JOI 2nd Quarter Virtual Meeting
Register now for JOI's 2nd quarter virtual meeting. Students will have opportunities to share their experiences and perspectives and learn how Optimist clubs are improving their communities around the world.

This event will feature breakout sessions with adults to discuss how to work with school boards to create successful, inclusive clubs. Everyone is invited, including members, advisors and anyone interested in joining or starting a club!
Other Upcoming Webinars
March 13, 2023, 7-8 p.m. CDT
Only a small percentage of our Optimist Clubs sponsor youth clubs each year. It's time to spread JOI! Are you interested? Members of the JOI Committee and JOI Board of Directors will lead this session, which will cover the basics of building youth clubs, including creative ideas and innovative tips to take your sponsorship to next level. And if you have questions about keeping your existing JOI clubs active, this webinar is for you.
 
April 10, 2023, 7-8 p.m. CDT
Did you know that the Optimist International Foundation (OIF) is the charitable arm of Optimist International, providing Club Matching Grants and Scholarships for the Oratorical, Essay, and Communication Contest for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing? The OIF also supports Optimist International programs, including Junior Golf and Junior Optimist International (JOI). Come learn how the Foundation supports these programs and how it can support your club.
 
April 20, 2023, 6:30-7:30 p.m. CDT
 
May 8, 2023, 7-8:15 p.m. CDT
How do you become a more knowledgeable, involved Optimist volunteer? The Personal Growth and Involvement and the Professional Development Programs are your answer. Both are designed to promote member engagement while providing opportunities to develop greater leadership and professional skills. During this session, the basics of each program will be discussed, as well as updates and changes.
Optimist Institute
The Optimist Institute is a fantastic online educational resource for all Optimist Members. Its content covers not just Optimist-related topics, such as Club operations and officer training, but also leadership development, motivation, goal-setting, working with difficult people, Microsoft Office Suite and more.

The Institute offers a media library where Members can access monthly leadership development webinars, and it allows Members to create groups similar to Facebook to discuss common challenges and share success stories.

Officer training deadlines:

Please note that required officer training for 2022-2023 officers will be removed from the Institute on April 1, 2023, so all current officers must complete their training by March 31, 2023, in order to complete the policy ICD-135 requirement.

A monthly report is sent to the governor and District Leadership Development chair showing the names of Members who have completed their required training.

Training for 2023-2023 officers will open May 1, 2023. All officer training taken after May 1 will count only for the 2023-2024 year.
Bylaws and Resolutions
In addition to voting for officer candidates, 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 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 change to the articles and sections cited, along with a written rationale in 200 words or fewer. The Club must submit the proposal on Club letterhead signed by the Club President. The proposal may be emailed and/or faxed to the International Office, but the original Club letter must be received by the International Office for the proposal to be considered. 

All submitted changes will be brought before the International Convention delegates for a vote.
 
All proposed changes to the bylaws must be received at the International Office by 5:00 p.m. (CT) Monday, April 3, 2023 (no exceptions). 

Email proposals to dana.thomas@optimist.org and mail them to the address below:

Governance Committee
Optimist International
4494 Lindell Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108

The Convention Resolution Process is also a communications vehicle you can use to your advantage. Resolutions can be submitted by clubs and should cover any aspect of the organization not already covered in the Bylaws.   

The Resolutions Process 

  1. Clubs need to submit resolutions by Wednesday, May 3, 2023, to the Governance/Resolutions Committee. 
  2. The Governance/Resolutions Committee will meet during the convention and choose the strongest resolutions to report to convention delegates. 
  3. At one of the convention business sessions, July 2-5, 2023, the Committee will present these resolutions for debate and vote by the convention delegates.  (NOTE: Resolutions endorsed by convention delegates are non-binding and are sent to the International Board of Directors for further consideration and study.) 

How to Submit Resolutions 

Type resolutions on club stationary and include the Club's name, number, and 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 ….

Mail Resolutions To: 

Resolutions Committee 
Optimist International 
4494 Lindell Blvd. 
St. Louis, MO 63108 
USA