Introducing O.W.L.S.

O.W.L.S. (Optimists Working for Learning Success) is a new signature program introduced by Optimist International President Bob McFayden at the 2023 International Convention and just approved by the Board of Directors as a pilot program. Through O.W.L.S., Optimist Clubs will partner with local schools or classrooms to provide nutrition, clothing, school supplies, hygiene products, tutoring, and mentoring to help students thrive. 

O.W.L.S. will replace and build upon the Partners in Education program and will provide a focus for Clubs searching for an identity and attract new members hoping to improve their communities.  

Many Optimist Clubs already work closely with their local schools. For a great example, look no further than two Clubs located in Cumming, Georgia, that built a relationship with their local school superintendent, Dr. Jeff Bearden.

Bearden has written a letter that you can share will your local schools to jumpstart your own partnership.

Clubs interested in helping to develop the program or launching a pilot project can fill out an interest form here. 

You Are Invited!

If you are within driving distance of St. Louis, you are invited to attend a special flag-raising ceremony for Optimist International's incoming president on Sept. 22. at 10 a.m. outside our headquarters at 4494 Lindell Blvd.

Space is limited, so please RSVP here.

Update Your Club's Bylaws

Starting Oct. 1, every Club will be required to update their bylaws. We will not be able to accept paper copies, so Clubs will need to use the Optimist Leaders online portal to submit their updates.

You can view a module on how to update your Club's bylaws on the Optimist Institute website. Simply choose "Quick Reference Guides" on the lefthand side, scroll down to the third row of modules, and click "View" for the "Changing Club Bylaws Online" module.

Still confused? An upcoming webinar scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 4, will walk you through it.

In Memoriam: John R. Reel

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of 1992-93 Optimist International President John R. Reel. He was 89.

"John was happiest while working with his local Plainfield Optimist Club," according to his obituary, "and he introduced the idea for a baseball and soccer complex for special needs children."

Read the full obituary here.

Club Pride Reports

Sept. 30 is the deadline for Club Pride Reports. Click here to submit yours!

Celebrate Community

This week, we’re joining forces with Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis to strengthen our communities and improve lives. We encourage local clubs to reach out to one another to collaborate on projects to benefit your communities!

Joint projects allow community members in different service clubs to learn about each other and combine their efforts. So, find a need in your community and plan a project that will make a difference.

And don’t forget to promote and share your project on social media using the hashtag #celebratecommunity!

Upcoming Webinars:

Get to Know the New Club Bylaws Webinar

presented by the 2023-2024 Governance Committee

6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 4

Register here

C.A.R.E. Program Q&A

presented by the 2023-2024 Member Engagement Committee

7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 9

Register here