Notes from the First Quarter PNW District - Optimist International meeting

Sixty-five or more Optimist Club members came together on October 24-25 to share stories and learn new procedures for the 2014-2015 administrative year. This marked a little increase in attendance from the last district gathering. No matter the size of the group, the enthusiasm and positivity are always a highlight and this meeting was high on both. Celebrating the Halloween season, these goofy do-gooders were dressed in style.

During the the course of the weekend we learned Governor Dick Disney's goals. He plans to attend all PNW District Optimist Clubs during the year and he will encourage them all to reach the Honor Club distinction. By achieving Honor Club, each club will replace lost members, serve their community with projects and programs and be financially solvent. Honor Club is an honorable goal.

The group heard from Linda Vaught Jackson about social media and how to use the Optimist International and PNW District websites to promote their Optimist Clubs to both internal and external audiences. Inspired by a presentation she heard given by James Patrick Schmidt at the Illinois District meeting earlier in the month, she shared ideas to develop a target market and to always be promoting your Optimist Club.

Attendees also drew inspiration from Optimist International President Ken Garner as they watched his moving speech from the Optimist International Convention.

Essay Contest deadlines were shared with the reminder that all winning club essays must be turned in to Chairperson Robin Stanhope by February 28, 2014.

The CCDHH and Optimist Oratorical Contest chairpersons informed the group that the third quarter conference was scheduled to be held in British Columbia in May, 2014. To allow lead time for US contestants to apply for and receive their passports, the Regional Contests will be held early in March 2014. Clubs must therefore hold their Optimist Club contests by February 28, 2014 as well.

The cost to enter all scholarship contests is $50 per contestant advancing to the second level of competition be it zone, regional or district. This amount is paid by the sponsoring Optimist Club.

Among other activities, the district budget was approved, growth incentives were discussed and immediate past governor Fred Wallace was recognized by Governor Dick for his service.

Inspired to do even more in their communities, the group adjourned to the second quarter regional forums to be held in February and March 2015.

For more information about all district activities, promotions, programs and projects, please contact your Lt. Governor at this link or a committee chairperson at this link.

If you have any questions about using the websites, please leave Linda Vaught Jackson a note here or contact Optimist International directly.