Optimism for a good world

On Sunday, Optimist International posted this picture on its Facebook wall. It is the front page of a newsletter written in 1921 by the first executive secretary of the organization, Harry G. Hill, where he speaks of an Optimist Christmas. It says,

The pessimist says the worst is yet to come. The Optimist believes the best is sure to be. For over two thousand years pessimism has, with shouts of strife, through clouds of smoke and torrents of blood, tried to refute the hope of world-wide peace. For twenty centuries Optimists have, with unfaltering faith, repeated the words of the angel chorus, "Peace on Earth to Men of Good Will," and today pessimism is routed while Optimism, with hope and expectancy, looks for peace. When all men, all nations and all peoples have good will in their hearts, they will find peace in their stocking. We used to receive gifts with the message, "For a good boy." Perhaps peace will be given us this year labeled "For a good world." When we deserve it we will get it.

It's really not all that optimistic of a message, but it is hopeful. I haven't addressed the horrific killings that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut last week. However this message from Optimist International, appearing at this time, made me reflect on how tenuous peace may be even in the most idyllic surroundings. Now, more than ever, in our grief for the parents, children, and community we realize how we must come together and work hard to construct "a good world" and be ever vigilant of those who have means to destroy it.

My heart and tears reach out to the Newtown community, but my hope and optimism reach out to you. Every one of you that have the ability to make a difference in our magnificent world, please do so today, and every day. Join a service club, volunteer in your community, and be aware of others around you who may be hurting for reasons unknown. Reach out to them and help them find what they need to find peace. Perhaps then, there will be less perpetrators and less victims.

Perhaps, in a good world, there will be less grief.

Photo courtesy of Optimist International. 

Optimists and Celebrities

Optimist International is delighting its friends on Facebook with a look at celebrities who have embraced Optimist Club programs. Among them are Neil Patrick Harris, who won the New Mexico West Texas District Optimist International Oratorical Contest as a youth. Click "Optimism, a way of life" to read the text of his speech.

As of this writing, there are nine photos in the Facebook album that says, "Founded in 1919, Optimist clubs have a rich history of service to youth. Here are some photos of noteworthy celebrities, and their connection to Optimist clubs, from days gone by."

In addition to Harris, other celebrities included are Tony Larussa, Stan Musial, Bob Hope, Muhammed Ali, Conway Twitty, Dana Wynter and Lawrence Welk. They are shown with Optimist Clubs that they have visited and been part of such projects as Youth Appreciation Week where Optimist Clubs around the world recognize children for a variety of attributes, but especially for being good citizens. 

Thanks to Optimist International for sharing the photos. Please click on the Facebook link and read more. 

Twenty-six years and counting

Rev. David Hall, Jim Nations,
Francis Ranwez, and Hal Sewell (L-R)
circa 1985

I've been watching the projects of the Senoia Optimist Club for about eighteen months now largely because they host a monthly blood drive and get great print coverage for their generosity. When I see them on Twitter, I always retweet. Today, I decided to visit their Facebook page to see what else goes on in their club.

I was rewarded with the knowledge that the Senoia Optimist Club is now 26 years old. They celebrated their 25th anniversary in December 2010 and posted some great pictures on Facebook. But the one that attracted my attention pictured the charter officers of the club. During the anniversary event, charter members Hal Sewell and Carl Powell were presented 25-year pins.

When we look at our Optimist Club rosters, it is not unusual to find a few stalwart members who have been involved for 25 years or more, but it is refreshing to find charter officers and members still engaged after that length of time. In fact, Sewell served as club president in its 25th year.

Making headlines after 25 years of service declares that the Senoia Optimist Club is an essential part of the Senoia community. They meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month, 6:00 p.m., at Maguire's Restaurant, 42 Main Street. If you live in the area, stop by and say hi, thank you and I want to join. You'll never regret your decision.

Find out more at www.senoiaoptimistclub.org. 

Add your Optimist Club to your Facebook profile

Please allow me to introduce you to Bradley Craig Beck of Erie, Colorado. He too knows the value of using his Optimist Club membership as part of his business profile.

Don't be afraid to click over to see what he is doing, how he is doing it, and find out about how to create a haunted house at the same time.

Like Dr. Cram in yesterday's post, Mr. Beck is using Blogger and Facebook to interact with his customers and friends. Just think of the reach each one of his posts have as they are broadcast to nearly 600 readers. Think what that can mean for his Optimist Club...or yours.

Encourage your members to include their Optimist Club membership on all of their personal, business and professional profiles - including Facebook.

Making friends and starting Optimist Clubs with Facebook

Meet the Progressive Optimist Club of Barbados.  This smiling group of Optimists are part of one of the newest clubs in the Optimist International family.  Welcome!

The Progressive Optimist Club of Barbados was officially organized on May 27, 2010.  One of the tools they used to bring the people together was Facebook.  They discussed and voted on the name of the club, they informed potential members of the informational meeting dates and kept signed members on track for attending, promoting and making a difference in the community.

Our social networking tools like Facebook are the new way to stay connected. Once you make a page, create  an event, and invite people to join, all you have to do is keep them and the page updated.  People will choose whether to "like" your page or not.  If you have a Facebook ID, you can see their wall and at this link.

Are you on Facebook?

With more than 100 million people actively using Facebook, it surprises me that every service club wouldn't use this easy medium for communicating with their members.  Of course, that would mean every Optimist Club member would need an account and for now, I guess that just isn't going to happen.

What I will continue to do is talk about how easy it is to connect through Facebook.  No more updating email addresses when they change.  It is simple to create photo albums, announce events, share opportunities and announce accomplishments.  It's not the same as a club meeting, but it is fun and a great membership retention tool.

Join Facebook today, meet your friends, talk with your family and make new acquaintances and stay connected.  Find the PNW District - Optimist International here.  We can't wait to meet you!

Thinking beyond Facebook

This video explores how Facebook, Farmville, Mafia Wars and other virtual gaming activities have succeeded in bringing imaginary competition into our lives and the impact it has generating leads, making money and developing users that they often refer to as members.  It's a bit long, but a good look at how virtual and real worlds are coalescing. 

The presenter says we need to start looking beyond Facebook for the next unexpected phenomenon.  I wanted to share it with my readers here because all service clubs are experiencing change.  Boomers are aging and the generation that has never known a world without the internet is emerging.  Will we be able to meet somewhere in the middle where our social lives aren't only online?  I hope so.

Xbox 360 Games - E3 2010 - Guitar Hero 5

Our true fans are on the bus

"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you." ~ Oprah Winfrey

The dream of every nonprofit is to be recognized by Oprah Winfrey on the Oprah Winfrey Show.  She reaches such a broad audience and her endorsement is gold.  People listen. 

However, not everyone can be on Oprah; or to use her own words, not everyone can ride in the limo.  We need to be happy  to be on the bus and thankful for those who are taking the ride with us for they are the people who will help us achieve our immediate goals.  They are our true fans.

I have watched as the Optimist International Facebook page has grown.  After one month, more than 600 people have joined to learn more and share stories.  We are on the bus together.  With such true fans, I know we are on the road to progress.  Together we will share our positive vision and bring out the best in children.

Be a fan of Optimist International on Facebook. 

Yes, I am a fan!

The Casa Adobes Optimist Club of Arizona has 300 fans on Facebook.  That's a remarkable number of people that are interested in what this club is doing.  I admit, I'm a fan, and I'm way up here in Idaho. 

So how did they do it?  Why did I join?  I joined because of the enthusiasm of  the posts.  Their members are interacting with one another, making plans, celebrating their service, and sharing their optimism and that is what being part of an Optimist Club is all about. 

Facebook makes it easy to share with people around the world.  It's free; it's interactive and easy to understand and use. You'll connect with old friends and meet new friends when you join, but most of all, if you open your mind, you can learn about many great things in the world around you, be it an Optimist Club, a local business or a faraway destination.  What makes the experience special is that you can learn from real people and discover real emotions and connections. 

That is why I like the Casa Adobes Optimist Club fan page.  They are sharing real-life activities in their community with zest.  My compliments to them for allowing others to experience their optimism in action.