Does your Optimist Club embrace diversity?

Most service organizations will tell you that they are always looking for younger members to join their clubs. Of course younger members are needed, but so are members of any age, gender, nationality or ability. What we really need is diversity.

A diverse membership will allow us to develop programs that we might not otherwise provide. Consider the parent of an autistic child. They might suggest that the service club consider a project to make weighted blankets, buy special toys or offer quiet programs like an art class where the autistic child can participate without being overstimulated by outside noise and crowds.

Consider the aunt whose nephew is in a wheelchair. She might recommend ways that programs your club performs every day can be more universally accessible. For instance, how do children confined to a wheelchair pick up eggs during an Easter Egg hunt?

What about a child who has difficulty seeing or hearing or who is possibly is overcoming a developmental delay? Do your programs allow them to play on an even playing field with other children?  Are girls and boys empowered equally to achieve? Are children from all around your community able to participate no matter where they live?

Sensitivity to individuals of all abilities will help us grow in service and in our hearts. Have the conversation with your fellow Optimist Club members at your next gathering and then plan your projects to be inclusive. Work hard to make your membership inclusive as well.

Photo credit: Rachel Tudi, Goodwill Ambassador, Muscular Dystrophy Association

Young optimists honored by Winter Haven Optimist Club

One hundred and fifty elementary school students were treated to a special day courtesy of the Optimist Club of Winter Haven, Florida as part of Optimist International's worldwide celebration of Youth Appreciation Week.  Four teachers joined the students representing 75 schools in the community.

Following the "do the right thing" model, these students were recognized for being "good kids."  According to program chairman Larry Powell, the Optimist Club was not looking for straight A students or acclaimed athletes.  They wanted to recognize students that often go unnoticed, but are good citizens who do the right things every day.

The special treat for the students was a motivational presentation from two guest speakers: Rick Dantzler who spoke about literacy and reading and Otis Anthony, Senior Director of Diversity Management with the Polk County School Board who made a dramatic speech about being an eagle. "When you are an eagle, you are a beautiful person, a magnificent person and you can soar," he explained. 

Donna Kelley, a reporter with newschief.com was on hand to record the events. Please read her account of the activity in the great online article here.  The picture was taken by George Aycrigg of the News Chief. 

Optimist Club throws a pizza party for students who do the right thing

The Optimist Club of Hernando, MS became the latest Optimist Club to join the "Do the Right Thing" movement.  They chose to recognize children in the Hernando Middle School for turning in their homework and never being sent to the principal's office. 

According to Optimist Club member Pam Black recognizing the Hernando Middle School students is part of the Optimist International Youth Appreciation Week, a project that the club does every year. This year is a little different she said, “Usually, everything is geared to grades. The kids who make straight As get goodies all the time. These kids don’t have any unexcused absences. They do the day-to-day things that most people take for granted.”

About 80 kids were treated to a pizza party for their efforts, but middle school teacher Jeannie Booher says that the acknowledgement will stay with the children a lot longer than that. “Sometimes these kids go home and nobody tells them what a good job they have done,” Booher said. “I’m tickled to death that the Optimist Club did this." 

Belleville West Optimist Club honors student for doing the right thing

I like Optimist Club stories that honor children for doing the right thing.  This time it is a young man from Belleville, Illinois that stood up to 14 other students who were attacking another student on a school bus.  Shocking video footage showed the group ganging up on one student, not once, but twice.  Thanks to Steven Raines, a junior at Belleville West High School, the attack was stopped as he intervened and sat next to the threatened student for the remainder of the ride.

"I appreciate being recognized for what I think is a small thing that I did -- just something that was right," Steven said as he accepted the award from Chief of Police William Clay on behalf of the Belleville West Optimist Club. 

According to Barbara Beuckman, Optimist Club co-president, Steven's actions confirm that young people are willing to stand up for what is right. She believes that is a testament to parents like Steven's who teach their children good morals.

Violence isn't funny.  Congratulations and thank you Steven Raines for making a difference. 

Photo from the Belleville West Optimist Club.