March is for Optimist members in the PNW District

During the PNW Distsrict Optimist Regional Meetings, Governor Peter Smith has asked us to focus on new member recruitment. One of the key strategies is the use of the ever-popular NOW program.

NOW, or New Optimists Wanted, is a tried and true program that works. I believe the program is successful because:

It has a personal touch. People are invited and encouraged to attend a NOW event.

It creates excitement. Optimist members are passionate about the projects their club performs. A NOW event puts that excitement together in a structured form and allows us to share our enthusiasm
with others.

It creates urgency. The keyword is NOW. Your presentation should emphasize that your prospective members are wanted and needed now. You can close the deal and attract more Optimists when that
need is relayed to others.

NOW events come in all shapes and sizes. Some clubs choose a dinner format while others are informal networking events. It's up to you to know your audience well enough to choose what will make them feel the most comfortable. One word of caution: don't do something that you wouldn't do in a regular meeting. You want your new members to find a similar atmosphere when they share their time with other club members on a regular basis.

Every club needs new members to rejuvenate club activities, revitalize club meetings, and help us renew our promise to provide more service to more kids through our Optimist Club. Are you ready? Hold your NOW event now.