Patriotism and the Optimist Club

I receive a number of Optimist Club bulletins each week. Probably the most interesting comes from the Breakfast Optimist Club of Sacramento, California because its editor, Flavio Soria, is an avid photographer. He includes a number of pictures that show the fellowship that is shared as the group comes together for its meetings. It also shows the respect that Optimist Clubs hold for their country.

In this picture, members of the Optimist Club are shown as they recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

In the United States, Optimist Club meetings begin by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. In other countries, the same respect is shown for their governments as they toast, recite or sing their respective vows. The reason for this ritual may be found in the purposes of the organization:

• To develop optimism as a philosophy of life, utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed;
• To promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs;
• To inspire respect for the law;
• To promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people;
• To aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.

Three of the five purposes actively speak to good citizenship. Optimist Clubs make a difference because they model the behaviors that make our countries flourish including cooperation, tolerance, service and optimism. These are the very traits that bring good citizens to work together to make their communities stronger, more vibrant, and more accessible to all. 

I am convinced that Optimist Clubs make our world a better place to live. Does it not follow that more Optimist Clubs would make it the best? 

Optimist Clubs show Respect for Law

One of the purposes of an Optimist Club is to inspire good citizenship and respect for law and in 1965 Optimist International established the Respect for Law program. According to a brochure from Optimist International, the intent wast to familiarize youth with the people in their community who work hard to make it a better place to live. "It is vital that youth recognize the contributions that law enforcement officers make to their community and that they realize these officials are there to assist them if needed."

Through the years, the program has become less about children and more about the officers. As a way of showing respect and appreciation for their service, many Optimist Clubs bestow Officer of the Year honors on deserving public servants. Some recent awards follow. 

Arkansas City Optimist Club

In Arkansas City, Kansas, Police Officer Troy Cochran was honored by the Optimist Club. 

"Officer Cochran exhibits an insatiable desire to work his cases to clearance,” said Arkansas City Police Chief Sean Wallace. “He prides himself on taking a case that appears unsolvable and working every angle until he finds a break. This trait alone enables Officer Cochran to stand out among his peers.”

Waukesha Optimist Club

In Waukesha, Wisconsin, the Optimist Club recognized Correctional Officer Erin Billeb for her work as a training officer in the Waukesha County Jail, especially for her role in assisting inmates who deal with mental illnesses and chemical dependencies. 

Sheriff Dan Trawicki explained, “Erin’s job is one that, as you can imagine, is extremely difficult. We are very lucky to have Erin in this position.”

Not every Optimist Club chooses to honor a single officer. In Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Optimist Club showed their appreciation to the Chattanooga Police Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT).  The team was nominated by the Chief of Police Bobby Dodd for their service as officers who never receive a routine call. 

Carolyn Tucker, president of the Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club, said “The Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club is proud to be a long-time participant in the Optimist’s annual Respect for Law Program. As a community, we are deeply indebted to those who choose a career of service in law enforcement. These men and women serve as the frontline of protection for all of us, and we are proud to honor them.”

Her sentiments are why more than 1,500 Optimist Clubs participate in the annual Respect for Law activity by honoring their own.

Photos courtesy of the Arkansas City and Waukesha Optimist Clubs. 

Optimism sparks courage in Ohio teen

Image credit: www.facebook.com/oreo

If you were on Twitter today, you may have seen that Oreos were trending. I clicked on a few links to discover that the #dailytwist was a rainbow filled Oreo in honor June 25 | Pride day.  ABC News went on to report that the cookie and its message first appeared on Facebook sparking an Oreo boycott. How sad that people can be so closed-minded, but they are.

I was surprised in the opposite direction yesterday when I stumbled upon a video posted by a brave young man from Ohio. He had recently won the Ohio District Optimist International Oratorical Contest and at the prompting of his English teacher he recorded his speech and posted it on YouTube.

I got emotional as I watched him because not only is his speech powerful and his delivery authentic, it is also the first openly gay message that I have heard advanced in the organization. I'm proud that the days of don't ask don't tell are coming to an end and I had planned to post the video here today well before I knew anything about the Oreo outrage. Now it is even more appropriate that I send this message to all. I am intolerant of intolerance. We must, as Optimist Club members, as human beings, accept that people are different and that our differences are better celebrated and not feared; accepted and not banned.

Please watch the Ohio finalist as he explains, "How My Optimism Helps Me Overcome Obstacles." 



I hope you find his message worth sharing too.

Creative communities inspire respect

Music Sunday at Experience Optimism gives me the opportunity to listen to new songs, revisit old favorites, and often, like today, recognize the creativity of artists.

Today's song "Somebody that I Used to Know," by Gotye has received an interesting cover from the group Walk Off the Earth. Five musicians playing one guitar is well worth the view, plus the vocals are spot on as well.  I watched the original, but much preferred the five solemn faces with the eerie melody to the ephemeral body painting of Gotye and Kimbra.



Interpretations can be so personal for they evoke memories, arouse old feelings or desires and sometimes inspire us to reach for something that before may have been out of our reach.  Living within a creative community inspires more creativity and optimism - the willingness to try.

Creative communities also inspire respect. When we accept that there are many ways to look at a piece of art, interpret a story, sing a song, or design a building, among other things, we demonstrate kindness and love.

The virtue of respect

I thought about many good words to share with you today such as tolerance, understanding, awareness and acceptance, but on further reflection, it occurred to me that none of those words are needed when there is respect. Therefore today's message is respect.

Respect should be given to all people, ideas, places and things. Respect should be two-way and automatic. I'm not one who buys into the concept that respect has to be earned for that implies a hierarchical culture where someone is always passing judgment from above. I wouldn't want that job; would you?

I do believe, however, that respect can be lost and that happens when one fails to learn from their experiences, avoids growing up or conducts themselves in a way that would harm others. It also happens when the words, "We agree to disagree," are uttered. Disagreement is not respectful. Disagreement denotes unresolved conflict and conflict left unattended breeds disrespect.

On the other hand, respect breeds confidence, shared goals and dreams, and happiness. When we are happy, we are optimistic and that allows us to share optimism with others. My goal this week has been to help you explore ways to increase your optimism and then to share that optimism with others. If you follow my suggestions for living optimistically you will most assuredly lead a virtuous life.

Experience Optimism is providing a "Share Optimism" poster every day this week. Based on the positive tenets of the Optimist Creed, we hope that you will find a favorite (or two) and share optimism with others today. (6 of 7) 

Along with other optimistic pursuits, character matters

Today, I'm happy to share an @Twitter story - that's a story that drew my attention from a tweet.

The tweet came from Town Councillor @MaddieDiMuccio of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. She said, "The Optimist Club of #Newmarket's mandate is to 'bring out the best in kids' and they need volunteers." 

Her tweet included a link to the Newmarket Optimist Club's website where I found a list of 23 individuals who bring chess, fishing and golf, among other things to the children in Newmarket. They share their positive vision through the Optimist Creed and they engage with the community in person and with links from their website to the town of Newmarket, including hotels, motels, restaurants, city services, libraries and schools. 

From a link on their website, I could see that they actively support the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Air/Sea Cadets and Navy League and the Southlake Regional Health Centre. 

But what I liked most was this link: Character Matters. The Newmarket Optimist Club works with the schools in their community to instill good character traits in their students. They believe, "With a solid foundation of moral principles, children will mature and go on to achieve their goals yet still be capable of helping others achieve theirs. The net effect is a world that's a happier, better place to live." 

Visit the Newmarket Optimist Club  online or in person and find out how they inspire and instill in young people these valuable traits:

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Empathy
• Fairness
• Initiative
• Perseverance
• Integrity
• Courage 
• Optimism

Most important, find out how you can get involved in making a difference in the lives of the children in your community by becoming an Optimist Club member and volunteer today.

The Newmarket Optimist Club meets semi-monthly, first and third Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. at the Optimist Hall, 56 Forhan Drive.

Music Sunday: If everyone cared

Today, in New York City and beyond, Americans are remembering a day they will never forget by honoring those who were killed, injured or impacted by the terrorist events on September 11, 2001; a tenth year anniversary of shock and sadness.

Newspapers from around the US honored the day with front page tributes to 9/11 and stories remembering those they lost or the horror they felt that day. Amid the sadness, one column stood out to me as a better way to move forward.

Lynne Steuerle Scholfield lost her mother on 9/11when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. She writes that the annual tributes may help some heal their emotional wounds, but for her, it is as if she is asked to attend her mother's funeral again and again. She believes her mother, a clinical psychologist, would prefer we honor the day with compassion and action by looking ahead and taking positive steps to acceptance and renewal, the final steps in the grieving process. Read the essay here: "A new way to remember September 11."

I respectfully agree. In order for the nation to heal, we must take the next step and encourage others to do the same. I believe this song by Nickelback, "If Everyone Cared," inspires us to act more, with compassion always.

Of Flags, Country and Optimist Clubs

It is June 14 -  the day in the United States earmarked to specifically honor the flag. Flag Day began in 1916 with a proclamation from President Woodrow Wilson and in 1949, National Flag Day was established by Congress.

What does that mean for an Optimist Club? 
One of the purposes of Optimist International is "To promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people." One of the traditions of Optimist International, and its chapters known as Optimist Clubs, is to begin each meeting by showing respect to our nations. In the United States, we say the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of our meetings.

It's a small matter, but an important one that reminds us that we live, work and serve together to make our community, nation and world a better place to live today and tomorrow.

Optimist Clubs, like all service clubs, struggle to retain and recruit new members. Optimist International relies on clubs and members to help start new Optimist Clubs and bring services to new areas. I like to remind our existing clubs to make sure they are in good shape at home before reaching out to others. Paying bills, involving members in projects, developing new projects and encouraging new leaders will build pride and help all members feel comfortable about extending an invitation to join their club and their cause.

When new members join, more projects are conceived and implemented and more opportunities for collaboration emerge. That is when it is time to reach out to start a new Optimist Club.

The same can be said for our own nation; and Flag Day is an opportunity to display our pride in our country and ourselves. Every day, including Flag Day, is an opportunity to collaborate for the good of our country, our community and ourselves.

Photo credit: Elwood Optimist Club's Miata Flag Group

How to be a good neighbor

Each week the Idaho Statesman runs a column written by Said Ahmed-Zaid. Mr. Ahmed-Zaid is a Boise State University engineering professor and the 2004 recipient of the annual Hewlett Packard Award for Distinguished Leadership in Human Rights. The column is about diversity, awareness, tolerance and kindness and I thought that this week's message fit well with what we try to achieve as Optimist Clubs. Please allow me to share some of the bullet points from the column: Good neighbors are blessings: let's each be one with you.

According to Mr. Ahmed-Zaid 1400 years ago his faith, Islam, outlined the following steps to good neighborliness:

• Help them if they ask for your help
• Give them relief if they seek your relief
• Lend them money if they need a loan
• Show them concern if they are distressed
• Nurse them when they are ill
• Attend their funeral when they die
• Congratulate them if something good happens to them
• Empathize with them if a calamity befalls them
• Do not block their air by raising your building high without their permission
• Do not harass them
• Give them a share when you buy provisions

In today's mobile society, we sometimes fail to make the connections to our neighbors like our parents or grandparents made. Consider the new neighborhood, one that includes co-workers, persons we meet every day on a bus or at a store, persons we see only in passing and those we see more often because we make a conscious decision to join a group, a club, or even an online community. It takes a little extra effort to extend what were once commonplace courtesies because so often we are rushed to make it to our next appointment or so engrossed in our lives that we fail to notice those around us.

However, being civil, decent, respectful human beings has not gone out of style. I challenge you to open your eyes and smile as you go through each day and work at being a good neighbor.  Slow down, take in your surroundings and be courteous to everyone you meet. Step outside of the routine and extend your help and kindness to others. Praise others for their accomplishments and be humble in your own. Live in the faith that the world is on your side as long as you are true to the best that is in you.

Share kindness and you will be rewarded with the same. The world needs good neighbors.

Optimist Clubs promote patriotism

"Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure." - Abraham Lincoln

Did you know that the Memorial Day celebration hails back to the Civil War? First called Decoration Day because of the commitment to decorate the graves of our fallen soldiers, the name Memorial Day became more widespread following World War II possibly because more people had more connections to fallen heroes.  

In 1968 Congress decided to change many national holidays by giving them a three day observance in the National Holidays Bill thereby moving their commemorative date to the Monday of the week instead of the traditional calendar day.  It is possible this act made Americans more aware of the freedoms they have received. Thanks to the sacrifices of others, they are free to barbecue with their family or participate in recreational activities with friends on national holidays, secure in the knowledge that our nation is protected by a strong military.  

That is why it is especially important that service organizations like Optimist Clubs help our communities recmember the importance of Memorial Day by recognizing our fallen soldiers with our thanks and praise. One club that does so is the Optimist Club of McCall, Idaho. Thanks to the Optimist Club, this small resort town gives thanks by proudly displaying the US Flag throughout town.  They sent the accompanying pictures for all to enjoy.  


Please take a few moments to remember our fallen heroes and to give thanks to our servicemen and women in your own way.  And next year, encourage your Optimist Club to make a commitment to recognize our fallen soldiers in a traditional manner, with decorations. 

More Respect for Law activities by Optimist Clubs

More and more Optimist Clubs are celebrating Respect for Law this month. Some of the honors include:

Optimist Club of Moberly, MO honor four outstanding officers.
Optimist Club of Lebanon, OH names officer of the year.
The Breakfast Optimist Club of Clay County, IN sponsors ISP camp for children.
Optimist Club of Salisbury, NC honors officer of the year.
Optimist Club of Chattanooga, TN names captain of Sheriff's Dept. with Respect for Law honor.