Page 27 - Spring 2014 Magazine.indd

Spring 2014 • 25

For more information, visit www.Optimist.org/summits.

SUMMIT SUCCESS!

On February 1, sixty-seven Optimist Members gathered for a day of training, fellowship and fun. The setting was the third and most well-attended Optimist Leadership Summit to date. Attendees ranged from Members for 5 months to 41 years and from Governor-Elect to regular Club Member. The training truly offered something for everyone!

Esthermarie Hillman was the Certifed Trainer that presented the session and was both motivational and encouraging. International President Ron was in attendance and shared insights from his long career as an Optimist Member.

The training covered a wide variety of topics and included ideas that could easily be implemented in any Club or District across the organization. Attendees were given tips on engaging Members, conducting a good Club meeting and building new Clubs. A presentation on the Optimist programs gave suggestions on how to reach more children and conduct proftable fundraisers for Club activities. Attendees were also trained in marketing, pursuing leadership opportunities and par ticipating in programs available through the Optimist Foundations.

Bridget Rourke has been a Friend of Optimist for six years and a Charter Member of the Optimist Club of Simi Valley– Moorpark, CA for fve months. “All information that was provided has been extremely helpful and I am so excited to take everything back to my Club to share,” said Bridget.

Lunchtime included not only a delicious meal, but the opportunity for networking. Optimists were able to meet

Members from outside their local community and District. This allowed attendees to discuss numerous topics, including but not limited to recruiting and retention, fundraising, New Club Building and new project ideas. Members were able to share what works for their Clubs and also learn what is working in other communities. It was also benefcial for attendees to share diffculties they have experienced and receive suggestions from Members who may have dealt with similar issues in their own Clubs.

“This was a great meeting. I’m so glad I came because I learned some things I already knew, but it reinvigorated us about all the things we can do in our Clubs,” said M. Joyce Bakersmith, President of the Optimist Club of Pomona-Breakfast, CA. “Thank you ver y much for having this. It was wor th the $25. My sandwich was delicious and I had a great time!”

The Leadership Summit in San Diego was a worthwhile experience for everyone in attendance. There is still time to attend a Summit and learn valuable information to beneft yourself, your Club and your community.

Share Your Summit Story

Have you attended one of the Optimist Leadership Summits? If so, we want to hear from you! Let us know about your experience, what you learned and how you plan to implement it in your Club or District. If you have photos from the event, please share those too! Send your comments to magazine@optimist.org. Submissions may be included in future publications.