Optimist Clubs should promote new members

Does your Optimist Club issue a press release when a new member joins your ranks? Do you celebrate the event by giving them kudos, a little professional lift and boosting your club's image as well?

It's a good thing to do. Press releases serve many purposes:

• A press release allows your club to tell your own story.
• A press release is an opportunity for your club to promote what's happening, be it a new member, a service project or a fundraising activity.
• A press release establishes authority. It declares to the media and others that your club is the place to go for questions or actions on certain subjects.

I've seen a few press releases over the past months where new members are welcomed to Optimist Clubs in Albemarle, NC, Farmington, MI, and now Auburn Hills, MI. All have offered a picture of new Optimist Club member. All have shown the Optimist Club banner in the background. But this latest one showed something else to me: staying power, longevity and partnerships.

What made this one different? This press release was issued by the new member's employer, Genisys Credit Union. According to the story, Nicole Bowen was welcomed to the club by her supervisor and sponsor Linda Zabik. I know that Genisys supports the community and now I know they think that the Optimist Club is the club of choice. After all, they support it with two members.

In this case, Genisys Credit Union became the authority on the Optimist Club of Auburn Hills, MI; but that is okay.  They share commitment and purpose and back both up with resources to help the community grow.  What a great partner in service!