Make youth serving organizations a priority

Denzel Washington is a national board member and spokesperson for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. In this time of economic turmoil and the potential for change in the US political scene, he took time to remind us that we must pay attention to the children in crisis. In an editorial with CNN, he reminds voters that regardless of party affiliations, we must hold politicians accountable for helping young people. His key points:

• Nearly 30 percent of this year's freshman class will drop out of high school, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That number jumps to 40 percent in some urban areas.
• The obesity rate for our kids has gone up by as much as 300 percent since 1980, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, triggering a host of health-related problems, from diabetes to heart disease.
• Young people account for more than 20 percent of violent crimes in the United States, according to statistics cited by Duke University's Center for Child and Family Policy. Violent juvenile crime peaks between 3 and 4 p.m., at the end of the school day.
• These facts are grim enough. Factor in persistent patterns of poverty, gang activity, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy, and you have a generation of Americans that will be unprepared -- indeed, unable -- to meet the challenges posed by a complex world.

How can we help? According to Mr. Washington, "In partnership with government, schools, community leaders and parents, we can create a network and culture in which everyone embraces the importance of a positive future for our youth. There are many ways to help:

• Volunteering at a local youth organization.
• Leading by example.
• Donating to charities that make a difference."

Sounds like a great time to be a member of an Optimist Club. Make sure your club is following Denzel Washington's example. Read the complete post here.

Optimists are thinking convention

Everyone is an Optimist when they attend the Optimist International Convention . The fourth largest service organization in the world will gather in Grapevine, Texas July 1-5, 2008 for a dose of inspiration and education and to elect the new leaders for 2009-2010. Current International President Theo Golding will preside over the plenary sessions with nineteen amendments under consideration. International President-elect Don Seivers will be introduced as the International President designate for 20082009. Mark Shriver will be nominated to the position of International President -elect. Read all about the proposed amendments and members vying for international positions in the May Leadership Hotline.

Pacific Northwest District Optimists will return and immediately plan for the District Convention in Chilliwack British Columbia on August 15-17. Incoming club presidents, secretary-treasurers and lt. governors will receive training on how to plan and lead a successful year. The governor-elect for 2009-2010 will also be elected at this event as Governor Steve Andersen rallies for strong finish for this administrative year and Governor-elect Peter Smith announces plans for continuing success. Register today for this great event!

PNW Optimists hold leadership retreat

Peter Smith, Pacific Northwest District Governor for 2008-2009 hosted the incoming lieutenant governors at the Menucha Retreat and Conference Center in Corbett, Oregon.

The 2008-2009 Optimist International president's theme was revealed. "Give me five for the kids" will focus on five key areas for success: growth, management, communications, leadership and participation.

Peter also discussed his goals for the coming year which include ten new clubs between June 2008 and October 2009.

Easter egg hunting with the Optimists

Optimist Clubs throughout the Pacific Northwest celebrated Easter with an annual egg hunt. In Idaho, the Twin Falls Optimist Club offered golden eggs to lucky scavengers. The rare golden eggs contained two one dollar coins.

Optimist Clubs offer health, happiness and prosperity

Don't believe it? One quick click on this link will take you to the Salem Optimist Club entry in American Towns.com for Salem, Oregon. The author eloquently describes the club's mission in terms of these three powerful words that make up the second tenet of the Optimist Creed.

Some of their accomplishments include:

• For health, they work closely with Easter Seals to provide assistance for children with special needs.
• For happiness, they find joy in the awesome projects that bring volunteers together with children.
• For prosperity, they not only contribute, but they mobilize funding for big projects like $60,000 worth of playground equipment for Cascade Gateway Park.

The Salem Optimist Club is living the Optimist Creed. Are you?

Optimists creatively recycle unclaimed Christmas trees

On the first day back from Christmas vacation, the Breakfast Optimist Club of Lawrence, Kansas brought a forest to the Lawrence Arts Preschool. Forty unclaimed Christmas trees were planted in sand outside their door. According to the school administrator, they will be used as a maze, to inspire artwork, and provide a hands-on learning experience with nature.

Many Optimist Clubs feature Christmas tree sales as a fund raising activity. This provides a fun way to connect with students once the presents are gone.