It really is a subjective phrase; one that is often used to dismiss an issue or conversation. Perhaps the person doesn’t understand your position or perhaps they don’t agree with you; but to just move on as if an agreement has been reached helps no one. You are dissatisfied as the person who has acquiesced and the person who has their way may or may not even realize they have secured a small victory.
Communication is much harder than it should be. I have found this especially true in my role as governor of a district in Optimist International. Optimist International is an umbrella organization with a set of bylaws and a board of directors to interpret policies so that being a member is fair and beneficial to all and so that the integrity of the organization is maintained.
The organization extends rights to the clubs organized under the umbrella to conduct programs in their communities using the name of the local Optimist Club. The local Optimist Club has a board of directors that guide its mission based on their affiliation with Optimist International. There is a pecking order. If a club says that they are conducting an Optimist International program, that program should be one that is outlined on the Optimist International website and has guidelines for how every club can participate. If it is a program that is local and involves only your community or region, then it is an Optimist Club program.
Some programs, as wonderful as they may be, are not recognized by the International Board of Directors as having a universal appeal. They may not fit the purposes of Optimist International or may divert attention away from the cause that the organization has already chosen to support. That doesn’t mean that an Optimist Club must abandon their program, but it does beg for respect and understanding.
If your club has such a program, please ask yourself: do your club members come together to be an Optimist Club or do you come together to carry out the program?
There is significance in this question. In the article Choose your customers, choose your future, Seth Godin explains that your customers define you. This is a concept that I inherently get. I belong to an Optimist Club because I want to create and share a positive view on life with others and offer programs that help children develop into caring, positive-thinking adults. I believe those projects may evolve and change with the times, but in the end the Optimist Creed will always be the reason that I attend an Optimist Club meeting.
There are others who think that extending the Optimist Club umbrella to others with single-purpose programs will bring more members. But at what cost? I belong to an Optimist Club to share optimism. Some people belong to a book club to read, discuss books and promote literacy. Others belong to bowling leagues to bowl, or take cooking classes to learn to cook. There is room and need for many groups with many interests. As Bill Cosby said, "I don't know the secret to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."
Optimist Clubs do not need to be all things for all people, but they do need to be first and foremost an organization that promotes a positive way of life. That’s in the charter. It’s in the name. I get it. Do you?
