An observation about the past, an appeal for the future

During the last week of the year, many websites and blogs will review their most read posts and highlight how their musings may have shaped trends and beliefs. I thought it was more telling to review what drew the least attention in our corner of optimism: Create a path to leadership.

The irony is that it occurred during a time that Optimist Club leaders were, in theory, planning for the future.

So...what was happening in the PNW District on May 12, 2018? 

On that day, Optimist Clubs in the Pacific Northwest were attending the third quarter meeting where members heard from students in the Optimist International Oratorical Contest. Members also participated in the District Board Meeting and were introduced to the new organization structure being planned by Governor-elect Ben DeRemer. Lt. governors were being elected and preparations were being made for transitioning officers and committee positions on October 1, 2018.

It just so happens that the least read submission on the Optimist Clubs in the Pacific Northwest blog was posted May 12, 2018.  The text from "Create a path to leadership" follows:

We know this to be true - some people prefer to follow, some people want to lead, and all people like to be heard. In your Optimist Club, you must create space for the different levels of interest shown by your members and be aware, interests will likely change as engagement or disengagement occurs. 

If one person is always the committee chair of the club’s biggest event, always doing things his/her way, that leaves little room for new ideas to grow. Not only does the club suffer from the lack of new ideas, but members also become disillusioned and leave. 

The same is true for club officers. If the president and secretary-treasurer continually repeat in their roles, they create a perception that others are not needed. When people are not needed, what do they do? More often than not, they leave. 

It is up to current leaders to find and recruit their replacements so that the organization at the club level and beyond does not become stale from the lack of fresh, enthusiastic, new people, dreams, and goals. 

Great leaders are always training their replacement so that, in addition to fresh energy, they can provide continuity on the initiatives already begun that will move the organization forward. An organization like Optimist International relies on the quality of leadership that begins at the club level and is nurtured at the district level. It is more important today than ever before that succession planning begin. As individuals, we may not be here forever, but with planning, the organizations we love will thrive well into the future.

While this post cautions Optimist Clubs to make way for new leadership, it also explains that the same must be done at all levels of the organization. If the same people attend the District meetings each quarter without bringing their respective club's current officers, the same people are occupying space into which others might step. Furthermore, they are continually making decisions on behalf of others and sometimes that does not take new ideas and opinions into account. Most of all, it does not emphasize the importance of succession.

If Optimist Clubs are to continue well past the organization's Centennial Year, it is time that prospective leaders be given their clear path to succession. Some will be ready, and others will not. That is why a strong foundation of past leaders must remain engaged, but resolved to let others learn and teach the path we and our heirs are to take.


Photo credit: @rawpixel

Find strength and wisdom in numbers

Optimist Clubs in the Pacific Northwest District of Optimist International are going through a seemingly endless series of "super zone" meetings in place of a district meeting for the second quarter of the 2017-2018 administrative year. It seems endless for the first was February 17 and the last will be March 24.

According to my Facebook stream, most other districts have already held one-day affairs where they celebrated the accomplishments of their respective Optimist Clubs for the 2016-2017 administrative year. It is a sad circumstance that the PNW District has little to celebrate; however, that is no excuse for not gathering the troops together for a "super dose" of motivation. This is my soapbox, so to speak, for encouraging an end to the practice of second quarter super zone meetings.

The super zone meeting is a plan promoted by some governors to bring District-level information and education to the local level. Not a bad thought, but isn't that the purpose, or shouldn't it be, of every zone meeting coordinated by the corresponding lieutenant governor?

Some cite the possibility of poor weather conditions as a reason to hold the local meetings. They say that way, fewer members will have to to have to travel far distances to attend; plus, there is the possible bonus that with the meeting being close, more will want to participate. I don't know whether that has proved successful. From the meetings I've been to over the years, I would say not so much.

The Optimist Clubs in the PNW District will come together as a whole for the third quarter meeting on May 12. That will mark only the second time that the District's Board of Directors will have met since the first quarter meeting in October. What's happened since that time? Have the club presidents been kept informed of the goals of the District and how their Optimist Clubs are part of the plan of success? Have the club presidents provided counsel to the governor and been given the opportunity to provide fiduciary oversight to the District as is their responsibility as members of the Board of Directors?

Here is the big question: are all working to leave their clubs and the district better than they were when they took office? Time will tell, I guess.

Over the past two years, the third quarter meetings have accomplished little more than serving as a platform for the Optimist International Oratorical Contest and Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. As inspirational as the students may be, there has been no training or education and the District Board Meeting has been reduced to the election of the lieutenant governors for the coming administrative year. That has provided little incentive to help the clubs grow right here, right now.

If the District is to return to a growth model, the administration must return to a growth message. The best way to deliver that message, concisely and consistently, is to return to education first and leave the social by-product as the second important reason for coming together.

Of course, the point of my message, is we need to come together as a District in the second quarter to celebrate the achievements of the previous year and to inspire achievement in the current administration. This is the time to provide last-minute encouragement and advise the process for entering the District-level Optimist International Scholarship Programs, among other things. It is the time to grow stronger with one another as clubs plan for the calendar year ahead.

A famous American once said that a house divided cannot stand. The same is true for the PNW District. As much as a super zone meeting may encourage localism, it discourages unity. When each group learns something different from the other, there is the risk that each will go its own way and soon, it may not need the others at all.

30 years ago, Jack Towns was recognized as the Governor of the Distinguished PNW District

For those of us who spend waste time on Facebook, we know that TBT stands for Throwback Thursday. Traditionally, on this day, people and pages will often share an old picture of a significant, funny, or memorable event. 

Today, Past Distinguished Governor Jack Towns shared such an awesome memory that I couldn't wait until Thursday to share it here so that it will reach more than our Facebook fans. 

Check out this newspaper article shown on the right (click to enlarge) and you'll see that three members of the Albany Optimist Club were recognized for their service and achievement in optimism in 1987. 

That's right! In 1987, the Pacific Northwest District was named a Distinguished District with Jack Towns as its Governor. The Lt. Governor for his club's zone, Gordon Vogt, earned Distinguished Lt. Governor and the Albany Optimist Club was designated an Honor Club with Charles Stoakes as President. 

Please let this memory serve as encouragement for all to always strive to be your best and help your Optimist Club be its best, too.

Thanks for your many years as an Optimist Club member, Jack, Gordon and Charles.

Photo credit: Jack Towns

The 2017 PNW District Optimist Convention review

The PNW District - Optimist International Convention was held August 10-12, 2017 in Boise, Idaho. Approximately sixty-five Optimist Club leaders from British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon and Washington gathered for training of incoming officers and shared fellowship at a number of social activities organized by the Meridian and Boise Noon Optimist Clubs.

Susan Fix, Optimist International Representative and Vice President of the Great Plains Region, led club officer-elect training and help prepare incoming club presidents and secretary/treasurers for their upcoming roles. She emphasized Honor Club as a way to success.

Susan also presented a session on how to have fun meetings. Of course business needs to be conducted, but that doesn't mean club members can't have fun in the process. Her tips focused on being kind, remembering those who weren't there, celebrating those who are, and influencing positive attitudes and expectations.

Governor Rick Matkin held a brusque board meeting.  Three decisions were made affirming policy amendments that were introduced as a package with a "do pass" recommendation from the executive committee. As different as this approach was from prior board meetings, a small amount of discussion was held and a summary of the results are:

1. Lieutenant Governors are expected to make one visit to each club in their zone during the year.
2. Voting strength for clubs has been changed to one vote per each ten members or majority fraction thereof and one delegate registered, certified eligible, and present for the convention may cast all votes on behalf of the club.
3. The Board of Directors, which consists of the executive committee and all Optimist Club presidents in the District, may be installed at the annual convention or at the first opportunity following the beginning of the administrative year. 

In additional business, Governor-elect Bruce Gilbertson requested that the PNW District CCDHH Contest be placed in a one-year hiatus. This was amended to "if participants outside of British Columbia are not secured by December 2017."

In response to concerns raised regarding the poor accessibility of online resources, a resolution was passed to create a committee to review and recommend changes to the District's websites by October 1, 2017.

We heard there were four or five new club building ideas on the drawing board, including one in Spokane that Jim Boyd, Director of Strategic Growth, Optimist International, will be attending for the second time; however, those in attendance were not invited to participate.

The Board of Directors meeting ended following the election of the Governor-elect. Candidates Teresa Wallace and Ben DeRemer, both of the Gresham Optimist Club, made speeches outlining their vision and experience. In the first time that vote totals were ever disclosed, Ben was elected in a close race, 39 to 31.

After an afternoon of free time, approximately five hours later, the Governor's Banquet was held. Highlights included:

• Sponsor pins for recruiting new members were awarded.
• Committee chairs who had lived up to their personal goals submitted to the Governor at the beginning of the year were given a gift from the Governor.
• Rose Brodie was named the Roy Proctor Lifetime Achievement recipient.
• Susan Fix gave a motivational and interactive address with tips to encourage attendees to live a happy and kind life.
• Awarding of silent auction items. Approximately $755 was raised with the disbursements as follows: Optimist International Foundation - $105; Childhood Cancer Campaign - $45; Children's Optimist Foundation of Canada - $30; and the Pacific Northwest District treasury - $565. 

With the dinner coming to a close, the officers for 2017-2018 were installed by Susan Fix.
In the picture, from the left, are:

Susan Fix, Vice President
Ben DeRemer, Governor-elect
Gary Smith, Lt. Governor
Bruce Gilbertson, Governor-designate
Tyler Carr, Lt. Governor
Doug Row, Lt. Governor
Joe Shreve, Lt. Governor
Peter Sudduth, Lt. Governor
Mary White, District Secretary/Treasurer
Not shown, Scott Keller, Lt. Governor

Speaking very briefly, Governor-designate Bruce said that he did not want to be a Distinguished Governor. He wants to be the Governor of a Distinguished District. He invited everyone to come to the next meeting in Kennewick, Washington October 27-28, 2017 and learn more.

Ben DeRemer elected as Governor 2018-2019 of the PNW Optimist Clubs

Ben DeRemer of the Gresham, Oregon Optimist Club has been chosen as Governor-elect of the PNW District - Optimist International. He will become Governor of the PNW District on October 1, 2018.

Ben has previously served as the President of the Gresham Scouters and Gresham Optimist Clubs and both clubs earned Honor and Distinguished awards during his term. He has been a Lieutenant Governor of Oregon Zone #3 and a District Committee Chair overseeing Activities and Awards. A member since 2012, he has already earned the Builder of Excellence Award from Optimist International for starting a new Optimist Club.

In July 2017, Ben was invited to attend the Optimist International Leadership Academy. While there, attendees were encouraged to step-up into leadership roles in their respective districts with the goal of becoming a governor sooner than later. Ben has done just that and we congratulate him on his enthusiasm and accomplishments.

Each year, at their annual conventions, Districts in the Optimist International organization choose the person who will lead them one year from now. This person spends their first year as a governor-elect where they observe, analyze, help and plan. On their promotion to Governor, they bring their strategic plan forward to help the District they serve, and thereby Optimist International, grow in membership and service to youth, communities and ourselves.

Leaders are not created equal

This is the time of year that Districts in Optimist International begin looking for new leaders. That's
not to say that they aren't always looking; it is only an acknowledgement that during the District Conventions held in August and September of each year, the search gets serious because the governors-elect are chosen at this time.

It is a sad but true statement that membership in Optimist Clubs is declining. That means the leadership pool is also smaller and often it comes down to individuals who have hung on the longest are finally being given an opportunity to lead.

Let me repeat: those who wouldn't have been considered when there was competition are rising to positions for which they are neither prepared or qualified. And we wonder why membership in our Optimist Clubs is declining?

This post is a call to all past and potential leaders. We must not be apathetic or resigned to the path of least resistance. We must not be complacent, resting on past achievements.

We must be proactive.

Successful past governors must step forward to lead again, bringing with them the knowledge and experience that is needed to help the organization and our Optimist Clubs grow. Optimist volunteers may be our greatest asset; however, skilled leadership, focused on growth, is the skill that will take the organization forward long after its 100th anniversary.

It's tax time!

This is the annual reminder for all US-based Optimist Clubs in the PNW District to file their 990 tax forms. The forms are due by February 15 every year.

For most Optimist Clubs, the e-Postcard is sufficient. This option is open to all clubs with less than $50,000 income.

The filing should be completed by the president, secretary/treasurer or someone designated by the president. The information needed to complete the form at http://www.epostcard.form990.org follows:

1. Employer identification number (EIN), also known as a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). 
2. Tax year 
3. Legal name and mailing address 
4. Any other names the organization uses 
5. Name and address of a principal officer 
6. Web site address if the organization has one 
7. Confirmation that the organization’s annual gross receipts are $50,000 or less 
8. If applicable, a statement that the organization has terminated or is terminating (going out of business)

Should you need any help completing your form, please call 208.861.2310. 

And this happened, too

One of the attributes of belonging to an Optimist Club is that individuals can develop their leadership skills. Some people go from member to board of directors and then on to club president in a very short period of time.

Optimist Club presidents are automatically members of the District Board of Directors. They are encouraged to attend the District meetings and help make decisions that will help their Optimist Club thrive. Some club presidents are so busy that they let their duties fall to a member that often attends the District activities. It's easy to fall into that trap, and it is unfortunate that when that occurs, the District loses out on new and exciting ideas from fresh voices. 

At the 2015 PNW District Optimist International Convention, there was a mix of the old and new. One delightful addition was Gresham Optimist Club President Ben Deremer. In addition to being an Optimist Club member and full-time graduate student, Ben is also an Eagle Scout, just like Optimist International President Ken Garner. 

Ben served as emcee for Friday's luncheon and this happened. That's right, those are moose antlers right there on President Ken's head. Now that's fun. That's optimism. 

Luncheon address from President Ken.
Posted by PNW Optimist District on Friday, August 14, 2015

First impressions from the PNW District - Optimist International Convention

PNW Optimist Club members who were able to join us at the district convention heard from two inspirational speakers, Patsy Garner and International President Ken Garner. I think the Optimist Club of Chilliwack summed up the experience best. On its Facebook page it wrote, "Take any opportunities you have to hear this man speak. He is a great speaker and one hell of a motivator. We were so fortunate to spend three days with him. I learned so much to take back to our club!"

It will be impossible to share the complete experience here, but in the next few days, we will strive to write about the district business and future plans, including our drive to 100% Honor Clubs, right here, right now. 

For the moment, thanks to all who attended the 2015 PNW District Optimist Internatonal Convention. And many special thanks to our extra special guests, Patsy and Ken Garner. 

Take any opportunities you have to hear this man speak. He is a great speaker and one hell of a motivator! We were so fortunate to spend three days with him. I learned so much to take back to our club!
Posted by Optimist Club of Chilliwack on Sunday, August 16, 2015

Optimist Club election time

Optimist International has announced its slate of candidates for the 2015 election cycle. Nominated for International President 2016-2017 are Jim Kondrasuk and Nick Prillaman. Optimist Clubs will cast their votes one of these gentlemen during the month of June.

This announcement should serve as notice that it is time for Optimist Clubs to begin their election process. While reporting officers is no longer a requirement for Honor Club, it is still a good rule of thumb to hold elections and record the new officers by May 20 of each year. 

Why May 20? By reporting early, the District and Optimist International can begin to communicate with the president-elect to invite him or her to the conventions, participate in training, and to begin to inspire growth and collaboration from year to year. Changing officers should be like passing a baton in a relay race: seamless and forward-moving. 

Do this today - form a nominations committee. Follow up by holding the election of officers and then report the outcome by logging into www.Optimistleaders.org on or before May 20, 2015. Thank you. 

Membership growth: a vital message for Optimist Clubs

Certified International Trainer Robert Schiller facilitated the Optimist International Leadership Summit in Portland, Oregon on June 14, 2014. Following the model previously held in 14 other locations, there were 26 Optimist Club members on hand, including Optimist International President Ron Huxley, to learn about leadership and involvement opportunities in Optimist Clubs, Districts and Optimist International.

Optimist International Leadership Summit, Portland, Oregon

Getting people, members and non-members, involved in projects and making them feel welcome at meetings were key messages of the conference. Involvement leads to membership retention and helps the club with their recruitment efforts.

Also emphasized was that purpose of an Optimist Club is not to perform projects. Instead, the purpose or goal of the club should be to ensure that it can continue to exist so that it may meet the needs of its community today and in the future. Yes, positive and relevant projects are crucial to that goal, but even more so is a continuous stream of new members.

In order for Optimist International to continue to exist, it must also continue to grow by adding new Optimist Clubs. Starting and mentoring a new Optimist Club is perhaps the most important project that an Optimist Club can take on.

Often overlooked is the ability that clubs have to publicize their own events through two significant means. First, when hosting an event, make sure that the Optimist Club name is prominently displayed at the top as the owner and coordinator of the activity. This branding asserts the Optimist Club's involvement, and as Bob Schiller pointed out, it's necessary for insurance purposes. For example:

• Right: Yourtown Optimist Club hosts Kid for a Day with Yourtown Community Shelter
• Wrong: Yourtown Community Shelter hosts Kid for a Day sponsored by the Yourtown Optimist Club

The second way is to use real stories, from real people about why they belong to an Optimist Club and more important, why they are involved with the club's activities. This last point is the critical part of President Ron's theme: My Optimism (MO).  Sharing why we are passionate about our Optimist Club projects will encourage others to try it out and possibly become passionate as well. 

We're still looking for those stories, friends. Tell us yours today. 

Thanks to the presenters who spent the day in the Pacific Northwest District: Ron Huxley, Robert Schiller, Danny Schuette, Fred Wallace and James Minyard. And special thanks to the attendees from as far away as Texas, Idaho, Washington, British Columbia and the host state of Oregon.

An invitation to lead

Ray Hilts, PNW District Secretary-Treasurer, has submitted the proposed district budget for 2013-2014 for your review.

Please click here to review the proposed budget for the PNWD 2013-2014. 

According to Ray, he and Governor Fred Wallace met with finance chair Jim Jensen to evaluate and assign budget amounts based on the district history while taking into account goals for the coming year and decisions reached at the district convention. Jim will make a presentation on the proposed budget at the upcoming district meeting on Saturday, October 26.

Club presidents, please take time to review this information and be prepared to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for changes if you see areas that are addressed differently than you think wise.

In my years of attending district meetings, I've noticed that there is a tendency to just accept a budget as presented for various reasons. Some say, "It's just a guideline." Others say, "It's the governor's year, he or she can do what they want." Some just don't care because they fail to see how the budget might affect them.

All of these perspectives are wrong. The budget impacts very Optimist Club in the district. First and foremost, the dues have increased by $3.00 this year for every club member. That means that there should be more money to help us accomplish more. However, the sad truth is that dues were raised because membership has declined over the past three years. Each club member now must contribute more to receive the same level of service.

Second, I would like to point out that it not just a guideline. As the district has foregone the use of strategic planning, the only way we know what is planned for the year is through budget analysis. The district leadership is expected to do what it says it will do with its members' money.

Third, it's not "the governor's year." It's really not. Every year is yet another administrative year for Optimist Clubs, Districts and Optimist International and it is merely the elected governor's turn to lead the organization. We always hope that the governor will do so in a manner that sustains and nurtures the clubs in their district and helps Optimist International to grow. If they come at their duty with a sense of entitlement, that may not happen.

The purpose of this post is to help Optimist Club leaders overcome their fear of being engaged participants at the district meeting. It's okay to ask questions, and to agree or disagree with what you hear. The only way our organization will grow is by enabling our new leaders to lead.

Club presidents, this is your invitation. Come to the District Meeting on October 25-26, 2013 and lend your voice; please share your ideas and your optimism.

See the PNW District financial report for 2012-2013

One of the purposes of holding district conferences is to gather the club presidents who make up the district board of directors. It is their responsibility to provide counsel to the district so that the district may provide services that Optimist Clubs need to expand the organization and serve their communities.

That responsibility includes reviewing and advising on the district budget. Chris Stearns, District Secretary-Treasurer, 2012-2013 has prepared the final budget report for the administrative year completed on September 30, 2013 and she asked me to share it with you so that you may be aware as you attend the upcoming district meeting on October 25-26, 2013.

Click here to review and download the Profit&Loss Statement for the PNWD 2012-2013. 

This information is used to help prepare an appropriate and strategic budget for the next year. In addition to reviewing and accepting the 2012-2013 administration's final report, members of the board of directors (club presidents or their representatives) will set priorities for the PNW District when they vote on the proposed budget for 2013-2014. Optimist Club presidents, please don't take this responsibility lightly. If you want the district to do more to help your club in your local community, this is the time to make your voice heard so that plans may be adopted and implemented in 2013-2014.

As a reminder, if the club president cannot attend this or any district meeting, they must provide in writing their named representative in order for the club to be able to vote.

If you want more information about the final report from 2012-2013, please contact Chris.

Click here if you would like more information about the budgeting process.

We will publish the proposed budget for 2013-2014 on this blog when received.

Find out how to get more out of life at the First Quarter Meeting

"To get more out of life, put more into it," is Governor Larry Blackburn's motto. He's sharing his beliefs with the Pacific Northwest District Optimists this year with the addition of "To get more out of life -help a child!" a saying that will meet with the acceptance of all Optimist Club members.

Come to the first quarter meeting and find out more about Governor Larry's hopes and dreams for your Optimist Club.

Click on the photo to enlarge and print the weekend program for October 19-20, 2012.

Register online now. 

We hope to see you there.

Future leaders step forward

About 70 Optimist Club members gathered in Salem, Oregon for the Third Quarter District Meeting on April 29-30. More details from the meeting, including our Oratorical and Communications Contests results,  will be published later this week, but we wanted to post a quick update on one of the major business items of the weekend: Lieutenant Governor-elect Elections.

Unanimously elected to join Bill French and the 2011-2012 district leadership team are:

Zone 1 - Mansuralli Lalani (Vancouver BC North Shore)
Zone 2 - Wilf Lowdell (Chilliwack)
Zone 3 - Paul DeMars (Issaquah)
Zone 4 - Monte Akers (Hillsboro)
Zone 5 - Steve Enyeart (Vancouver, WA)
Zone 6 - Rheanna Mosier (Roseburg)
Zone 7 - Anita Welchel (Caldwell)
Zone 8 - Susan Thompson (Meridian)
Zone 9 - Chris Stearns (Twin Falls)
Zone 10 - Shaun Daggett (LaGrande)

The Candidate Qualifications report advised the assembly that one qualified individual has announced their intention to seek the the office of Governor-elect: Larry Blackburn, Lt. Governor Zone 7 and Immediate Past Honor and Distinguished President of the Caldwell Optimist Club.

To be elected governor-elect, candidates must have completed a term of club president and lieutenant governor. It is a self-nominating process. Letters of interest should be sent to Linda Jackson.

Find your Leadership Portfolio online

Are you a club or district leader wondering where your leadership package for 2010-2011 might be? For the first time ever, Optimist International elected NOT to send them via the mail, but instead they have uploaded an entire leadership portfolio online for you to access as you need and wish. They save on printing and postage; you save on printing, and most important, the information is downloadable to your own hard drive or available to access online at any time.  Isn't technology wonderful?

Please access the Optimist International Club and District Leadership Portfolios here.

Former Nebraska District Governor will share what it means to just do it

Ardis Moody

Will you be joining us in Poulsbo on Friday? I hope so!

The Leadership Development Team has put together some inspirational training for the Pacific Northwest District 1st quarter meeting including a special session about bridging the generation gap. Ardis and Brett from the Nebraska District will be with us to share a presentation they gave at the Optimist International Convention.  Here's what the convention brochure had to say about their presentation:

Just Ask vs Just Do It – Bridging the Optimist Generation Gap

Are you looking for new, younger members to help make your club projects more successful?  While we as Optimists have been inviting people to join our clubs and participate in our meetings (Just Ask), companies like Nike have been appealing to the younger generation to become active and involved in things that make a difference (Just Do It!)  This workshop takes a look at generational differences and how revisiting our attitudes and strategies may provide us with ways to revitalize, strengthen and energize our organization.

 It's not too late to register.  Just do it! 

 

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.