French or in English).
2. Follow all instructions and conditions required for the video submission set forth by Optimist International namely as to the format of the video, consents and waivers.
3. Make a $100 CA contribution to the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation by completing the CCOF Donation Form and submit it by email to: info@ccof-foec.org .
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Those making the team exemplified an impressive balance of academics, golf and community service. After reviewing the qualifications of impressive applicants, the Optimist Junior Golf Committee selected the following exceptional student athletes for the team:
This team exemplified an impressive balance of academics, golf and community service. The All-Scholastic Team is named for Hugh Cranford, who served as executive director of Optimist International from 1967 to 1986.He was instrumental in starting the Optimist Junior Golf program and in 1978 led the efforts to co-sponsor the Optimist Junior World Golf Championships in San Diego, the forerunner to today's Optimist International Junior Golf Championships. Cranford passed away in August 2014.
The following selected junior golfers will receive an automatic exemption into the championship, complimentary registration which includes tournament entry, hotel accommodations and meals plus $1,000.00 scholarship. Those accepted must attend the championship to receive exemption and scholarship. The Scholarship will be sent directly to the financial aid department of the recipient's chosen University, College or Technical School.
2021 Hugh Cranford All-Scholastic Winners
Academic Winners
Holden Kittelberger (Katy, Texas)
John “J.T.” Thomas Timmers (Littleton, Colorado)
Elisa Villamizar (Colombia)
Community Service Award Winners
Sarah Balding (Brookfield, Wisconsin)
Charlie Bundy (Bethesda, Maryland)
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A letter from Shumsky:
Dear Members,
We have new contact information to share with you for our partner, Shumsky, who can assist you with your Club needs. Please email Karen Witt (ksd@shumsky.com) or Jessica Sawmiller (jes@shumsky.com) if you need to place an order or if you need assistance with our estore (www.shumskyideas.com/optimist).
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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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