New Optimist Club efforts continue in Kirkland, WA

A month has passed since group of Optimist International and PNW District leaders met in Seattle for a Targeted Growth Conference. According to Mark Weinsoff, Member, New Community Growth Committee, Optimist International and Immediate Past Vice President, West Region, things are still moving along in Kirkland, Washington.

In new Optimist Club building terms, that says a lot:

• The cause is ongoing
• There is momentum
• There is hope for success

Some things that have happened over the past 30 days:

1. The meeting location has changed to the Metropolitan Market. This is an indication of community knowledge. As the group set out to identify interest, they also had to find a location to meet for informational meetings and chose the community room of a local fire station. The group was fortunate to have that opportunity, but moving to the new Metropolitan Marketplace complex shows they are knowledgeable about new resources in a community and that they continue to reach out to others. 
2. Four new members have joined. No, that doesn't sound like a lot, but as anyone who has ever started a new club knows, getting the first names on the dotted line is success. It is buy-in from the community and to be congratulated. 
3. A potential key club leader has emerged. This is so critical. We can talk and talk as outsiders, but when a local person takes hold and commits to making it happen, a new energy emerges.

Optimist Club members from outside of Washington state continue to visit the area to work with Governor Ed Murphy to bring the new Optimist Club of Kirkland, Washington to life.

The next informational meeting is this evening, February 22, 2011, 7:00 p.m. EST, in the Community Room at the Kirkland Metropolitan Marketplace. Find out more in the Kirkland Reporter.