Change to the Optimist Essay Contest
January 3, 2012
During their December meeting, the Optimist International Board of Directors voted to discontinue the International level of the Essay contest beginning in the 2011-2012 year. The scholarships at the International level were previously discontinued and this change was made to ensure that all Optimist contests are equitable.
Updated planning guides for the Club and District level and student applications can be found here.
Note on Life Membership fee December 21, 2011
As of January 1, 2012, the Life Membership fee is $436.20. This amount, ten times the annual base dues, is set by the Optimist International Bylaws (Article III, Section B). Base dues are currently $43.62.
Following the membership dues increase approved by the International Convention delegates in 2009, the Life Membership fee did not get adjusted to reflect the higher base dues.
Welcome to a new Optimist Club! December 20, 2011
On December 15, the St-Albert, ON and Vars, ON sponsored a new Optimist Club in the Limoges area Ontario. The Eastern Ontario District and Governor Gilles Bélanger celebrate 23 Charter Members coming together to serve kids in their community.
Apply for the International Board of Directors December 19, 2011
Now is the time for Optimist Members who wish to run for a seat on the International Board of Directors to submit their application. The application deadline is February 1, 2012.
The election of two new Board Members will take place at the
2012 Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The individuals elected will serve three-year terms beginning October 1, 2012.
Those planning to attend the 2012 Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, next July can now make it official by registering online. Just click here and sign up today.
Make a difference by supporting the USO December 12, 2011
A partnership between Optimist International and the USO is a perfect fit. This new relationship allows Optimists the opportunity to provide support and assistance to the our service members and their families.
How can you get started? Contact Lisa Ferrari, USO Relationship Manager, Clubs and Organizations at lferrari@uso.org or 703-740-4938. She will answer all your questions and can provide program suggestions.
The Southwestern Ontario District is proud to announce that the Ambassador Optimist Club of Windsor was recently chartered. The sponsors were the Optimist Clubs of Roseville-Fontainebleu and Kerwood-Adelaide-Metcalfe. This is on the campus of the University of Windsor and currently sets at 18 new Optimists. The new Members are ready and excited to serve the kids!
Clubs should promote participation in their scholarship contests at every opportunity. To make this easier for Members, the Programs department is proud to introduce a new promotional contest flyer. The flyer includes information about all 3 Optimist contests. Clubs can input information about their events and modify the flyer to fit their needs.
September 15, 2011
As individuals, we each contribute our own voice, but speaking the Creed unites us in one positive vision.
At the last International Convention in Baltimore, motivated Optimist Members displayed their passion in this Optimist Creed video.
These are the voices of dedicated Members who give time and energy to their community every day. The creed is an important part of Optimism; we recite it, we share it and we work to live by it.
New Clubs bring new opportunities August 1, 2011
A community without an Optimist Club is an opportunity to grow our organization and a chance to change children's lives. Now's the time to start a New Club Building project or help a fellow Optimist in your community. For a list of current New Club projects in your District, visit the New Club Database on Optimist Leaders.
Thanks to all Optimists for the feedback, and please keep the questions and comments coming! Just e-mail communications@optimist.org.
