New Optimist International suppliers announced

Optimist International has announced new suppliers for Optimist-branded goods and supplies that our clubs need for conducting international programs. There are now two - one for the US and Caribbean and one for Canada. They are Optimist Supply (US) and Optipromo (CA).

As spring approaches, we know that our District and Clubs need medallions and certificates for our Optimist International Essay and Oratorical contests and the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.   Don't wait. Order today. 

Optimist International in one page

Welcoming new members into our Optimist Clubs is always a pleasure. It's your responsibility to help your new friends learn about the culture of your club. Every club is just a little different. Although we are united in the Optimist Creed, there are "just had to be there moments" that must be explained so that your new arrivals don't feel left out.

It is also wise to talk about the history of the Optimist International organization. It is both comforting and invigorating to know that our local communities are connected to something bigger and united in a similar mission with others around the world.

To help you through the backstory, we're happy to provide an overview of Optimist International and the district and zone structure, milestones, and branding. Use it as a beginning to the orientation that you provide your new Optimist Club members.

Keep your new Optimist Club members around by letting them know more about what we are all about. Happy recruiting!

Click here to download and print the 1-page Optimist Club Orientation created by the Eagle Optimist Club.

The challenge is on!

Which region will welcome the most members and guests to the second quarter district gathering?  According to Governor-elect Larry Blackburn it will be the Idaho Region for he is looking to have, to borrow a phrase from the Twin Falls host club, "More fun with 101!"


There are three choices: 

February 11, 2012
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
As of January 9, the location has changed.
The Shilo Inn and Suites
1786 Blue Lakes Blvd.
Twin Falls, 83301
(208) 737-6280 Attn: Darlene
Registration: $35 You can print and mail registration or complete the form below.
Come in on Friday and spend the night for only $65 plus tax.

On Saturday, travel to Jackpot with Governor-elect Larry and Flo. Rooms @ Cactus Pete's $89 or Horseshu $59; for reservations call 800-801-8258 ext 6722. 

February 25, 2012 

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Keizer Renaissance Inn

5188 Wittenberg Lane North

Keizer, Oregon

503.390.4733

Registration $35

Overnight guests: $82 plus tax for 1-king bed; $86 plus tax for 2-queen

March 3, 2012 

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Inn at Port Gardner

1700 West Marine View Drive

Everett, Washington 98201

425.252.6779

Registration $35

Overnight guests: $96 plus tax for marina rooms with 1-king bed

Please register today at the region nearest your home and if you care to travel to visit some of your Optimist friends, register for two or more. We'll see you soon! 

Optimists fight human trafficking

Click to enlarge and print.

Human trafficking is slavery. We may think of it as something that happens to individuals in poor nations, but the truth is, it can happen to individuals anywhere, of any ethnicity, age, and socio-economic status. Prompted by Hollywood, our minds immediately think of the underground world of prostitution rings and drug cartels; but sadly, it is possible that persons who employ domestic workers or companies who exploit illegal workers may also be engaged by extension in human trafficking pursuits.

Individuals who are enslaved by human traffickers lose their independence and are forced to share their hard-earned money with their abuser. They also lose their health.

I'm sorry to place such a deep and dark subject on a website devoted to optimism. However, raising awareness for causes that will protect our children is a function of an Optimist Club and that is why the N. Kitsap Optimist Club, in conjunction with Break Free Kitsap and others, is conducting a week-long  series of events to increase awareness of this horrible crime.


For their active part in the series, the N. Kitsap Optimists will present the Optimist International Internet Safety Program for adults and share copies of The Optimist Creed. Other activities include "Somebody's Daughter," a presentation from Seattle Police Detective Henry James, an overview of the extent of the problem, a  presentation on Safe Secure and a call to action. 


Adele Heinrich invites all PNW Optimists to participate, especially those who live in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Shawna Seals with The Poulsbo Inn will offer a reduced rate for Optimist volunteers to stay overnight. Call (360) 779-3921 and ask for Shawna directly.


Good luck, Adele and the Kitsap Optimists, on this ambitious program. 
I look forward to hearing more. 

Eagle Optimists wrap up successful Coats for Kids campaign

Myrna Harris and Mike Harris of the Eagle
Optimist Club deliver coats to refugees in Idaho

The Eagle Optimist Club held a very successful Coats for Kids drive in 2011 with a major beneficiary being the St. Alphonsus Family C.A.R.E Maternal/Child Health Clinic. The clinic provides care to area refugees who have relocated to the Boise community from many different countries. 


Read more at Refugees Discover Warmth of Eagle Optimist Club. 

Agenda for the Twin Falls Regional released

Updated Feb 3, 2012
Click to enlarge and print.

District Secretary-Treasurer Mary White has provided the agenda for the Twin Falls Regional Meeting to be held on February 11, 2012.

The meeting will be held at the Shilo Inn and Suites, 1586 Blue Lakes Blvd, Twin Falls, ID 83301.

It's a different format than most district meetings. Please take a look and register today. 

Beaverton Optimists help community celebrate 100th anniversary

The Beaverton Optimist Club was on hand at the Business Group's celebration of the City of Aloha's 100th Anniversary.

They set up a table to meet and greet folks; talk about optimism, club projects and fellowship, and  they held a raffle for tickets to Breakfast with the Mayor at the Beaverton Optimist Club meeting on February 2 at the Peppermill Restaurant.

The Peppermill, Beaverton Optimist Club's regular meeting place, is located 17455 SW Farmington Road, Aloha, OR.

Click here to see more pictures at the Beaverton Optimist Club blog.

Thanks to Alan Zehntbauer for the photos and story.

The Awards Hotline is here!

Congratulations to Ed Murphy III, Immediate Past Governor, for earning the Distinguished Governor award for leadership in the Pacific Northwest District for 2010-2011.

With the release of the special Awards Hotline from Optimist International, the announcement is now official and we are proud to announce that joining him and the District with distinction are the following Optimist Clubs: 

(Front Page) Please click to read the full report.

Distinguished

Coquitlam, BC

Hillsboro, OR

Issaquah, WA

Honor 

Burnaby, BC

Caldwell, ID

Emmett, ID 

McCall, ID

Meadows Valley, ID

Meridian, ID 

Nampa, ID

Twin Falls, ID

Portland-Central, OR

Chehalis-Centralia, WA

Vancouver, WA

Tri-Cities, WA

Rocky Jackson, Immediate Past Vice President of the West Region - Optimist International, earned Vice President Honors for highest percentage of Distinguished Districts. 

Congratulations to all for the outstanding achievements earned on behalf of our members and clubs. Because of your dedication we are able to share our vision for "bringing out the best in kids" throughout our communities. 

The greatest gift of all

As Optimist Club members, we speak a lot about lending a helping hand to others, but we would be wise to remember those hands do so much more. Among other things, they help us tell stories with emphasis, make eating easier and allow us the wonderful sensation of touch. For the deaf and hard of hearing, they make communication possible.

Hands, or more aptly, a handshake, also allow us to pull others into our circle of influence and fellowship. Extend your handshake along with your help this year and you will give others the greatest gift of all: inclusion.

Happy 2012.


Image credit: Shutterstock via The Big Think