On March 1, 2017, Optimist International announced the International Candidates Qualifications Committee's nominations for those who might lead the organization in 2018-2019, the year leading into its 100th anniversary. The nominations included one candidate for president, eight candidates for vice president, one for each region; and two nominations for the two openings on the board of directors. After that date, individuals could self-nominate with the deadline of April 1, 2017 to declare their intention in preparation for online voting which started June 1 and runs through June 30, 2017.Another candidate for president and four candidates for the board of directors were eventually added to the official slate.
In the past, I have indicated concern with this process. Sometimes I agree with the committee's selections and sometimes I do not; but more important, I believe that having a select committee proclaim certain people to be above others seems controlling and makes others, people who are well-qualified, unwilling to step forward and run at-large.
Of course, as many of my readers know, I am one of the few who have run at-large and won, but this post isn't about me or the candidates chosen by the CQ Committee.
The purpose of this post is to emphasize the importance of leadership selection at all levels of the organization.
As membership in all service clubs dwindles, the choices for those who will be our leaders are also diminished. I worry, at times, that the choices have turned to the "rats that have not left the sinking ship" - people who would have otherwise never risen to the top of the leadership pool.
We cannot be complacent. It is easy to select from those who are left; after all, they have proved they are always there. It would be even easier to walk away; but we can't. I am calling on all old-timers who have succeeded in their year(s) of Optimist Club, District and International leadership to return to the helm. In the 100th year, let us step-up one more time to do what made the years we served successful and what the organization sorely needs: grow.
When we grow in membership, we grow in revenue and service.
A friend often reminds those who will listen, "If it is to be, it is up to me." I think the time has come to heed his warning. Leadership at all levels is an honor, but it also a responsibility that must be placed in the most capable hands.
Ensure that your club and district are making the right choices. Don't be afraid to say no to the hangers-on and especially, don't be afraid to ask someone to return and turn things around. The make or break year is approaching. Don't let this opportunity slip away.
