The first message from the Executive Office told me that June was Optimist International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and offered me the opportunity to download a proclamation for my city officials to sign.
The Hotline told about Childhood Cancer Campaign activities that would take place in Denver at the International Convention and explained the Club Grants that are available for clubs to perform childhood cancer projects at home. It also explained that June was designated as Optimist International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month:
"During the month of June, Clubs, Zones and Districts are asked to conduct projects designed to raise the public perception of children’s cancer and gain public support for our efforts to serve these children. This is a great time to schedule an event and apply for a matching grant through Optimist International."Both are important messages about what has turned out to be one of our most loved Optimist International programs. One suggestion was more traditional, sent via email, offering a formal way to be involved in an awareness campaign.
The second message was more interactive. I had to click and read to find it. I had to engage; and it encouraged me to engage with my club and my community to carry out an awareness project. These subtle differences appeal to different personalities. Well done, my friends at Optimist International.
Did you know that it is believed that the average person needs to hear about a topic five to seven times before they will take action? It's up to you to get talking! It's up to you to engage in an appropriate manner with your club and your community. We need to spread the word far and wide that we can make a difference in the lives of children with cancer and their families and then we need to take action. What are you waiting for? Do it. Now.
