Join the discussion on Twitter

Do you like the bits of inspiration that you get here? Would you like to share your information in real time? Then let me invite you to join the Optimist discussion on Twitter.

We talk about programs from around the world. We share ideas for cooperation, projects and growth and we interact with each other. We build relationships.

And for me, that is what being an Optimist Club member is all about: relationships. I'd like to get to know you better. Let's tweet soon.

Optimist Clubs hold the community together

What fair, gathering, rally, or party is your Optimist Club participating in this summer? There are so many to choose from: county fairs, city festivals, Octoberfests, Mayfests, Artfests, and state fairs just to name a few. That is why I was not surprised to see an alert telling me that the Optimist Club of Beaverton, Oregon was going to be at the Party in the Park as a food vendor on Saturday July, 25. According to the alert, they will be selling " barbecued ribs, hamburgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with music by the Fabulous Farelanes."

What some may view as a fund raiser may actually be the glue that holds both a club and a community together. Optimist Club members are always invigorated when they work together on a project and one where they raise money to carry out other projects provides a big bonus to the feel good factor. But most important, when service clubs get involved in community activities they provide manpower, momentum and marketing. That's good old word of mouth marketing that I'm talking about! When you volunteer at an event, you talk about it and invite your family and friends to participate. They talk about it to others and soon everyone is involved.

When the next planning committee approaches you and asks for your support, Optimist Clubs and Optimist Club members: raise your hands; get involved. Your community needs you!

PNW Optimist Convention (2009) only one month away

What are you doing on August 20? Hopefully, you have made plans to be in Boise at the PNW District Optimist Annual Convention. If you haven't already done so, District S/T Gerry Morrison asks you to register online now.

A brief overview of the agenda:

Thursday - Play day with golf, airboat and wine tours. The work begins for members in the afternoon with a policy update meeting and the Executive Board meeting at 4 pm. Dinner is on your own and opening session begins at 7:30 pm. The Meridian Optimist Club hosts casino-style fun in the hospitality room following the opening events.

Friday - Begin your morning with breakfast with Governor Peter's Team or look forward with a Strategic Planning Breakfast with Governor-elect Linda. Learn all about the new internet safety program from International President Designate Mark Shriver and then head off into orientation sessions for Officer-elects including club presidents, club secretary/treasurers and district lt. governors. Round table sessions will be available for those not participating in orientation activities. The day ends with a Turkey Fry at the Boise Noon Optimist Football Complex.

Saturday - Jitterbug into the day with the Old-timer's 50s-style breakfast. Elect your governor-elect during the Board Meeting and plan to make your Optimist Club the best it can be starting today. The weekend ends with the black-tie optional Governor's Banquet.

We are looking forward to seeing you there! Click here to register online now.

Tigard Optimists host walkathon

The Optimist Club of Tigard, Oregon is hosting the Ninth Annual Florence Yoder Memorial Walk for Youth on August 1. They invite other community and youth-serving organizations to participate by recruiting sponsors and walkers. In their model, money raised by individual groups is returned to the group. Find out all about it in the following article. Start a New Optimist Club: Calling all youth-serving organizations in Tigard, Oregon

Rocky Jackson elected as Optimist International Vice President

A small but mighty contingent of PNW District Optimist Club members made history at the Optimist International Convention in Kissimmee, Florida today when they rallied to help elect Past District Governor Rocky Jackson as Optimist International Vice President for the 2010-2011 administrative year. He will serve the West Region.

Rocky is the first candidate to ever be elected at large from a nomination from the floor. "It was an honor to be nominated," Rocky explained. "It is a joy to be asked to serve. Thank you for the outpouring of support, " he concluded.

Rocky has been a part of the Optimist Club of Jerome, Idaho since 1977. In addition to leadership positions in the PNW District, he has also served as Optimist International District Foundation Representative, Optimist International Convention Representative and as a member of the Optimist International Rose Parade Float Committee.

Congratulations Rocky Jackson! The PNW District is proud of you.

Boise Noon Optimist Club celebrates 60 years of service

On June 30, the Boise Noon Optimist Club celebrated 60 years of serving youth and community in Southwestern Idaho at the Boise Optimist Football Complex. Nineteen past presidents shared in the festivities along with other Optimist Club members, football players, coaches and families. The slideshow lets you share in the fun.

The Boise Noon Optimist Club has always been an active service club. They are widely known for the Optimist Football program and have partnered with the City of Boise to develop the mult-million dollar youth sports complex on Hill Road. More than 8,000 students participate in the football, soccer and cheerleading program each year. The Boise Noon Optimist Club has also shared the football progam with surrounding communities and helped start Optimist Clubs in Nampa, Emmett, Horseshoe Bend, and Mountain Home.

The Boise Noon Optimist Club is an active participant in Optimist International programs including the essay and oratorical scholarship contests and the Childhood Cancer Campaign. They participate at the District level and share their enthusiasm and knowledge with others. Congratulations for your accomplishments and thank you for your service.