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Dear Fellow Optimists,
Whether you dedicate ten minutes or ten hours a week to our cause, your presence proves something incredibly important: you care deeply about the future of this organization and the communities we serve. I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you, as well as your Governors and District Officers, for your unwavering dedication.
At the start of our Optimist year last October, I issued a challenge asking each of you to make a personal commitment to be the change. Throughout the year, I have watched you turn that promise into action. You have stepped up, evolved your Clubs, and made a tangible difference in lives around the world.
We have now reached the fourth quarter, the final stretch of our Optimist year. My message to you today is simple: Let's finish the year strong.
Finishing strong means keeping our momentum alive and focusing on the actions that make our organization thrive. To cross the finish line successfully, I challenge you to concentrate on these core areas:
Grow your clubs. Growth is the lifeblood of our mission. Work to add new members and build new Clubs so we can expand our positive reach.
Engage your members. Bringing people through the door is only half the job. Keep your current members engaged by ensuring your Club remains vibrant, flexible, and welcoming to new ideas and new generations of leaders.
Tell our story. I encourage every Club to improve its marketing and communications. By effectively sharing the joy and impact of choosing Optimism, we invite our communities to join us in bringing out the best in youth.
Strive for excellence. Work toward achieving merit, honor, and distinguished status for your Clubs and Districts. These recognitions are proof of your hard work, service, and commitment to excellence.
And, prioritize teamwork. As we close out this year, it is vital to collaborate seamlessly with our incoming 2026–2027 leadership teams. Share your knowledge and support their transition to ensure Optimist International doesn't miss a beat.
The future of Optimism will be written in your hometown, and you will be the ones to write it. Let's sprint to the finish line, support one another, and continue to Be. The. Change.
Yours in Optimism,
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