Why would you want to do that?
This seems to be a popular question for me to answer these days. You see, at the recent PNW District - Optimist International meeting, more than a few fellow Optimist Club members wanted to know why I would want to be an international vice president. Some said no explanation was needed; they got it - they understood the drive to fulfill every step in one's Optimist journey.
For me, that is part of it; it is the next step, but there is more. Please, let me explain to you why I want to be the next Vice President, West Coast Region, Optimist International.
Being an Optimist Club member is in in my blood. Throughout my adult life, my Optimist Club involvement has always been a support system for me. When my mother passed away, my Optimist Club asked me to be president. It would help me through the grief they said, and they were right. I had just begun working at Optimist International when my father passed away. It provided direction for me at that challenging time. And the decision to relocate to Idaho, away from the Midwest, was because of a relationship I made at an Optimist International Convention. Optimism has helped me navigate through life's events.
I believe that what Optimist Clubs do makes a difference in the communities they serve. By extension, I make a difference. I want to share both that opportunity for involvement and feeling of accomplishment with others.
Finally, and most importantly, I have a skill set that our organization needs right now. As an experienced blogger and social media practitioner, I can share the good work that Optimist Clubs do by writing and telling our stories through traditional and digital media. Moreover, I can teach others to do the same.
At the recent PNW District Optimist Oratorical finals, one young man explained that passion drives us to develop our skills and our skills lead us to greater achievements. Sharing Optimist Club stories is my passion. I want to be Vice President, West Coast Region, Optimist International so that I can share my skills with others.
What does success look like for an Optimist Club?
More members? Yes.
More projects? Yes.
More revenue? Yes.
More children served? Yes.
How about more recognition? Yes. Recognition and awareness will allow us to do all of the above because it will lead to growth and growth will allow Optimist Clubs and Optimist International to be relevant to new generations far into the future.
Bottom line: I want to be Vice President so that I can help Optimist Clubs grow, do more in their communities and gain the recognition they so broadly deserve because everyone deserves the opportunity to be involved with this amazing organization.
I would sincerely appreciate your vote on June 2 - 30, 2014. Thank you.
