New Year's Eve

It's almost 6:30 p.m., official Optimist International time, on September 30, 2015 - our New Year's Eve. Clubs and Districts are still working overtime to be sure that they have completed all the paperwork and other requirements necessary to be declared an Honor Club.

An Honor Club is the minimum requirements set by Optimist International to be sure that an Optimist Club is doing what it needs to do to sustain itself in the coming year and in the future. The requirments are very simple:

• Complete 3 service projects
• Complete all financial obligations
• Complete recognition of a community or club member as an Optimist of the Year or Friend of Youth
• Complete the President's Pride report
• End the year with +1 or more members than were on the roster when the year began

With a strong finish and a smooth handoff, I am certain that we can reach our organizational goal of achieving 100,000 members by the 100th anniversary of Optimist International. Let Honor Clubs lead the way. 

What shall I do today? Join an Optimist Club

September 30 marks the end of another Optimist International administrative year. In seven days, new officers take their places in clubs, districts and on the international stage.

It can be difficult to to navigate the last couple weeks of an administration. Current officers are trying their best to end the year by leaving their charge better than they found it. Incoming officers are chomping at the bit to take on their new duties and share their leadership ideas.

We'd do well to remember that we are all on one team. The only thing that changes from year-to-year is the name at the top of the letterhead. Our mission is the same as is our passion for serving our communities through the circle of an Optimist Club. We have one continuous goal: increase the membership in our Optimist Clubs so that we may provide more service on the local level throughout the organization.

It's up to you to keep that purpose first and foremost. Ask someone to join your Optimist Club today.

Click here to find an Optimist Club in your community or contact me and I will help you get one started.

The Optimist Creed redux

I always enjoy a new way to look at the Optimist Creed. It keeps my outlook positive and encourages me to do more in my community to improve the quality of life for those around me. Enjoy.

Scouting alumnus forms new Optimist Club

On Sunday, September 13, 2015, I had the honor of being a field representative for Optimist International. My mission: to organize the new Optimist Club of Gresham Scouters.

I'm proud to say, "Mission accomplished!"

Eighteen new Optimist Club members are now ready to serve their community. I venture to say there may as many as 25 or more by the end of Optimist International administrative year on September 30.

The new Optimist Club of Gresham Scouters was conceived as a single purpose Optimist Club. It's purpose is to assist sponsor organizations, primarily the Optimist Club of Gresham, Oregon, with collaborative activities between the club and scouting programs. During the evening, we determined the club will also be actively involved in the scholarship programs offered by Optimist International among other things.

It is always exciting to welcome a new Optimist Club as it is formed. The new members come with ideas to make their communities even better places to live. For the Gresham Scouters, this group of scouting alumni will make being part of the scouting program even more desirable for its charter organizations.

The PNW District was thrilled to add this group of young adults to the mix of Optimist Club members that make up the PNW Optimist Clubs. Welcome to all.

If you would like to start a scouting alumnus Optimist Club in your community, or to find out more about what the benefits of working toghether with an Optimist Club would be for your pack, troup, post or crew, please send a message to Linda Vaught.

See more, be more

When I first joined an Optimist Club,  my mind was on two things: giving back to my community and increasing business  at my family owned and operated television and major appliance store, not necessarily in that order. I hadn't thought about being club president or rising up through district or international ranks. My motives were utilitarian.

It wasn't that long after joining,  three years to be exact,  that I was tapped to be president.  I didn't hesitate; I was honored to be chosen and vowed to do my best. Doing my best, to me, meant finding out more about the umbrella organization with which  Optimist Clubs are affiliated. And with that in mind, I set off to attend my first district convention.

Over the years, I've attended many such gatherings, sometimes in my own district and sometimes traveling to other states to learn more about how we differ and how much we are the same.

What I've learned has helped me personally and professionally.  I've enhanced my  leadership skills and made new friends from around the world. Perhaps most important to me is, prompted by my involvement with Optimist International,  I've changed careers. In doing so, I've continued to learn.

First, I started an economic development agency directed at providing interim executive management services. I assist start-up nonprofit associations with strategic planning and resource development. I also help them recruit members. On other assignments,  I assist organizations that have lost their course or are ready to take the next step in their growth and development.  These three tasks are similar and adherence to a negotiated and publicized strategic plan is key.

I returned to school to complete my Master's degree so that I could perform these tasks better for my clients. That extends well to my volunteer service with Optimist Clubs.  I have a personal mission to tell stories of service conducted by individuals through their involvement with an Optimist Club.  Like me, each person who gets involved with an Optimist Club expands their horizons and when they open themselves to new experiences, they are better for it.

Share optimism.  Join an Optimist Club today.