Celebrate + Address + Recognize = Excel

The new C.A.R.E. program is a structured plan for clubs to celebrate accomplishments while resolving issues and strengthening membership. The four-step annual program is designed to help keep Optimist Club membership healthy, strong and engaged, while allowing everyone to feel they have a voice in their Club’s direction.

Celebrate

Host an annual party for your Club members. Send out invites and ask a fellow Optimist to facilitate the program. Celebrate the Club’s accomplishments and discuss the impact you have had in your community over cake.

Send out anonymous member surveys through Survey Monkey or JotForm two weeks before the event. It’s important that the survey be anonymous so that members can give honest feedback.

Include these four questions:

• What do you think went well this year?
• What do you feel the Club needs to work on?
• What makes you happy to be a member of your Optimist Club?
• Do you have a new idea for a Club community service project, youth activity or fundraiser?

Address

Have the guest facilitator review the survey responses and have an open, unbiased discussion. Be sure to ask a person who is not a member of your Club to be your facilitator. Some facilitator suggestions include a past or current Governor, Lt. Governor or member of a nearby Club.

Address any reasons why members might leave the Club and make a list of potential improvements.

Recognize

Recognize any issues, areas for improvement and ways to strengthen membership, then create an opportunity to recognize members for their accomplishments, exceptional work and efforts throughout the year. Honor members with appreciation awards or a Member of the Year award.

Excel

Plan to move forward together as a stronger Club.

Please fill out this C.A.R.E. intake form if your club would like to host a C.A.R.E. event. Once you've hosted your event, please fill out this C.A.R.E. Completion form to let us know how it went!

C.A.R.E. Resources

Program Overview Flyer

Sample Agenda

Sample Invitation

Member Review Survey

C.A.R.E PowerPoint Presentation

2024 International Convention

You don't need a barrel to attend the 106th Optimist International Convention in Niagara Falls, June 23-26, 2024!

The Sheraton Fallsview Hotel will be your home base. This luxury hotel, which offers an astounding view of one of the wonders of the natural world, is where you will be informed, educated and entertained.

Your Convention Commitee is working hard to make sure this will be the best convention ever, so don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or comments!

Lyle Merriam – Convention Committee Chair

P.S., if you do bring a barrel, let me know, I want to be there when you use it!

Click here for things to do in Niagara Falls

Click here for up-to-date information on the 2024 Convention

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!