Service is our message, our mission

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. In the US, it is a day to celebrate his life and

accomplishments and to acknowledge the importance of inclusion and the civil rights movement. It has also become a day of service and an opportunity to encourage people to get involved in their communities. Many of King's inspirational speeches have been reduced to memorable quotes. Among them are some of my favorites:

• Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'
• Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
• The time is always right to do what is right.
• Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

This year, I've added another to my list of favorites. For me, it explains why we get involved in our community by joining with others in a service club. King said, 

"Everyone can be great because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve...You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."

Service above self sets the tone for all I strive to accomplish as a club, district and international leader for Optimist International. It is my hope to inspire others to organize and make a positive impact on their communities by analyzing needs and making plans to satisfy those needs. As citizens, it is our responsibility to make our communities better.

In his farewell address to the nation, US President Barack Obama expressed the same idea. He spoke of the most important office in a democracy: Citizen. He said,

"It falls to each of us to be those those anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy; to embrace the joyous task we've been given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours. Because for all our outward differences, we, in fact, all share the same proud title, the most important office in a democracy: Citizen.  Citizen. 

So, you see, that's what our democracy demands. It needs you. Not just when there's an election, not just when your own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime. If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the Internet, try talking with one of them in real life.  If something needs fixing, then lace up your shoes and do some organizing.  If you're disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself.  Show up. Dive in. Stay at it.

Sometimes you'll win. Sometimes you'll lose. Presuming a reservoir of goodness in other people, that can be a risk, and there will be times when the process will disappoint you. But for those of us fortunate enough to have been a part of this work, and to see it up close, let me tell you, it can energize and inspire."

President Obama's message was, of course, aimed at the citizens of the United States. I believe his message, and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s message before him, apply to the world. We must be involved in our communities. We must take responsibility for our own well-being.We must help make the world better for others.

I recommend sharing that service with friends as part of an Optimist Club. Together we can. Together we will.

Click here to find an Optimist Club near you and join.

Spring into action

April 1, 2016 - Some say that today is April Fool's Day.

I prefer to believe that today is a call to action. Today is the day that we come out of our winter hibernation and spring into life.

We make plans for the days ahead knowing that the sun will shine more often than not. We know that the green grass and budding flowers will continue to paint our landscape with a kaleidescope of color.

We can't help but be happy at this time of year. Do you know what else will make you happy?

You will be happy when you join an Optimist Club. 

Joining an Optimist Club serves as an extra reminder that one should think and share positive thoughts with those around them. It is not only a reminder, but a extra push, that one should work with others to offer community service in order to make their community great again. It is also a wonderful way to find friendship and fellowship with people who want to celebrate what is right with the world.

Please let this post be your reminder to Spring into Life: Join an Optimist Club today.

Find an Optimist Club here.

Send me, Linda Vaught, an email and I'll help you start an Optimist Club in your community.

Your call to action

There's a famous quote attributed to Lily Tomlin that reads, "I said 'Sombody should do something about that.' Then I realized I am somebody."

That's what happens in your community when people come together as an Optimist Club.

• They see needs and work together to find solutions. 
• They see achievements and work together to provide recognition. 
• They see hope and work together to celebrate its promise. 

An Optimist Club, just as its name implies, offers a positive way of thinking so that all may sieze the promise of their potential. Coming together with others to #shareoptimism provides a cheering section for you as an individual and for others in the community. One of the lines of the Optimist Creed says that we should be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as we are about our own. When you join an Optimist Club, you work with others to make that tenet, and nine others, come true.

This is your call to action. Do more than read about problems in the paper. Get up and help! Join an Optimist Club and #shareoptimism with the world.

Click here to find an Optimist Club near you or email me and I'll help you start a new Optimist Club in your community. Thank you.

Leadership and involvement across generations

It is that time of year when Optimist Clubs install new officers for the administrative year that runs from October 1 to September 30 every year.

This photo from the Optimist Club of West Plains, Missouri caught my attention for several reasons. First, the traditional model of passing the bell and gavel doesn't happen all that much anymore. Many clubs have given up their bells because they are bulky and difficult to store and carry around.

I also like that the Optimist Creed is visible in the background. It reminds us of our purpose of sharing optimism in order to make the world a better place to live. It unifies Optimist Clubs around the world.

But most of all, it caught my attention because it was one lady passing the gavel to another lady. Women need to seek more leadership positions in all service clubs and for Optimist International, the first step is the club level. I was gratified to see that the gavel was being passed between generations, and I have to say, somewhat thankful when I read that the gavel was going back instead of forward.

As much as we talk about engaging younger generations in our service organizations, our clubs will thrive only when all are involved. The culture must encourage a true mix of ideas and service among a diverse membership whose primary purpose is to make their community a better place to live. That's optimism. Share optimism today.



Photo credit: Optimist Club of West Plains. In the photo: Caryn Lacey (L) and Judy Eastman (R). 

The ROI of joining an Optimist Club

So often, when asked to join a membership association, people will ask, "What's in it for me?"

They wonder:

• Will it advance my career? 
• Will it make my workload any easier? 
• Will it give me more time to be with my family or friends? 
• Will it help me make more friends? 
• Will it give me influence?
• Will it help me make more money? 

The questions continue, both verbal and nonverbal, while someone weighs the value of giving their time to a particular group as the membership recruiter struggles to point out how wonderful it is to associate with a group of like-minded individuals for yes, all of the above will happen if you allow it to happen. Yet despite all the fine attributes of joining, the decision often defaults to no.

How sad it is that in a world where individual advancement is valued so highly, the concept of return on investment is missed by so many. When you invest your time by giving of yourself in service to others, you are rewarded with a positive understanding of self-worth. It makes you feel good about being you.

Flora Edwards said, "In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us."

Kindness begets kindness. Be kind and join an Optimist Club today and share your kindness through service.

Click here to find an Optimist Club near you or contact me and I'll help you organize a new Optimist Club in your community.

Optimist Club members have their hands out

Something that I've noticed about Optimist Club members is they always have their hands out. Those hands are extended in friendship and service.

Optimist Clubs perform many projects annually including, but not limited to, the Optimist International Scholarship Programs, Youth Appreciation Week, Respect for Law, and Optimist Junior Golf. And they always do projects that impact their local community as needed, like building a park or donating to school programs among other things.

They will never fail when asked to do just a little more. Need drivers for your Meals on Wheels program? Ask the Optimist Club. Looking for chaperones for the school dance? Ask the Optimist Club. Are the leaves out of control in front of the Food Bank? Ask the Optimist Club. There is no project too small or too large for the helping hands of your local Optimist Club - that's what being a community service club is all about.

To get involved, find an Optimist Club near you and join. If there is not a club near you, contact me and I'll help you get a new Optimist Club started in your community.

Diaper drive helps families help themselves at Christmas

This just in from the Pueblo Optimist Club, serving the Pueblo, Colorado community:

"It is time again for the diaper drive. Last year the Optimists delivered a whopping 8,728 diapers to Joe Mahoney for the Pueblo Catholic Charities. Summit Brick collected 3,120 and challenged other businesses. ENT Credit Unions, Pueblo Wintronics, many local businesses, anonymous donors, Optimist's friends, family and coworkers all dug deep to make this event a grand success.

As was done last year, all items will be dispersed thru Pueblo Catholic Charities - please contact Shannon to arrange for your donations. Help keep our babies healthy and reduce family stress during the holidays!"

Now that is a lot of diapers! I'm sure they could use your help to complete their mission or perhaps your Optimist Club might want to reach out to your community in a similar way.

Great ideas should be shared. Share your optimism today. Use the form below to tell us about one of your favorite service projects now.

A year in the life of a Cerritos Optimist Club member

It's a tad long, but the Cerritos Optimist Club's community connections show through loud and clear in this video that takes you through a year of Optimist Club activities including a pancake breakfast, trunk-or-treat, youth appreciation and the Optimist International Oratorical and Essay contest among other events and causes. Kids and family are foremost on the minds of the members of the Cerritos Optimist Club and they even highlight how fun it is to visit the club for a breakfast meeting.

 I'm going to be in the area next week. Maybe I just might join them for the fun. If you live in the area, why not visit and join? They meet at 7:00 a.m. on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at The Off Street Cafe, 11020 Artesia Blvd,  Cerritos, CA 90703.

 

Hire an optimist

If you live in the Whitewater, Wisconsin area, here is a deal that you don't want to miss! Hire an optimist and you'll help support the University of Whitewater Student Optimist Club's service learning trip to Burkina Faso. Your contribution is tax deductible, you'll get some chores done around your home or business and the community of Burkina Faso will benefit from the talent and passion of some fabulous young people.


The UW-W Student Optimist Club has a history of making mission-style trips. in 2012 they worked with an orphanage, multiple schools and many underprivileged youth in four regions of Ecuador. While the onsite work is rewarding for both the students and beneficiaries, much goes on behind the scenes as well as the students prepare to go. Not only do they fund raise for expenses, they raise money to purchase needed supplies, hold clothing drives and learn about the region they will be serving.

In Burkina Faso, the group of students will be:

• Building computer lab
• Creating sustainable gardens
• Building a Student Optimist Club
• Delivering soccer balls and interacting with children 
• Delivering medical supplies, equipment and knowledge 
• Delivering educational supplies and hygiene supplies

But before they leave, they must raise enough money to ship an ambulance to Dedougou. It will be the first emergency vehicle in the African community. 

Find out more about the trip and how you can contribute to the Student Optimist Club's success: 

Download a flyer

Visit the UW-Whitewater Student Optimist Club blog

Or make a donation to the UW-Whitewater Student Optimist Club Service Learning Trip to Burkina Faso by sending a check to:

Optimist International Foundation

c/o Kim Adams

800 W. Main St. UC 250

Whitewater, WI 53190

A celebration of service in Clinton, Indiana

On February 1, 2013, the Breakfast Optimist Club of Clinton, Indiana celebrated 25 years of service its community. The celebration included more than 80 attendees including Past Optimist International President John Reel and an assortment of other Optimist Club members and District leaders.

During the event, five new members were inducted to the Clinton Breakfast Optimist Club.

As part of its outreach, the Clinton Breakfast Optimist Club offers youth soccer and bowling. Find out more about them on Facebook. Congratulations on this milestone. And thank you for your service.

Optimist Club of Monaco South, Denver, recognized for philanthropy

According to the website, National Philanthropy Day in Colorado is:

"...the special day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy -- and those people active in the philanthropic community -- have made to our lives, our communities and our world. Celebrations are held annually in many states across the nation."

 On November 9, ten businesses, individuals and organizations were honored for their service to their communities. Among them were the Optimist Club of Monaco South in Denver Colorado. Randy Marcove, President, shared this video on YouTube. It describes what Optimist Clubs do to bring out the best in youth.

Congratulations to the Optimist Club of Monaco South on your recognition. Thank you for your service.

Camp Optimist in Grand Rapids hopes for the winning entry

Erhardt Construction, in Grand Rapids Ada, Michigan, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the "Building Our Community Contest." Collaborating with a group of building partners, the companies are giving away a construction project and prizes totaling $50,000 to area nonprofit organizations.

What a great idea! Helping those who do community service by providing a community service. The deadline to enter was Monday, June 11, 2012. According to the company's Twitter feed, applications "poured in as the deadline grew near."

And that is where I found the following entry from the Optimist Club of Grand Rapids. The Club's project is to refurbish Camp Optimist, "a 120-acre woodland, full service day camp that was purchased by the club in 1956. Since 2005, the club has been working to refurbish it for the various community organizations that use the camp including the EcoBus Program, Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts and Camp Fire kids, among others.

 The Optimist Club video features Camp Fire Kids USA enjoying the camp's rustic amenities.

Winners will be decided by voting beginning June 18. Good luck to the Optimist Club of Grand Rapids on your entry.

Sometimes you have to feel the difference

There is a perception in this world that we think and say, "What's in it for me?" Actually, it is more of a reality. Fifty years ago, it was normal to join a group like an Optimist Club in order to give something back to the community. Today, potential and existing members evaluate the time that they will have to give to attend meetings and projects and look for how their involvement will advance their career.

Rarely do individuals examine the social nature of belonging and I find that even after many years of participating, I still have trouble putting it into words succinctly. The experience is different for each individual, but for me, belonging to an Optimist Club means that I have:

• The opportunity to learn about what is happening in my community from learned experts during presentations at club meetings
• A social group that shares similar values and goals
• A network of peers that I work with to conceive and perform projects that make our community a great place to live
• Knowledge and appreciation of the work performed by others in order to collaborate, not duplicate, efforts
• An increased awareness of local, national and international challenges
• The willingness to take the steps to make a difference. 

In writing this post, it comes to my mind that making a difference should not be the key motivator for service for the words imply that there are immediate benefits to our actions when we volunteer our time. It belies the reality that time, planning, fundraising, and other critical steps must be taken by someone in order for everyone to realize the benefits of action; not to mention it ignores that there are consequences of inaction or misguided action. 

That is why nonprofit and charitable organizations persist. It's easy to give money for others to organize so that you may, or may not, show up to perform a volunteer task. If you are truly committed to taking the steps to make a difference in your community, I ask that you reconsider your gift. Instead of money, please give your time and perform ground roots organizing through a service club. Your end result may not be as flashy, but your efforts will be more sincere. You will feel the difference rather than see it. 

Please click here if you would like more information about joining an Optimist Club in your community.

Form community partnerships and do even more

"Providing exceptional services during tough economic times requires innovative thinking and strong community partnerships." - City of Boise 



The Boise Parks and Recreation Department recently entered a contest. Unfortunately they didn't win the contest, but they did produce this video that emphasizes how to "Live a Better Life...in Boise!"

You might say that the residents are winners every day thanks to the services and amenities provided by the forward thinking parks department that leverages their relationships with local nonprofits and service clubs to do more. Some of the special projects include a mobile recreation program that takes activities to the children where they live (3:37), community centers established within existing schools (4:06), the Boise Noon Optimist Club Youth Sports Complex (6:08), and athletic programs for special populations (9:23).

The City of Boise acknowledges that they couldn't provide this level of service without input from residents and the participation of so many groups, nonprofits and service clubs that make Boise a better place to live.

Please watch the video for ideas of ways your service club can partner with your parks and recreation department, district, city or county to provide special opportunities for children and their families and then take action. Approach them and develop a plan and a partnership.

If you don't come up with at least one idea for getting involved, you aren't trying.

A model for giving back

He has said yes to help more than 100 community organizations raise money and given to dozens more causes. An immigrant from Pakistan, Hamid Chaudry believes in giving back to the community that he and his family calls home and he does so through his business and his kind heart.

Please watch the video from CBS News to learn more about what it means when Mr. Chaudry says, "God bless America."



Local business owners are called upon often to donate to service clubs, sports teams, church fundraisers and schools in their community. For the most part, they want to help. Finding business owners with the ability to use their business as Mr. Chaudry does to split fundraising efforts is always a blessing. It brings business to his establishment, benefits the charity or cause, and above all, spreads the spirit of community to all.

The next time your service club is looking for a donation, please consider that there might be a possibility to help your business community give back and get a little in return. Bring them customers and they'll always be there to support your cause. I promise.

Making a difference in the lives of youth

Their motto is "Making a difference in the lives of youth."

Yes, the Little Haiti Optimist Club is making a difference in  Miami Beach, Florida.

One of their early activities enabled students to produce  their own video segment for Reel2Real TV. This is only  one of the ways this new Optimist Club, formed in April 2010, is giving back to their community. They also provide sports opportunities, education and tutoring, an empowerment conference for girls, ongoing community beautification programs, toy drives, family activities and more.

• Click here to see a complete list of Little Haiti Optimist Club activities for 2011. 
• Check out some of the people, companies and organizations that partner with the Little Haiti Optimist Club.
• Donate to or become a member of the Little Haiti Optimist Club.
• And please, be sure to check out the video, produced by the kids. 

From Reel2Reel TV Show from Little Haiti Optimist Club on Vimeo.

Scouts and Optimists go well together

Jordan Strahl and his father recently visited the Optimist Club of Beaverton, Oregon to request help for his Eagle Scout project. He plans to work with the K-9 unit of the Beaverton Police Department to build an 'A' frame training ramp, training fence, dog house and raised platforms. The estimated cost of the project is $1,250.72.

Jordan is a life scout with Troop 870, sponsored by the Beaverton Optimist Club, and club liaison Bob Arneson can be seen on Jordan's left.

Optimist Clubs often sponsor Boy Scout troops as their mission fits well with the purposes of Optimist International, especially in providing community service and fostering an interest in good government and respect for law.

Paper, not plastic

Recently in Farmington Hills, Michigan, the East Middle School Jr. Optimist Club conducted a community service project for the Salvation Army.  Their goal was to go on a shopping expedition to help stock the shelves for people with needs. As you can see by the picture, paper products were the product of choice.

Any grocery shopper can tell you how quickly toilet paper and paper towels can eat up a tight budget. In another example of how a simple project can make a difference, this thoughtful gift from the students will be well received.

Photo credit: Farmington Hills Optimist Club website. Click here to find out more about JOOI Club projects and the Farmington Hills Optimist Club. 

Two groups that inspire community service

The young men in Boy Scout Troop 225 in Roseburg, Oregon have been busy campers. They meet weekly, are active in the community, perform community service projects, and learn life skills through overnight camping trips. They are also grateful to the local Optimist Club for helping them make a difference.

Four young scouts visited the Roseburg Optimist Club on February 25 to share stories and appreciation with the Optimist Club, one of their major sponsors. 

Nash Edwards talked about how the troop uses the trailer that the Optimist Club purchased for them.  Taylor Ferraro described some of their favorite community service projects. Christian Sifford detailed what happens in an average weekly meeting. Jacob Dundas gave a presentation on a recent overnight camping activity in the snow at Diamond Lake. The boys call this annual trek Klondike.

Troop members visit the Optimist Club several times a year to give updates. According to one member, it's fun to hear from them personally and as a bonus, the visits allow the children to practice their presentation skills.

Many Optimist Clubs sponsor Boy Scout Troops and often work side-by-side with them as troop leaders and mentors. Optimist International considers the scouting organization to be a community service resource and partner for teaching civic responsibility and good government to young people.

Thanks to Beth Edwards for the picture. 

Experience Optimism in review

It was inevitable- a post about the top stories on Experience Optimism for 2010. However, for me, measuring why they were top had to be more subjective than comments or click-throughs.  With 344 posts to choose from, I've decided to highlight 18 for various reasons.  I hope you like our year in review.

Innovative and noteworthy Optimist Club projects: 

1. Caldwell, Idaho - Boxing Program helps keep youths out of trouble 
2. Yuma, Arizona - From Arizona to Afghanistan with love
3. Wausau, Wisconsin - Optimist Club's woodworking booth most popular attraction
4. Chillicothe, Illinois - Chillicothe Optimist Club to host Red Carpet Event
5. Arlington, Virginia - Optimist Club helps to save the Arlington Planetarium 
6. Tucson, Arizona - Oktoberfest is a major fundraiser for Optimist Clubs in Tucson

What Optimist Clubs are all about:

1. What do Optimist Clubs raise money for?
2. Students set a fast pace for service
3. Optimist Clubs show appreciation for children
4. Volunteers rock the Boise Noon Optimist Club Football Program

Projects that collaborate with others:

1. Food pantry challenge 
2. Engaging our youth 
3. A movement away from home
4. Optimist International - John Hopkins Pediatric Oncology

Ideas to motivate you:

1. The conversation starter
2. In search of members and happiness
3. What motivates people - Daniel Pink 
4. What leads to success? - Richard St. John 

Thank you for reading our positive stories here on the Experience Optimism blog. It's fun and challenging bringing them to you. As always, when you see something good happening in your community, please send us a note. Tell us about good deeds, positive activities and upbeat stories that make you happy.