Don't let the light go out in your Optimist Club

I write stories about Optimist Clubs. I share optimism nearly every day on this site, at www.pnwdistrictoptimist.com, or on Facebook by telling what Optimist Clubs do and how their actions impact youth and the community in which they live.

Most importantly, I highlight how they make their members feel about belonging to a group of positive-thinking do-gooders. I try to share the feeling of fellowship that is gained by working together for a common cause.

When I saw this post today from Poetry in Motion, I knew right away I was going to share it because it truly sums up why I write about Optimist Clubs. Perhaps my eyes fill with light as I write these stories. I know for certain that the stories I write about have struck me because of the light I have seen shining brightly from the storytellers.

Sadly, my positive light story is going to have a bit of a twist today; it is a downer, so to speak. While I hate to do it, I feel I must because if we don't talk about it, we can't fix it.

Saturday, March 24, 2018, I attended a Super Zone Meeting for the Optimist Clubs in Washington and Oregon, PNW District - Optimist International. It was sparsely attended, which was disappointing, and the agenda was rather thin. But that's okay, I thought, if nothing else, I'm going to gain enthusiasm from my fellow attendees about the projects that we do in our communities.

Sure enough, we heard lists of projects with fundraisers and Respect for Law programs taking the forefront and the Childhood Cancer Campaign and other Optimist International programs taking a less prominent position, among a few other community-specific programs. What we didn't hear from any of the Optimist Club participants was passion. No one lit-up or got excited talking about the projects they do. They simply said, we do this, this and this, and moved on.

Instead of the usual optimism and contagious energy, concerns about participation and communication dominated the discussion. Even the club fundraisers had challenges that the storytellers shared.  And sadly, nothing was suggested to help the participants and Optimist Club members solve their clubs' problems. Unlike the positive environment we expect when we attend an Optimist District or Optimist Club activity, it was not upbeat and quite frankly, it did not include information that would help the clubs succeed.

I've expressed in my blog posts before that not everyone is an inspirational or informed leader. The PNW District has suffered through two years of such poor leadership and we had high hopes that this year would be the one to turn us around. Challenges still remain. In defense of the current governor, he pulled out information from Optimist International that explains the purpose of the District - to be an administrative arm of Optimist International and to help clubs succeed. However, from the agenda I just witnessed, he seems to be taking his cues of what help looks like from the previous administration.

I'm disappointed that the light has been dimmed in so many Optimist Club members' eyes. I hope and pray that this will be turned around soon by bringing back the leaders that share their energy and passion for the organization. They are out there and like me, they are just waiting to be asked.


For an enthusiastic presentation on what it means to be an Optimist Club member, please contact Linda Vaught here.

But I've already done that

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.

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). 

A woman to lead

I hope that I don't offend you with a general observation that I am going to make: service clubs are famous for promoting old men. Similar to when you look at corporate organizational structures, when you look at the boards of directors and officers at club and international levels, the men far outnumber the women.

Nonetheless, I am still surprised when I run across an Optimist Club that has just installed its first female president. Kudos this morning to the Morning Optimist Club of Yankton, South Dakota and president Lisa Berry.

Lisa is shown here making a donation to the Yankton Baseball Association. The club is an active supporter of youth sports and education in the community and in the past year has donated almost $25,000 to academic and athletic programs. It also contributes to leadership programs including Boy Scouts and the Boys & Girls Club, among others.

Working on leadership within its core has been on the club members' minds. According to member Jacob Hoffner, the club has been encouraging Lisa to take the reins for many years. Her accepting this new role has been accompanied by a younger set joining the Optimist Club. Boasting ten new members thus far, the Morning Optimist Club of Yankton now has 99 members.

Good luck in your growth, Optimists. Thank you for your service. And best wishes to Lisa and the many more women that will follow in her footsteps.

Photo credit: www.yankton.net

Monday optimism

It's Monday morning, June 23, 2014, and yes, those online elections for Optimist International continue to be my news of the day. However, as I wandered the streets of Boise this morning looking for a quiet, yet pretty place outdoors to film this short video clip, I realized just how optimistic Monday mornings are.

Cars are buzzing about, delivery trucks are backing-in to place as they make their rounds to restaurants and businesses, and construction workers in their hard hats are taking new buildings to new heights. Most impressive are the people as they move in and out of office buildings filled with energy and great ideas.

Mondays are often ridiculed for they take us away from our weekend leisure activities; however, I believe they should be praised. Monday might be the most optimistic day of the week for it offers hope for the full week of achievement ahead.

And today I hope that your Optimist Club will participate, if it hasn't already, in the first online elections for Optimist International officers. I am a candidate for Vice President of the West Coast Region. I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you.

Elect Linda Vaught Jackson

Linda Vaught Jackson

Today I announced to the world - the Optimist world that is - that I am running for Vice President-elect, West Region, Optimist International.

It's been a long time coming. As readers of my blog know, I first joined an Optimist Club in 1987. Over the years I've been an active Optimist Club member and volunteer leader for the Illinois and Pacific Northwest Districts. In 1996, I was the secretary/treasurer of the Distinguished Illinois District and in 2010, I earned the status of Distinguished and Outstanding Governor for the Pacific Northwest District. I fully believe that if you work only for the best and expect only the best that you will achieve the best. The fact that I earned honors means that the Optimist Clubs were successful in their communities and for that I am grateful.

During my Optimist career, I have even had the opportunity to work in heaven. That's right I was a professional staff member as the director of membership development and training at Optimist International for two years.

You might say that I've done it all, but you would be wrong because I haven't yet had the opportunity to represent Optimist International as a vice president. Many people say that the role of lieutenant governor is their favorite position in the organization for as such, you get to travel to other clubs, share in their excitement for their projects and causes and inspire them to do even more.

I believe that the vice president role would be much like that feeling on steroids. There are so many projects to learn about, so many Optimist Clubs to visit and so many Optimist Club members to meet. But visiting and giving well wishes is not enough. We must grow our organization and that means adding members and new Optimist Clubs.

My passion is public relations. I believe that my expertise in strategic communications combined with my enthusiasm for Optimist Clubs is a powerful force that will allow me to help others amplify the good deeds and positive vision of our organization. Those Optimist Club stories will become magnets that will draw new volunteer members to our network of positive people and projects.

When elected, I promise to deliver a strategic public relations plan that all Optimist Clubs may follow. More than that, I promise to work with the Optimist Clubs in the West Region to launch, maintain and promote their positive presence in their communities.

Together, we can tell the Optimist Club story. Together, we can gain more members and  add additional new Optimist Clubs. Together we will grow.

This is the first year that Optimist Clubs will be allowed to vote online for international officers. Please discuss my candidacy with your Optimist Club members and encourage the president of your Optimist Club to vote for Linda Jackson for the West Region - Optimist International. Thank you for for your support.

Please like Elect Linda Vaught Jackson - West Region, Optimist International on Facebook. 

8 out 10 Optimist Clubs recommend...

At the Optimist International Convention in 2013, a panel of Optimist Clubs described what makes them successful. Optimist International has now released a video that summarizes their findings. Please take three minutes to watch Optimist Club Whiteboard and read through the slides and discover what 8 out 10 Optimist Clubs recommend.


 

While all of the video is interesting, I want to draw your attention to at least two of the findings:

 1) Publish a regular newsletter or bulletin. It doesn't have to be much. These days, for certain topics, an email or text will do just fine. The important thing is that everyone is connected to the club, the cause and each other.

 2) Don't re-elect the same officers over and over again. It's easy to rely on the same people; however, doing so prevents others from stepping up to leadership and gives the impression that your club is not open to new ideas. Promote others' ideas and potential and they will take you further along the pathway to your Optimist Club's success.

What would you add to the white paper for a successful Optimist Club? Please share your thoughts in the comments, send an email or use this form to tell us more.

Lead outside your comfort zone

Every year on October 1 Optimist International installs new officers throughout the organization. Optimist Clubs get new presidents, districts get new governors and the organization welcomes a new international president as its leader. The structure encourages a rebirth of energy and enthusiasm and puts fresh eyes and hands to work to carry on the mission of the organization.

There is always a challenge to turnover; namely, change. We are programmed to resist change, not because we don't want it, but simply because change is different. Change may require us to act differently and as creatures of habit, that may make us uncomfortable. That's why the leader must put her followers at ease with open communication practices. Transparency is the friend of transition. It helps our cause when people know not only what we are doing, but why we are doing it and it furthers our cause when they are able to talk about it without feeling threatened. 

Two-way symmetrical communication is not a new concept; however, it has never been as achievable as it is today with the social media tools that exist. I encourage every Optimist Club and community service organization to embrace and use them widely in order to really engage with their constituents and stakeholders alike. Let your followers know what you're doing and listen thoughtfully to their concerns and, yes, even their criticisms. Only then will the organization open itself up to truly diverse growth potential. 

There is one other caution that I want to share with those who have recently accepted new leadership roles. It's tempting to think that this year is your year to be president. News flash: it's not. This is simply another year in the organization's long history and it is your turn to lead the organization. You must lead it in a manner that sustains it, nurtures it, and helps it to grow. 

Our leaders can be inspirational and some inspire action from individuals because of a personal commitment. However, your job as a leader is to reach out to all and to inspire more than those with whom you are already connected. John Quincy Adams said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." 

I challenge you to do more.  Lead outside your comfort zone; be a leader who inspires all. 

Having a voice, or not, at the international convention

Some of my friends, representing different Optimist Clubs around the globe, are checking in on Facebook with their locations today as they head to their ultimate destination: the 95th Optimist International Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. It will take place July 4-6, 2013. 

At the convention, new international officers will be selected during a mostly ceremonial election. According to Optimist International bylaws, nominations are not accepted from the floor and the International President-elect and regional Vice Presidents-elect are therefore running unopposed. 

The Board of Directors, with two seats to fill, will be chosen from a slate of six candidates. While still no nominations may be made from the floor, at least in this category delegates will have a choice to make. 

Delegates will also muddle their way through 19 proposed amendments to the bylaws. Theoretically, the delegates will have discussed all of these issues with the club that they represent because, as I've said here many times, individuals belong to Optimist Clubs and Optimist Clubs make up Optimist International. Therefore the bylaws should apply to and be approved by Optimist Clubs.

Somewhere in the early part of this century, that idea became skewed. The role of international board of directors was invented and a push for individual representation was on. The challenge, and partially why I am not attending this year's convention festivities, is that the focus for Optimist International began moving away from providing benefit to its member constituents (Optimist Clubs) to providing a more public benefit. Through efforts such as the Childhood Cancer Campaign, Optimist International began raising and giving money away to a third party. 

This year, one of the amendments to be considered allows individual memberships to Optimist International. The need to belong to an Optimist Club will be removed by this pilot program. While I am outraged, the crafters of the proposal say, don't worry, these members won't be allowed to vote. Well, now, isn't that special. If successful, there will be a large portion of members without a voice. If not successful, the organization will have still told its member clubs, we're looking to replace you. What a lose-lose situation for all and, in my opinion, a public relations debacle. 

Optimist International posted on its Facebook page today that 1,000 persons are registered for the convention. That includes staff, vendors, and family members of registered delegates. That seems like a rather low number although percentage-wise it's probably within acceptable terms. And as I mentioned earlier, I'm one of those who decided not to go. 

For me, a three-day trip to Cincinnati would have required, due to airline availability out of Boise, four days and at least $2,000. I would have gladly made the trip if I felt that had a real need to be there or if I believed my presence would make a difference. But as I know that communication within the organization is top-down and informational only, I feel shut out. I decided that it was better for me to feel shut out from afar rather than being an island amidst a sea of revelers. Those revelers, Optimist Club members and friends that I enjoy, seem to have somehow forgotten that the purpose of the convention is not social. Social is a benefit, a wonderful benefit; but the purpose of the international convention is to create a forum where member clubs can provide guidance to the organization and generate enthusiasm behind a common purpose. That common purpose is the work of Optimist Clubs.

When they realize that, we'll take our organization back to the Optimist Club model – a model where providing local benefit is empowered by the international umbrella. Service clubs are not dead. Optimist Clubs are not dying. They are just being led astray. It's up to caring members to get them back on track. Contact me to learn more. 

An open culture allows us to redefine leadership roles

This month throughout the Optimist International organization, districts are holding their quarterly meetings with three major issues on their agendas. First and second are the Optimist International Oratorical Contest and the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The district finals are held at this time and students are awarded scholarships for their presentation skills.

The third item of business is the election of lieutenant governors for the next administrative year that starts  on October 1. Lieutenant governors are an extension of the district and Optimist International for they provide a friendly face to the clubs in their zone (a geographic region of approximately 5 clubs) and serve as a conduit for information and source of inspiration. Their job is to help the clubs in their area succeed.

Several years ago, Optimist International removed the requirement that a district must elect or even have lieutenant governors. As I only recently became aware of this fact, I don't know the reasoning behind the move, but I imagine that it had something to do with recruiting people for the role. It has become increasingly difficult to get individuals to step up and take this position and those who do become lieutenant governors often fail to live up to their commitment.

Once considered the next step in leadership after being a successful Optimist Club president, it would seem that the role has become irrelevant. But that doesn't mean the organization should simply throw it out. They should instead rewrite the job description for the 21st century.

The role of lieutenant governor is the best place to begin to form brand ambassadors to promote the purposes of Optimist International. Instead of asking them to visit the Optimist Clubs in their zones and checking off a list that certain standards are in place, ask them to teach the value of belonging to the Optimist International community and share the programs and resources that the umbrella organization provides. Ask them to reach out to others and share the opportunities that a new Optimist Club could bring to their area. Most of all, ask them to share the news about the good deeds performed by Optimist Clubs via the myriad of social channels that are available to them.

By redefining the role, we would get new and different personalities to apply and vie for the opportunity. These individuals would come with distinct skills including teaching, speaking, motivating, writing, and more. Understand that I have eliminated the word "lead" from this particular position. Leaders are important, we need club presidents and district governors to perform administrative functions; but in today's world, we are all leaders and we are all followers. The open culture allows us to do it all, to lead when needed and fall back when others' skills are better suited to the task than ours. The organization that we choose for fellowship and community service should allow us to do it all as well.

When we embrace an open culture, we allow for equality, transparency, and cooperation. Furthermore, we encourage participation and participation engenders growth.

Optimist Day in Oklahoma and beyond

March 2, 2013 was officially declared Oklahoma Optimist Day by Governor Mary Fallin. This auspicious event coincided with the Southwest Parallel District Conference held in the Southwest that included Optimist Clubs from South Texas, New Mexico/West Texas, Colorado/Wyoming, Arkansas, Kansas, North Texas and Oklahoma.

The leadership activity was open to all members and included lectures on new club building, membership, social media, fundraising and governance. The keynote presentation was given by Sean Kouplen about finding fulfillment and clarity in one's life.

Have you ever wondered what does a gubernatorial proclamation mean to an organization? It means awareness on many levels, but most important, I think, is it means that someone cares enough to share the mission of the organization with influential citizens who bring added recognition to the cause.

Perhaps every day should be Optimist Day somewhere. Everywhere.

Lead by example

Over the years, service clubs develop their own organizational culture and it's interesting to watch a new club set the parameters for what's acceptable and what is not within their own surroundings. Forget free will. Forget that we are all different with different motivations for belonging. Forget that we live in multicultural communities with diverse interests and needs. Some groups still feel the need to dictate behaviors and that is one reason why, in my opinion, our organizations fail to grow.

For example, I recently heard of a club that was struggling with the decorum surrounding guest speakers. It's a small group, and the number of regular attendees is less than half of the total membership. Most of them like to hear presentations from community groups, among others, on a regular basis and a few do not. There is one of the members who takes a great interest in the presentations. She will speak to the presenter before and after the meeting and will often ask questions of the guest and sometimes of others. She is there to develop her professional network and broaden her personal knowledge about the community and she admits that she is likely to mention the elephant in the room when others would turn their heads and hope it goes away.

Citing this member as an affront to his sensibilities, another member has decided that asking questions doesn't suit him and he has approached the board of directors to suggest that a policy be written that would recommend that as a guest of the club, presenters should only be given "softball" questions. Easy questions, he rationalizes, will make the presentation run smoother and give the speaker a sense of support.

That would seem like a somewhat reasonable request; after all, the club doesn't want to offend anyone, right? However, such a policy would prevent the young lady and others from learning more in order to support or reject the speaker's stance or cause. It's censorship, plain and simple, and when you start censoring members, or filtering the information that they give and receive, you will lose them.

In an earlier post, I encouraged members to be intolerant of intolerance and to speak up when someone says something hurtful. After thinking more about that statement, and then being posed the dilemma outlined in today's post, I'm inclined to ask where is the club president in both situations. It is the club president's responsibility to facilitate a meeting that shows respect to everyone in the room and that may mean limiting questions and comments. It certainly means creating order, including starting and ending on time. When a sensitive situation arises, that time constraint provides a great escape. "Since our time is limited, let's discuss this after the meeting," are simple words that give pause and allow the focus to be redirected when necessary.

Service clubs must not expect their members to think alike. We live in a complex world and members arrive at every meeting with multiple personal, professional and social concerns. Your club meeting may be the only time they have to discuss those concerns with others. Kudos to you if you have made your meeting a learning environment where members feel safe to share what is on their mind.

Censorship is bullying. Encouraging interaction is preferred. Lead by example; and if you want to retain members, and attract new ones, be sure to provide a respectful forum for all.

What is leadership?

Leadership. Can you explain this great responsibility in one or two sentences?

 
Eight individuals recently honored by the Partnership for Public Service as Service to America 2011 winners were asked to share their thoughts on leadership with the Washington Post. Hear what Alfonso Batres, Diane Braunstein, C. Norman Coleman, James Michael Duncan, William A. Gahl, W. Todd Grams, Charles Heurich and Paul Hsieh had to say by watching the video.

Collectively, they agree that leadership has a lot to do with creating an environment that will help people be successful by encouraging them to develop their skills and work together towards he common good.

What do you think? Is that leadership in one sentence? Please share your thoughts in the comment section. Go.

Handing over the honor of leadership

Optimist Clubs are planning for the new administrative year that begins a little over a week from now on October 1.  While current leaders complete their promises to leave their clubs stronger than when they began,  installation dinners are taking place,  and new officers are being welcomed and encouraged to take their new positions with zeal.

In the Caribbean District, the clubs hold a handing over ceremony to signify the end of one Optimist year and the beginning of the next. The president's gavel is handed from one president to the next with great honor and duty.

Shown here is Immediate Past President Carmen Hackett handing over the gavel to the new President Shellecia Brooks.  During the ceremony, President Brooks told her Optimist Club, "Of great importance must be each Optimist member's unwavering commitment to the children of Anguilla."

Following the ceremony, club members and their guests enjoyed dinner in preparation for the busy year ahead that will include, among other things, the 9th Annual Race Against AIDS, more community outreach and special support for the Junior Optimist Octagon International Clubs, the youth membership of Optimist International.

Thank you to the Optimist Club of Anguilla for sharing the story of your handing over ceremony. Click to read more in The Anguillian.

Women must sponsor women

Recently, I have been studying gender relations and gender biases that prevent women from reaching top leadership roles. I've found that women can be their own worst enemies. We're somewhat neurotic and question our abilities. We're realistic about our skills and welcome the opportunity to learn more. We hope to be liked and want everyone to get along. We're nurturers and help others first before helping ourselves.

It's that last one that I want to talk about here. Yes, women are nurturers. Then why aren't we nurturing each other?

Women have perpetuated a stereotype that we are fiercely competitive with one another and not always willing to help each other out.  I question that is true, but if it is or isn't, the behavior or profile must stop. We must sponsor each other, promote each other and encourage our female and male counterparts to do the same. Only then will our associations, organizations, businesses, and government benefit from the full range of knowledge, experience and emotions that drive us to succeed.

In the following video, former US Representative Jane Harman gives advice for female leaders. Three points stand out to me that women must begin doing now:

1. Work harder and be more prepared
2. Accept that you will make enemies and move on
3. Bring other women up with you

She says that last one is a moral imperative. I agree.



Why did I think this was important to discuss on the Experience Optimism blog? 
Twenty-five years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that women must be allowed to join Rotary International opening the doors for their admission to all service clubs. Since that time, membership in service clubs has declined. Many explanations have surrounded this statistic such as the rise of churches, the failing economy, more opportunities to volunteer without joining a club, and others; however, I believe that the underlying problem is culture. 


Over the past three years, serving as an Optimist District leader, I have been appalled at how women are disrespected in many circles. Even when women are promoted and are successful, a rude, disparaging undertone is often louder than the praise. 


I will continue to look at the topic and when possible, encourage women to overcome the slights that will follow them on their road to success. Women, we must help each other achieve more. 

Relationships are the key to Optimist Club growth

For months, maybe years, I have been espousing the need for true engagement between Optimist International leaders and Optimist Club members.  For me, there seems to be a disconnect between what the clubs want and what the international office is willing or able to provide. The result: Optimist Clubs are entrepreneurial; they do what is needed in their club and community at any given time within their own framework and knowledge-base.

Is this a good or bad thing? Well, as the saying goes that I so dislike, it is what it is. It is neither good or bad for the successful Optimist Club that is able to serve their community year-after-year. But can the same be said for the club who is burnt out and not so successful? Are they at risk for terminating their service in their community?

Or how does that affect the organization known as Optimist International? What is their investment in a locally-driven project? What is their ownership? What is their involvement or what should it be? 

This is the discussion that I believe needs to be had between the organization and its internal customers. Optimist Clubs and their members pay to be a part of Optimist International; therefore, they need to discuss: 

• What do they receive for that payment? 
• Is the perceived value the same for all communities? If not, why not? 
• What, if anything, is missing from the menu of services? 
• If there is something missing, how would the missing ingredient be used to advance the reach of Optimist Clubs in your community and the world? 

I believe there is a lot of power in asking the right questions, but I also believe there is power in answering them. According to recent global study, one in three executives say they are often unable to find the right people to provide them information. One can only wonder how the employees and customers must feel if that is the case. 

So with 3,000 Optimist Clubs, representing 90,000 Optimist Club members, research would suggest that we need to ask everyone. We also need to apply appropriate filters to assess the relevancy of the answers received. We need to digest and report those answers, generate new questions and establish an ongoing dialog with those who are interested in participating using established social media tools. We need for the Optimist International organization to be approachable and transparent. 

An observant reader might ask, who is "we?" You guessed it; "we" is you and me. We make up the Optimist Clubs that are Optimist International; not only the staff and leaders. We need to be involved. 

Optimist Club growth does not happen because of advertising, surveys or blog posts. It happen because people are engaged with one another. Never forget, relationships matter.  What we say to each other makes a difference. What we don't say, even more. 

Seeing and feeling your way to change

Like any organization, Optimist International is made up of volunteers who are passionate about their cause. That passion drives leaders to ask their followers to adopt new ways of thinking and make progress within their terms of office; often one year at a time. In order to accomplish their mission, these leaders spend a lot of time teaching how-to courses like how to write a budget, how to lead a meeting and how to recruit new members. Sometimes it seems like there is a lot of teaching going on and not a lot doing, seeing or feeling what the real activity is like.

When I saw this video on Fast Company, I thought, aha here is the answer. Here is what motivates people to want to change.  Please take a look and consider how you might add this approach to your recruitment and leadership style. Don't be afraid to discuss your ideas below.

Election season brings optimism

It is Election Day in the United States of America. It would be easy to wax on about the importance of voting in a democracy. It would be simple to talk about how happy I will be to have this election season and all of it's mud-slinging behind us. But instead, I'm going to congratulate a winner of a different election.

Her name is Leigh Ann Cate. She was elected the charter president of the brand new Optimist Club of Carter, Tennessee, chartered on September 27, 2010.

Congratulations Leigh Ann. May your Optimist Club serve your community well.

Respect and fun can go hand-in-hand

Optimist Clubs and Districts have fun as they provide service to children and their communities. Over the weekend, the California South District had a little Halloween fun at a get-together the evening before their first quarterly administrative session and general board meeting.

To the right is a picture of Cal South District Governor Jim Walker taken with my Android phone at dusk (sorry it is not a better picture). He was a scary, funny and welcome witch at the evening social event.

On Saturday, he was a well-respected leader with great plans for helping the clubs in the district REACH more children. He shared the inspiration for his plan of work:
R - Respect each other
E  - Enthusiasm Show for all that we do
A - Accomplish what we plan and enjoy the success from a job well done
C - Communicate and connect with your club members, officers, community and  youth
H - Hard work will produce a positive outcome

Good luck to Governor Jim and the Cal South District. May you REACH your goals in the coming year.

Leadership from within

Our presidents are leaders.  At least an electing body thinks that they are. Whether they be presidents of a club, corporation or country, those who rise to leadership have similar traits; they possess a vision and a drive to make the vision a reality.

This post is to tell you that I believe we are all leaders.  Somewhere inside of us we all know what we want to see in our future. While some may choose a family and children first when others choose to pursue a career, we all want to leave the world a better place for those that follow in our footsteps. 

It is how we act on that last statement that makes us human. When we act in a positive manner, we become agents of change. When we act in a negative manner we stifle, argue, wither and die.  Since we are all leaders, we must choose which course of action will allow citizens of the world today and tomorrow the most opportunity to choose their own path. We must set a course of action that encourages leadership among our peers and empowers individuals to share their ideas and plans of action with others. 

This blog is largely about the positive and upbeat activities performed by members - people who belong to Optimist Clubs.  You don't have to be a part of an Optimist Club to pursue a positive course of action, but it helps. In an Optimist Club, twenty or more of your closest friends come together to cheer for each other and perform good deeds. Working together with your friends and colleagues will help you stay inspired  and your enthusiastic participation will inspire others. I hope you share your leadership and give membership a try. 

Be the change that you want to see in the world; that is leadership from within.