Just Two Weeks Away
Optimist Internet Safety Month begins in just two weeks. Does your Club have everything it needs to get the month started off right? For more information go to the Internet Safety page of the website or request an Internet Safety packet at programs@optimist.org.
Winning Over Fans
Optimist International now has a quick and easy way to find the official Optimist fan page on Facebook. Just go to www.facebook.com/optimist.international. You don’t have to log on or have an account to view the basic information. Check it out today!
Board of Directors Meeting
The Optimist International Board of Directors had a meeting March 5-6, 2010. To review the minutes of the meeting, please click here.
Do You Need Some Answers?
Does your Club have questions about the new "Recruit 4 Members and You're Free" incentive that went into effect February 22? A list of frequently asked questions and their answers is now available. Click here for more information.
JOOI Online Registration is Now Available
JOOI Members can now register for their Convention online at www.jooi.org! Click here to go directly to online registration.
JOOI Members will be gathering for their Convention July 5-7 in Denver, Colorado, just days before Optimists arrive in town for their own Convention.
Cast a Ballot for the Foundation Election
Don't forget that voting began last Monday for the incoming Optimist International Foundation board member position! Voting runs through May 1 for those who are eligible. To be eligible to vote, an Optimist must have made a minimum contribution of $36.50 to the Foundation between October 1, 2008, and September 30, 2009. For an Optimist Club to be eligible for one vote, to be cast by the Club Foundation Representative, the Club must have made a minimum unrestricted donation of $365 to the Foundation during that same period of time.
Cast your ballot today at www.oifoundation.org!
For assistance with voting or to arrange alternate balloting procedures, call (800) 500-8130.
Four Now Equals Free
Everyone likes to receive something for free. Now Optimist International is offering something free that will entice Optimists everywhere! Those who recruit four new Members by the end of the Optimist year (September 30, 2010) will receive their International dues free for one year. "Recruit 4 Members and You're Free" went into effect February 22, 2010. Some restrictions apply.
Youth Safety Partnership Opportunity
Did you know that May 25 is National Missing Children's Day? Please see the message at the link below from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to learn how your Club can help educate children about safety. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is an Optimist Endorsed Organization. Please contact them directly at www.take25.org for more information.
Message about National Missing Children's Day
Recruit 4 Members and You're Free
Optimist Members are committed to service, youth and the community, and to continue to be successful, the organization needs more volunteer hands in Optimist Clubs.
President Mark Shriver and the International Membership Committee announce a new Club incentive to stimulate and re-energize Clubs!
Members who recruit 4 people into their Club by September 30, 2010, will receive free International dues for 1 year!*
Needed: Volunteers who are service oriented and interested in Optimism
Goal: Recruit 4 individuals to become Members of the Club
Reward: A stronger, more dynamic Club that can reach out and serve more kids
Bonus: Free membership for 1 year!
To read President Mark Shriver's full letter urging Optimists to participate, please click here.
Consider the CCC Matching Grants Program
With the Johns Hopkins commitment fulfilled in the United States, the Childhood Cancer Campaign Matching Grants program is now open to all Clubs and Districts. To find out more about the program and download an application, go to the CCC Matching Grants page.
Take Advantage of the Club Grant Program
Do you have great ideas for projects in your Club, but do not have all the funds to make it happen? Let the Optimist International Foundation help!
The Optimist International Foundation is now accepting applications for the Club Grant Program. The Club Grant Program is available to any U.S. adult Club. These Clubs are eligible to apply for a $500 grant to be used for a new project of the Club.
For more information, please visit the Club Grant Program page on the Foundation website.
If you have any questions, please contact Rachael Lowes in the Optimist International Foundation office at rachael.lowes@oifoundation.org, (314) 881-1349 or (800) 500-8130, ext. 249.
Need Extra Internet Safety Packets?
In an effort to serve all Clubs, Optimist International is only able to send one complimentary Internet Safety packet to each Club. Clubs may purchase additional packets for $20 US/CN per packet. If your Club would like to order extra packets, please complete the Internet Safety Packet Request Form and send a check to Optimist International, Attn: Programs Department, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Checks should be made out to Optimist International.
If you have any questions, please contact your District Internet Safety Chair or the Programs Department at (800) 500-8130 or programs@optimist.org.
Proclaim Your Support!
Proclamations are now available for Optimist Internet Safety Month. A fill-in-the-blank proclamation is available for Clubs and Districts to take to their local municipalities. A proclamation signed by Optimist International President Mark Shriver is also available. Both documents can be found on the Internet Safety page.
A Special Message from International President Mark Shriver about Haitian Disaster Relief
I’m sure all of us have been deeply touched by the plight of the residents of Haiti following the disastrous earthquake last week. Many Optimists and Optimist Clubs are asking how they can support relief efforts. I am encouraging all Members and Clubs to direct their donations to the Red Cross if they wish to help.
The Red Cross is already providing food, water, shelter, medical support and counseling to those affected by the earthquake and is in a position to immediately maximize the impact of our donations to this relief effort. For more information on making donations please visit www.redcross.org, www.redcross.ca or www.icrc.org.
While we do not currently have any Optimist Clubs in Haiti, please remember that we have a strong presence in neighboring countries of the Caribbean where we are known for our strong community youth-serving efforts.
Your generosity is appreciated.
Mark Shriver
Optimist International President
Board of Directors Meeting
The Optimist International Board of Directors had a meeting December 4-5,
2009. To review the minutes of the meeting, please click
here.
Board of Directors Teleconference
The Optimist International Board of Directors had a teleconference on September
30, 2009. To review the minutes of the teleconference, please click
here. |
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