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22 • The Optimist

When a Club has regular meetings, it can be easy for Members to fall into a routine. A variety of activities can make meetings more productive and enjoyable. Try these suggestions and ask your Members to come up with their own ideas.

Ice Breakers:

Schedule a portion of time at each meeting for Members to share important things going on in their lives, such as birthdays, anniversaries or events causing concern. Theme Meetings:

Choose a theme and make sure all portions of the meeting relate. Be original when selecting the theme. Topics can include, but are not limited to holidays, exotic locations, movies, modes of transportation and sports.

Gourmet Goodies:

Plan a progressive dinner at Members’ homes with different agenda topics covered at each stop. Wild Card:

Assign tasks based on names drawn out of a hat or bag. This lets Optimists try roles they might not have volunteered for and work with a variety of Members. Schedule Speakers:

There are numerous speakers in your community willing to present on a variety of topics. Make sure to educate

the speakers about Optimism and your Club may recruit a few new Members. Club Raffle:

Conduct a raffe at each Club meeting. Members can take turns bringing prizes to raffe and the money raised can go into the Club’s program fund. Social:

Host a party around a holiday or have a summer picnic. Encourage Members to invite their family and friends, who could be prospective Members. Plan games and encourage everyone to socialize. Anniversary Meeting:

Celebrate your Club anniversary with a special event. Present Club Offcer recognition, as well as fun awards created by your Members. Send invitations to prior Members and people in the community that have worked with your Club on projects or fundraisers. Club Exchange:

Plan a meeting with another local Club. Host them for one meeting and then join them for another. Take the opportunity to learn how their Club operates and share what makes your Club successful. Both Clubs beneft from the experience.

If you make meetings fun, Members will make a point to attend and invite others. More Members lighten the workload and help the Club bring out the best in more children.

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Summer2014 Magazine.indd 22 5/27/14 6:01 PM