Impressions and brands

Robotic clubs, school groups with a technology focus, have caught the attention of a great number of Optimist Clubs. Some are starting Junior Optimist Octagon (JOOI) Clubs within them while others are supporting the school efforts with donations.

The robot shown here is from the Lightning Bolts Robotic Club in Gresham, Oregon. The exhibit shows pictures of the club developing the robot and participating in tournaments. That's awesome.

It also shows the organizations that have sponsored it and that's what I want to talk about here. Notice that there are three sponsors that are visible: the Kiwanis Club, Lions Club and something that is pink and not readily identifiable.

I know that pink thing is the Gresham Optimist Club. Isn't it too bad that the Optimist International logo is not as easy to read as its counterparts?

Optimist Clubs and members often lament the fact that Optimist Clubs are a best-kept secret. Well folks, the best way to keep it a secret is to NOT use the standard logo for the organization.

If you want Optimist Clubs to be recognized around the world, don't hide it behind your club's branding. Use the official logo, loud and proud. With more than 2,300 communities served by Optimist Clubs around the world, we could make millions of impressions daily. For our brand to be known, we must offer a consistent impression and that begins with using the official logo of Optimist International.

To 100 members and beyond!

Another Optimist Club that is on a big wave of additions is the Optimist Club of Lebanon, Oregon. On its Facebook page today, it shared, "Getting so crowded with Optimists that some had to be cool kids and sit in the back."

It went on to explain that the club was only 10 members away from fulfilling a challenge. Club members Jim and Heather McDaniel have promised to donate $25,000 to the Lebanon Skate Park when the club reaches 100 members. At 90, it's close!

The Lebanon Optimists have already met one challenge this year. By reaching 80 members, the McDaniels gave each member a commemmorative coin designed to celebrate the community. What's more, the Optimist Club, as of this writing, has added 44 new members for a net gain of 30 new members for this year.

Asked how they do it, the humble-brag is that the Optimist Club is the happ'n'st club in town. They are also optimistic at their meetings. No drama allowed. This club gets together to make a positive change it its community.

I had the wonderful experience of visiting the Lebanon Optimists in June 2015. At that time, the membership was between 80 and 85. At least 50 members were in attendance to share fellowship, learn about community events, and to stand together to recite the Optimist Creed. All of those elements combine to make them a truly outstanding Optimist Club.

That's why I'm sure it will meet its challenge. To 100 members and beyond! Keep going, Lebanon Optimists!

Positive WOMM* for the Gresham Optimist Club Shop with a Cop program

The Gresham Optimist Club hosts two days each year where children get the opportunity to Shop with a Cop. The idea behind the program is to give kiddos a positive experience with a law enforcement officer. At the same time, the children pick up a gift for themselves and shop for others so that they have the experience of giving as well as receiving.

It's a wonderful program! In fact, so wonderful that community members take notice.

Appearing in my Facebook news today was the following link. Stephanie Jaye Adams snapped a picture of an officer and a child and then told the world about it. She said, "Yesterday I stopped by the Heights Target and saw about fifty police officers--each had a small child by the hand and they were shopping for Christmas. These men and women were so patient and gentle. I saw love there.Listen, people. Tell the good stories, too. When you see it done right, tell that story, too."

What great advice! Be sure to tell your Optimist Club story on Facebook and beyond. And share it with us so we can amplify the great works that your Optimist Club does in your community. Thank you.

*Word of mouth marketing

Post by Bertie Slauson.

Pancakes advance our communities

As I grew up, the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast and Jaycees Fish Fry were social gatherings that families didn't miss. In addition to helping out the clubs in their fundraising efforts, attendees would visit with friends and families and in social parlance, they would just hang out and be seen.

For a small business owner, being seen in the community was an important part of their public relations plan. During the event, my father would field questions about new appliances and television problems; my mom would inquire about families and kids and both of their actions solidified relationships. There was no doubt that the majority of those they met at the service club event would visit State Radio and Television when it came time to purchase their next TV or appliance.

Times have changed. Service clubs hold fewer food-related fundraisers. My work with the Middleton Area Optimist Club has led me to believe that part of the reason is that it's not cost effective. By the time one purchases supplies and complies with food preparation rules supplied by the health district, the price of the ticket is likely higher than one would want to pay to eat pancakes on a parking lot. Not to mention, the one or two dollars that the club receives from each ticket isn't a big return on investment.

However, I must say that the way we socialize has changed as well. We text and email and reminisce with our friends on Facebook, making the annual pancake breakfast rather obsolete. That's why I was so heartened to see that the Optimist Club of Lebanon, Oregon finds its Strawberry Festival Breakfast to be part of the appeal to belong the club.

At the recent Biz Expo sponsored by the chamber of commerce, the Lebanon Optimist Club was there in force to explain what they do in the community. The Optimist Club Strawberry Festival Breakfast banner was there, front and center, publicizing the event; but more important, reminding visitors that when they support the community, they support each other.

I don't want to slow down technology. I'm all for advancing its power; but I would sometimes like to slow down time so that we are mindful of where we live and how a pancake breakfast put on by an Optimist Club has the potential to improve our relationships. Perhaps, coming together for pancakes  could advance our community one relationship at a time. Perhaps some traditions need to be revived for service clubs and all.

Post by Lebanon Optimists.

Optimist Club of Salem, Oregon appreciates kids every month

I always look forward to seeing the Youth Appreciation events at the Optimist Club of Salem, Oregon. When they come across my Facebook feed, I click and enjoy the stories about the students that they have honored during the month. 

You see, almost two years ago, the members decided that if they were indeed friends of youth as the Optimist International motto says, then they needed to interact more with children. That led them to reach out to the schools in search of students who deserve a little recognition. The criteria is different for every recipient, based on what the teachers would like to emphasize. Sometimes it's most improved in a particular subject, other times it's recognition for arts or music acumen or sports ability. They are especially aware of students who improve their attendance record and give community service to others.

One of the best things about the recognition is that the Optimist Club of Salem shares the stories on their Facebook page and gives a little boost for the kids that they serve while at the same time making a clear statement of why its important and rewarding to belong to an Optimist Club.

This month's honorees come from several different schools. With permission, I've reprinted their stories here. Enjoy!

There were many students with a plethora of reasons to be acknowledged during our Youth Appreciation event on April 10. The picture shows you the students, here are their stories: 

The students are (from left to right): 

Tomah Linwood from Chemawa Indian School honored for his significant improvement in academics. Tomah follows in his grandfather's footsteps, his grandpa was the first member of the family to attend Chemawa.Tomah started his school time as an underachiever, liking to fight and carrying a . 1.7 GPA. During this last year he wanted to graduate with a 3.75 GPA and he made it happen. He changed his attitude and his life. Tomah served as the school librarian among other leadership roles. Tomah plans to go to Portland Community College in the fall. 

Idallis Riggs from Chemawa Indian School was selected as that school's Youth of the Year (Chemawa graduation is on April 25th so we had to present this award today). A Navaho from Arizona, Idalis chose Chemawa for the social programs offered there. She has spent four years in the AVID program. She was Miss Chemawa in the Pow Wow events for two years. She played volleyball and basketball. She will attend PSU after she graduates and will play basketball there. 

Nicholas Becker from Blanchet Catholic School selected as Most Improved in Academics. Nicholas has managed his school years with a great balance of all topics. Whether it was math, Drama or Science, he was always at the top of his class. Nicholas plans to attend Chemeketa Community College for two years, then will move on to OSU. 

Adriana Bernard from McNary High School selected as Most Involved in Community Affairs (last month's category). Adriana has been a true leader in community service projects and a role model for other students. She plans to go to OSU to study Athletic Training. 

Eduardo Rangel from McNary High School selected as Most Improved in Academics. Eduardo had trouble in his freshman year and "iffy" attendance as a sophomore and was expelled. He knew that he needed to come back to McNary and when he did he turned his life around. He was even given an awarding T-shirt at a CE2 luncheon. He is now considered a role model for his two younger brothers. 

Kymmery Simmons From Sprague High School selected as Most Improved in Academics. Kymmery is an awesome champion of the AVID program and has served students so well that Sprague even gets appreciative phone calls. Not surprisingly, she will be going into college to allow her to teach children!

The banners tell a story

On December 11, 2012, the Optimist Club of Hillsboro, Oregon honored police officers for their service during the annual Respect for Law Day. The event began as a way for Optimist International and its clubs to bring children together with first responders so they might build positive relationships rather than one of fear or as consequences of bad behavior. It has grown into an activity that clubs celebrate in their own manner, and a great number of Optimist Club do as the Hillsboro members have done; they recognize officers for their commitment and say thank you for their service.

I especially like this picture because of the backdrop. The Optimist Club banners are a brand that shows this club is active in their community. One can tell by the badges and awards that have been sewn onto the banners that the Hillsboro Optimist Club has a strong history of engagement and success that will lead it well in the future.

The backdrop tells a story as broad as the people who are in the picture. I hope you take notice of the  backdrops you use in your photos so that you might share your Optimist Club story with pictures, feelings and words.


Photo courtesy of Sarah Newton. 

Most improved students recognized in Salem

Wrapping up the year with the annual Youth Appreciation Awards, the Optimist Club of Salem, Oregon made its final choices for most improved students last week, just in time for the end of the school year.

The 10 students receiving awards were - Front row left to right: Lily Emerson - McNary, Megan Angstrom - Blanchet, Rachel Wright - Salem Academy, Courtney Johnson - McNary, Nathan Smith - Salem Academy; Back row left to right: Kate Rosen - Sprague, Edgar Jimenez - McNary, Victor Sosa - McNary, Keri Bonn - McNary, Floyd Thomas - West Salem. 

The Salem Optimist Club recognized students each month during the 2011-2012 school year bringing youthful ideas and dreams to share with the club members. 

Optimists recognize improvement

I like simple stories of how Optimist Clubs honor and recognize the youths in our communities and knew I had to share this quick note with you that I received from the Optimist Club of Salem, Oregon. 

The Salem Optimist Club has been working with the schools in their community to honor students for different reasons: community service, perfect attendance, attitude, grades, special honors the students have received at school and now for most improved in grades, attitude and involvement. Great job everyone!

The note from the Salem Optimist Club follows:

The Optmists awards this week were for students who have made great improvements in their grades and attitude toward school over the years and one student was honored for involvement in the community. 

Students honored were Joseph Cromwell - Most Involved in Community Affairs - Chemawa Indian School 

Joseph Lenoir - Most Improved in Academics - Chemawa Indian School 

With Frank Milton two students from North Salem both as Most Improved in Academics - Diana Mendoza and Darrick Utley 

With Wes from Sprague as Most Improved in Academics - Simone Antkowiak

Take a tour of the PNW District blog

One of the most ambitious website projects to be conducted by an Optimist District is going on in the Pacific Northwest. This district has created a dynamic blog platform that incorporates all 50 Optimist Clubs in the district.

The PNW District stretches from Idaho to Alaska and includes Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. The main blog site attempts to highlight stories from all around the district and bulletin editors and others are encouraged to contribute to their own blogs which also serve as an enhanced club directory.

Visitors can go on a quick tour by watching this video. Click here to visit the PNW District blog.



Do you belong to an Optimist Club in the PNW District? They are looking for authors, photographers and more. Contact the district at this link for an assignment.

An elevator lifts the spirit of community

Thanks to Facebook, I know that the Oregon City Optimist Club is participating in a car show today on Main Street, Oregon City, Oregon. That little bit of information prompted me to learn more, so I clicked on a link that took me to the flyer advertising the 2nd Annual Cruise to Historic Downtown Oregon City (right).

Okay, there are cars, sponsors, free parking and admission for spectators,  and my goodness, what is that thing in the middle of the page? Is it a restaurant? Since I have never been to Oregon City, I had to find out!

According to the Oregon City Public Works Department, that structure is a municipal elevator. Oregon City is one of four cities in the world that has such an elevator. "Elevator Street" connects the lower city to the upper bluff and is the only vertical street in North America.  It was built in 1954 and carries over 120,000 riders each year.

At the top, the elevator lets out onto historic Main Street, location of the Annual Downtown Car Show. And now, thanks to an Optimist Club activity, you know a little bit of Oregon City and elevator trivia. Click here to read more. 

Optimist Clubs are well known for supporting the spirit of community. Participating in car shows and highlighting the uniqueness of our cities and culture are part of the fun of belonging. Why not join an Optimist Club as a way to give to your community and to yourself today? Click here to find out how to be an Optimist.

Optimists at the fair

It is fair time in the Pacific Northwest and Optimist Clubs in Idaho, Oregon and Washington are working day and night at their biggest fundraisers.

In Caldwell, Idaho, the Optimist Club works the food booth at the Caldwell Night Rodeo. This week-long event is one of the top 20 professional rodeos in the United States. There are events for junior ropers and a rodeo queen competition with scholarships and also country music artists free with rodeo admission.  The 48-member club found a little (or a lot) of help from the Junior Optimist Club. 

In Oregon City, Oregon, the Oregon City Optimist Club works the Clackamas County Fair for an extended weekend, Wednesday through Sunday, making pronto pups. As the only pronto pup supplier at the fair, they work non-stop. In other words, don't believe the pictures that show them waiting for customers. 

The Tri-Cities Optimist Club in Richland, Washington also work a full week at the Benton County Fair. They have a large, permanent building where they cook and serve, and a nice covered picnic area for the patrons. And, oh, did I mention the mechanical bull? 

All of our fair fundraisers are well-supported by their respective communities. Fair-goers enjoy knowing their money stays right in the community to support projects that bring out the best in children. Please enjoy the slideshow from Optimists at the Fair. You'll see being an Optimist Club member is not all work; it's a lot of fun.

Photos provided by Lareena Roberson, Casey Crookham and the Oregon City Optimist Club. Thanks! 

A two-way testimonial

I didn't have to read it at Copyblogger to know that what people say about you matters. I've been a fan of word-of-mouth marketing for a long time. In the blogging age, word-of-mouth is of course the written word and isn't that even better? It is social proof that readers, clients, journalists, and potential members of your Optimist Club can return to, and send others to, time and time again.

Yes, in the age of social media, the testimonial is a very effective relationship-building tool.

I found this Optimist Club testimonial tucked inside a company newsletter for Burgerville. Burgerville is a fast food restaurant chain that takes special pride in participating in their local community.

Kevin Schmid, Burgerville Manager, Gresham, Oregon wrote about his involvement in the Gresham Optimist Club in the June edition.  He said:

I have been partnering with the GResham Optimist Club for five years and currently I'm on the board. The Optimist Club is dedicated to bringing out the best in kids. Some of the club's activities include:

• The Gresham High School Options Program, an alternative choice for at-risk youth encouraging them to remain in school
• The Explorer Post, a work-site based program where youth explore community organizations and careers
• Essay and oratorical contests for middle and high school students awarding college scholarships
• Beat the Heat, a street racing alternative
• Mock Interviews at area high schools

Kevin also received some testimonials in return from members who told how Burgerville is a great partner to the Optimist Club. Optimist Joe Anderson said, "Without Burgerville's support, the Optimists couldn't provide this level of service to the kids in our community."

The article ended with information on how to join and participate with the Gresham Optimist Club; it was a win-win for all.

Click here to download the Burgerville newsletter in full.

Bring your classic car to the Beat the Heat Cruise-In

Car shows are a popular fundraising activity for many Optimist Clubs. This Saturday, June 25, the Optimist Club of Gresham, Oregon will host the annual Beat the Heat Cruise-in at  Gresham High School,  10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

There will be food, raffles, music, and a 50-50 drawing; plus trophies will be awarded in 23 categories and clubs have new opportunities for participating.  Vendor booths are available. 

There's so much happening at this annual event that you must click on the photo to enlarge and print. Bring the whole family and enjoy.

Beat the Heat is a program of the Gresham Police Department, sponsored by the Gresham Optimist Club, that works to keep drag racing off the street. Find out more about the Oregon Beat the Heat on Facebook. There are chapters in 35 states across the US. 

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.

K.I.S.S. your videos

We all enjoy professional videos; that's why the movie industry continues to thrive as we hand over mega bucks to see the latest stars and stories on the big screen. However, today, we can all be videographers. The tools and resources are there for anyone who wants to give it a try.

Take a look at this 23-second clip taken at a recent gathering in the Pacific Northwest District - Optimist International where Judi Van Cleave was happy to give a plug about her Optimist Club and the Oregon City Pioneer Family Festival.



All you need to make this happen is a handheld video camera, a YouTube account and person who is passionate about the cause.

Oh, and please remember the wise words  Brian Solis gave to attendees at the School of WOM, "Keep it significant and shareable (K.I.S.S.)." I find that I'm much more willing to watch, and share, a short video than a long one!

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. 

Optimist Clubs help children give to others

I've posted a few stories with pictures of Shop with a Cop programs on the Experience Optimism page on Facebook. Oddly,they weren't clicked through as frequently as other stories have been.

I thought Christmas was all about kids, and Optimist Clubs were all about making sure that everyone had the opportunity to celebrate?

Yes, I know there is a "reason for the season" and we shouldn't teach children to be materialistic, but if you aren't familiar, a Shop with a Cop program generally works like this:

• The organizing group raises money to send children on a shopping trip.
• On the day of the event, each child is told how much they have to spend.
• An adult, often a police officer, is partnered with a child and goes along with them to be sure that they buy something for themselves.

That's right; most kids want to spend the money purchasing gifts for others. Now I think that is the spirit of Christmas.

Click here for pictures from the Calvert County Optimist Club Shop with a Cop Day.
Click here for pictures from the Timonium Optimist Club Shop with a Cop program.
Click here to see more about the Gresham Optimist Club Shop with a Cop program.

Photo courtesy of Jean Jensen, Optimist Club of Gresham, Oregon. 

Celebrating with friends

The Optimist Club of Beaverton, Oregon was chartered on February 2, 1967 and charter member Vern Williams was there. Yesterday the Beaverton Optimist Club honored Vern with a party on his 90th birthday. What a legacy! What a happy day.  We wish you and your Optimist Club many more.

Thanks to Beaverton Optimist Club President Alan Zehntbauer for the photo.

Golfing for fun and dollars

The Optimist Club of Hillsboro, Oregon recently held the "Bring out the Best in Kids" golf tournament at the Meriwether Golf Club and raised $4,500 to benefit the youth in their community.

Meriwether Golf Club

This is only the second year for the tournament. According to tournament director Bill French, they are quite happy with the results and very grateful to corporate sponsors West Coast Bank and Gray and Company. They also had 31 hole sponsors and a number of door prize donations.

In addition to raising money for their projects, the golf tournament is a great way to raise awareness for the Optimist Club as the players and members mingle throughout the day.

A simple way to tell a story

www.beavertonoptimistclub.blogspot.com

Yesterday, my friends in the Beaverton Optimist Club were busy. They manned a booth at the Farmer's Market, raised money for children with cancer for the Oregon Candlelighter's group and participated in a parade. But this post isn't about what they did, but rather about how simple it is to tell others about your activities.

Alan Zehntbauer, a member in the club, took a few pictures and then uploaded them to the club's blog at www.beavertonoptimistclub.blogspot.com.

That 's it. No fancy writing, just a quick update to let club members, the community, and others who care to know that they are an active group.  Please take a look and if you haven't started a blog for your Optimist Club yet, please do so today.

Need help? Please send me a message.