Make your club approachable

The Optimist Club of Monaco South in Denver, Colorado sent me a link to another well-done club newsletter.  Take a look at GUMS. 

What do I like about it?

1. It is easy to read.  I like short bursts of information and this one tells plenty about upcoming events and includes short quips of what has happened that people want to know about like how much money was raised and did the club meet their goals. 
2. It makes you smile.  Whether it is the humorous story, the trivial facts or the smiling faces in the photos, I was happy when I finished reading it.
3. It is respectful.  With a nod to the club's past presidents, Optimist International's theme and the Optimist Creed, you know this club has a proud heritage.   
4. It is informative.  The newsletter has a calendar of coming events and a well-written article about an important issue in the community. 

However, what I like most about this newsletter is that it is clear that this club is approachable.  According to the very first paragraph there are greeters at the door welcoming members and guests.  Later on in the newsletter it reminds members to invite friends and potential new members to the meetings.  And by always including where the club meets, it ensures that guests reading online or that have been given the newsletter are able to come to a meeting too.  

I believe that approachability is the key to helping our Optimist Clubs grow and provide more service in our communities.  Make a New Year's resolution for your Optimist Club now.  Resolve to be open and inviting; resolve to be approachable.