Promise to live the Creed 1.7

When I joined an Optimist Club in 1987, I was introduced to the Optimist Creed and I have lived by its tenets since. I find that some days, different lines will inspire or motivate me and I am always in the pursuit of working only for the best.

It is with this tenet in mind that I announce today that I have resigned my position as the website administrator of the PNW District.

I began this website in 2007, before I had a role within the PNW District. My purpose was to help Optimist Clubs receive more publicity. It was at this time that Optimist Club members and leaders were crying that the organization needed marketing. I imagined then, and I still believe, that the secret to marketing is publicity. The secret to publicity is the ability to write your own stories and to archive them where they can be accessed by the public 24/7/365. That is why the purpose of this website was and will always be to promote the activities of Optimist Clubs primarily in the Pacific Northwest.

Several years after I started this site, I became Governor of the PNW District - Optimist International. One of the first challenges I faced, and let me tell you there were many, was access to the district's website. For the sake of history, David Morrison built the PNW District's first website at www.pnwoptimist.org. When David stepped back, Michael Gray stepped into the role. I had intended to continue to use Michael's technical skills as a computer technician until I realized I was not going to have access to actually write stories or change the information on the site he had built because it was not built on a shareable platform. Additionally, its design did not allow the progressive social media messaging that I hoped to share.

In October 2009, my first month as governor, I asked Michael to transfer the site to me so that I could update it. He refused, partly because it was housed on a server that he kept in his garage instead of being secured online on a shareable platform as I mentioned earlier. After months of aggravation and intervention by others on both Michael's and my behalf, the website domain name was finally transferred to the district in March 2010.

But something else had happened. In the meantime, as governor, I needed to communicate and our clubs needed a portal for information. The site that I had built for publicity at www.pnwdistrictoptimist.com had by default become the district's website and it has proudly served in that capacity for Governors Linda Vaught, Ed Murphy, Bill French, Larry Blackburn, Fred Wallace and Dick Disney.

You might imagine a pattern is about to emerge here. Unbeknownst to me, Michael had kept his old website and upon his becoming governor, without telling anyone, he reactivated it at www.pnwoptimist.com in August 2015.

The default district website, the one hosted here, received very little information for publication from the governor in 2015-2016. While frustrating, it was okay because we had greater stories to tell. Until now.

After submitting some ambitious goals to grow the readership of this website as the website administrator for the PNW District, as requested by Governor Rick Matkin, I found myself butting heads with some so-called leaders who apparently don't care about the skill, experience or knowledge of others. On November 19, 2016, Governor Rick, prompted by the 2015-2016 governor and secretary-treasurer, informed me that he was going to pursue the same model that was used last year for registrations, disrupting my ability to continue to grow this site as a district portal.

I expressed my desire to Governor Rick to build one website for the district - not "Linda's site" or "Michael's site" and received an offensive reply that let me know in no uncertain terms that my expertise was not welcome. You may read the entire conversation here.

I now turn to the Optimist Creed.

Someone reminded me to give so much time to the improvement of myself that I have no time to criticize others and to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own. Well, did you know that the year I was governor - 2009-2010 - the PNW District earned Distinguished District status with an Outstanding Governor? That's a pretty big deal considering it has only happened once in the past 16 or more years. Do you see anywhere in this website that I have tooted my own horn? No - but you will see where I have loudly acknowledged Distinguished Governor Ed Murphy and Distinguished Governor Dick Disney's achievements. I have written more than 800 stories that celebrate the good work of Optimist Clubs and Optimist International.

If someone sees my transparency as critical, I beg they take another look. I am working for the best and as an Optimist Club member, I expect the best of others.

Please know, I have shared my optimism at least once per week for over 9 years and I will continue to do so, right here, on this website. My publicity will no longer be in service to a district, but instead, it will be in service to the Optimist Clubs that make our world a better place to live. Please continue to share your stories for publication by email or phone 208.861.2310

Thank you for all that you do as an Optimist Club member and thank you for reading this story. At 900 words, it is the longest  and perhaps most difficult post that I have ever written for this site, but I felt it was necessary that I explain why I have resigned.

If you would like to tell the world why you live the Optimist Creed, please click here to send your picture.

Recognition program benefits the kids

It's that time of year when Optimist Clubs scramble to add and delete members. The goal set by President Jack Creswell and Optimist International was for every club to strive to end the administrative year, September 30, with a net gain of at least one new member.

Every club that completes that requirement is eligible to receive $100 credit towards the next dues billing from Optimist International. To complete the requirements, the club must also be current on dues, complete 3 projects and report them on the President's Pride report, and recognize an individual for their optimistic service.

Sounds like a pretty easy way to earn a quick $100 to me!

I often hear people say that they don't do what they do for awards. But it's not about the awards; completing those minimum requirements help ensure your Optimist Club's longevity and Optimist International is so committed to this process that they are putting up hard cash to recognize its importance.

If you want to raise that amount to a $250 credit all it will take is 15 net new members.

Don't worry; if you can't make it to 15 this year, the same program is in place for 2012-2013. End strong and begin strong. It's all for the kids.

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. 

PNW District - Optimist International Oratorical Contest for 2011-2012

“How My Optimism Helps Me Overcome Obstacles”

  Submitted by Jeanne Large, Oratorical Chair

Since its start in 1928, the Oratorical contest has become the longest-running program sponsored by Optimist International.  The contest is designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking and to provide them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship. 

Optimist International’s 2012 Oratorical Contest has a theme that speaks to the heart of every Optimist volunteer.  When a volunteer stands up and says “Yes, I can!” children are given the opportunity to learn the invaluable skill of public speaking, experience the warmth of volunteers who care, and hear the empowering words of their fellow speakers. 

If you and your club think that this is an opportunity that you want the children in your community to have, now is the time to start planning for it.  Now is the time to let school speech and communication departments know about the theme and timelines, contact youth who have participated in the last couple of years and who might still be eligible, and prepare flyers that can be publicly available in libraries and community centers. 

It is also time to budget for the contest so that your contestants can be offered cash prizes, now possible for club level events.  Clubs are allowed to give monetary awards up to $500 per winner in addition to the official medallions.  The club level awards may be given in the form of a scholarship, savings bond or cash prize.  The cash incentives will attract speakers of they know about them.

Optimist International and your PNW District Oratorical Chairperson, Jeanne Large, are readily available to help you make it happen.  The complete rules and all the forms are available online at http://www.optimist.org.  To locate this year’s guides, just go to the “Members” area of the website, select “Programs” and then go to either “Scholarship Contests” or “Planning Guides”.  The planning guides are also available under the “Club” and “District” tabs atwww.optimistleaders.org. 

Some key dates:  

• District Oratorical Contest:  May 18-19, 2012, Best Western Agate Beach, Newport, OR
• Regional Oratorical Events:  At least two weeks prior to District Event –late April 2012
• Zone Oratorical Events:  At least two weeks prior to Regional Event –early April 2012
• Club Oratorical Contests:  At least two weeks prior to the Zone Event -March, 2012
• Deadline to register an event with District Chair, Jeanne Large - January 31, 2012

To let me know if your club is interested in sponsoring a contest, to volunteer to be a Regional Chair for these events or for more contest information and support, please contact:

Jeanne Large at  jeannemlarge2010@hotmail.com or call 206-794-2900.

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Welcome to the 50th Optimist Club in the PNW District

Optimists,

How are the Children?

I am proud to announce that we have a new Optimist Club in the Pacific Northwest District.  The North Okanagan Optimist club formed last night in Vernon British Columbia with 23 new Optimists to become the 50th club in our district.  Congratulations to Hal Griffin and Peter Smith for all of your work and attaining the Builder of Excellence award.  Well deserved. 

I would also like to thank Al Kersey and Sandy Larivee for all of your efforts in making this club a reality.  This will be the first of many new potential clubs in the Okanagan Valley. 

In Optimism,

Ed Murphy

Governor

Pacific Northwest District

Chehalis-Centralia Optimists host Safety on Wheels

The Chehalis-Centralia Optimist Club held a Bicycle Safety Fair/Safety on Wheels on June 18.   Helmets were provided for all kiddos who needed them, even those in wheelchairs!

Three lucky young cyclists went home with new bikes and club members and police officers showed that no one was too young to learn how to be safe on the road.

You can see more pictures from the Chehalis-Centralia Optimist Club when you "like" them on Facebook.

A new Optimist Club joins the PNW District

We're pleased to share a note with you found on Governor Ed Murphy's Facebook Page today. Welcome to the new Optimist Club in Kirkland, WA.

Oregon City Optimist Club presents the Pioneer Family Festival

While on a break at the third quarter conference, between the oratorical contests, Judi Van Cleave was willing to talk a little bit about the Oregon City Optimist Club and perhaps their biggest activity and fundraiser, Pioneer Days. Please watch the video to learn more and then check out the Pioneer Family Fun Days website and make your plans to join them on May 20-22, 2011.



What big plans are in store for your Optimist Club? Send us a video and we'll tell the world all about it. Well, at least we'll tell the District.  Thanks!

Senior project to benefit children with cancer

Meet Mike Steinlight.

Hint: he's the oldest one in the picture and a member of the Tri-Cities Optimist Club in Pasco-Tri-Cities, Washington. He is also the adviser to the  students in the picture (right to left) Terra Olson, Cynthia Diaz and Israel Rios at Pasco High School.

After a visit to the Sacred Heart Children's Hospital in Spokane, the students decided to take on a senior project to benefit the children in the pediatric cancer unit. During their visit, they learned that chemotherapy strains vision and hearing and since children are often in-patient for treatment, sometimes for months at a time, the students decided there should be larger televisions in the patients rooms.

The project, playfully dubbed the "Bigger Picture" has the students reaching out to the community to help raise $13,000 - the amount needed for twenty-five 32" televisions. The big fundraising event is a dinner dance and auction, to be held at the Red Lion Hotel in Pasco on April 29.

Auction donations are welcome, and tickets are available from the students or members of the Tri-Cities Optimist Club who, according to Charlie Kissler, are helping the students get this project done.  Contact Charlie Kissler to learn more.

Many thanks to the students - Terra, Cynthia and Israel - for caring and especially for their drive to complete such an ambitious project.

Thanks to Lareena Roberson for forwarding the story.  Please read more in the Tri-City Herald.

New Optimist Clubs coming to the Seattle area

Yes, the Pacific Northwest District has taken the Seattle area by storm, starting with a Growth Conference on Wednesday, January 19 and concluding with a youth jazz performance on Saturday evening, January 22.

Danny Rodgers, Optimist International President, led a team of volunteers from across the US and British Columbia to introduce Optimist International and Optimist Clubs to the surrounding communities. The cities of Kirkland and Renton have responded positively and Optimist Club members from the region will follow up to help establish two new Optimist Clubs in their communities.

Plan to participate in the excitement.  Helping start a new Optimist Club is a great way to ignite your optimism and remind you why you belong to your Optimist Club.

Junior Golf Tournaments scheduled in the PNW District

The Meridian Optimist Club is making preparations for the pre-qualifying tournament for the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships in the PNW District.

Because we have clubs in Canada and the US, we are able to host two District Tournaments that advance golfers to the international match.  They are:

• May 22-23, 2010 - Canada Qualifier at Swan-e-Set Resort & Country Club, Pitt Meadows, BC 
• Entry form Canada
• June 21, 2010 - US Qualifier Meriwether National Golf Club, Hillsboro, Oregon
• Entry form US 

Every Optimist Club may send golfers to a District Tournament; there are no prerequisites or pre-qualifying tournaments needed.  Golfers may also choose to play at large without club sponsorship.

However, in 2009 the Meridian Club decided to provide an opportunity for young golfers to play closer to home, practice, and compete for bragging rights as well as the opportunity to move forward with sponsorship from the Meridian Optimist Club.  In order to fit into the Optimist Junior Golf Championship schedule, the tournament is considered a pre-qualifier.  

The Meridian Junior Golf  Pre-Qualifying Tournament will take place at the Boise Ranch Golf Club on May 24, 2010.  Click on the picture to enlarge and print your entry form or download here.

• Find out more about PNW District Optimist Junior Golf Tournament. 
• Find out more about the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships.

Follow your PNW Optimist friends on Facebook

It is convention weekend in the Pacific Northwest District of Optimist International! We are so excited to welcome our friends to SW Idaho. The Boise Noon and Meridian Optimist Clubs are planning some awesome activities and there is great training in store for all of our officer-elects.

Watch for updates, or better yet...join Facebook today and you'll get updates from a great number of your PNW Optimist friends. Find us here. It's 2009! Join the social media brigade.

Keep the momentum going in your Optimist Club

What is the busiest time of the year for your Optimist Club? It seems that many clubs are especially active during the Christmas holidays and then again in April and May as we near the end of the school year. What happens next? Is there a bit of a lull while members take vacations and adjust to a new routine?

At the District level, our service doubles during the summer months. It is really a unique time as there are two administration teams in place ready to help your club succeed. The veteran team has been serving you all year long. Those lieutenant governors and district chairpersons have been there for you, ready and able to answer your questions and your district officers have hopefully been inspiring you to success.

In May, we elected a new team of lieutenant governors and in your clubs, you have elected new officers for the 2009-2010 administrative year. Let’s call them the rookie team. Our rookie team is full of fresh energy and ideas. No one has told them it can’t be done so be sure to include them in the final months of this administrative year so there is constant energy and enthusiasm for what we do as Optimists.

Attend the PNW District Convention
Right now is an exciting time for your Optimist Club and the PNW District. We replenish and reenergize ourselves and I have found that the best way to refuel our Optimistic spirit is by attending the PNW District Convention. The convention is being held in Boise Idaho, August 20-22, 2009 at the Doubletree Riverside. Some highlights include:

Thursday - For those who arrive early, you can choose to golf or take a jet-boat exploration through the Snake River Canyon and the Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. In the evening we will welcome International President Designate Mark Shriver IV and his spouse and first lady Patricia McKay, M.D. during our opening session and meet our candidates for governor-elect for 2010-2011.

Friday – Newly elected officers will receive training. There are special sessions all day for presidents-elect, secretary/treasurers-elect and lieutenant governors-elect. It is important for you to attend these sessions even if you have been an officer before. There are new ideas, new promotions and new ways of looking at things. Nothing is off-limits for discussion. A new year of transparency and communication begins here! Spouses and guests may enjoy a trip to the Idaho Botanical Garden and in the evening we will all travel to the Boise Noon Optimist Football Complex for our annual Optimist District barbecue.

Saturday – Start off the day with a flashback to the ‘50s. You won’t know if you want to eat or dance when the jukebox starts playing your favorite songs and then we’ll jitterbug right into our District Board Meeting where we elect our governor-elect for 2010-2011 and a third team of enthusiastic Optimists join in our administration to make us strong and our service continuous. There will be more opportunities for networking and learning throughout the day before we head into the Governor’s Banquet and installation of officers for our coming year.

It is a bittersweet moment when our convention comes to a close. We are both happy and sad for it marks the passing of another year. We are so blessed as Optimists that we mark our time with service and gratitude. Please don’t miss this time that we share together. Join us in Boise for this very positive time of transition.

Register online for the PNW District Optimist Convention now.
Picture: Cindi Wall, President of the Boise Noon Optimist Club can't wait to welcome you to Boise.

PNW Optimists regional meetings come to a close

PNW Optimists gathered on Saturday, March 7 for the third and final regional meeting for the second quarter of the 2008-2009 admnistrative year. Almost forty members celebrated the successes of their Optimist Clubs in Twin Falls, Idaho.

The hospitality was first-rate thanks to Robin Stanhope and her posse - a combined group of Twin Falls and Jerome Optimist Club members sometimes known as the Jerome Falls Optimist Club. Other highlights were:

• Governor Peter Smith honored the Meridian Optimist Club for first quarter membership growth
  
• Immediate Past Governor Steve Andersen recognized the Meridian Optimist Club and the Nampa Optimist Club for being Honor Clubs in 2007-2008
  
• Wayne Bohrn was recognized by Past Governor Steve for his outstanding service to the Optimist International Foundation


• Lt. Governors Traci Brandenbourg, Ken Wall (represented honorably by Cindi Wall), and Kirk Farnsworth gave zone updates


• Luree Evans, President, Twin Falls Optimist Club, showed a great club video prepared by one of the Twin Falls members for recruiting new members
  
• Linda Jackson, Governor-elect encouraged clubs to hold elections and submit reports. She also gave a presentation on how happiness encourages membership growth

The next meeting of our distinguished group of Optimists will be on May 15-16 in Hood River, Oregon. Register today and be a part of the worldwide movement to bring out the best in kids.

Please click on pictures to enlarge (left to right): Entertainment from local students, a picture of the group, Dr. Tom Hammond and Sue Thompson relax after eating giant potatoes, Steve Andersen and Wayne Bohrn pose for the Foundation photo, Mike Grey and Steve Andersen celebrate the Nampa Honor Club award.

PNW Optimists hold regional meetings

The first of three regional meetings for the PNW Optimist District was held in Mission, B.C. on February 7. Nearly fifty Optimists from Zones 1, 2 and 13 gathered to share club successes, discuss opportunities and discover new approaches to serving the kids in our communities.

(click on pictures to enlarge)

Some of the highlights were:

• Jessica Grindler, JOOI member, provided entertainment during lunch
• NOW presentation from Joe Jenkins, Auburn Optimist Club Secretary and Leadership Development team member
• Pediatric AIDS presentation from Sam Mohan, Chilliwack Optimist member and Essay Chair

Governor Peter Smith will head to McMinnville, Oregon on February 21 and then on to Twin Falls, Idaho on March 7 to visit Regions 2 and 3. Plan to be there! Register online now.

PNW Optimists think about the new year

It's only a couple days away! That's right, 2009 really will be here before you know it. In the Pacific Northwest, many people are still digging out from the big snowstorms that made Christmas wonderfully white, but our Optimist Clubs are thinking about the new projects and new opportunities that will come with the new year.

Opportunity #1. Optimist International Essay Contest - The official topic is "The Power of Youth" and all clubs should encourage students who are under the age of 19 as of December 31, 2008 to participate in this scholarship contest. Club contests should be completed by January 31. District contests must be completed by April 15.

Information for club chairpersons .
Information for contestants.

Contestants, please note that you must submit your essay to an Optimist Club. Click here to find a club near you.

Opportunity #2. Attend a Regional Meeting - With deference to weather and economy, the PNW District offers regional meetings in February so that more people can attend this motivational activity.

Find the meeting nearest you and participate!

Be sure to check back often as we update the opportunities for all Optimists to be involved!

Could you be a CCB?

The Certified Club Builder (CCB) Program is coming to the PNW District on October 29-31 in Gig Harbor, WA. Peter Smith, Governor 2008-2009 is looking for ten candidates to participate.

According to Optimist International: The Certified Club Builder will be an Optimist member who has a successful track record in New Club Building. They must possess an extensive knowledge of Optimist International’s history, policies, programs and culture. The Certified Club Builder must be available to travel and must be available to spend consecutive days working in the field. In addition to leading the building efforts within a community this individual must be able to train and instruct other key Builders in the “how-to’s” of successful New Club Building.

Please send an email to the governor to be considered for a slot in this upcoming class.

PNW Optimists to visit Gig Harbor

Register today to attend the 1st Quarter District Meeting in Gig Harbor, Washington. The meeting will be held on October 31-November 1 at the Inn at Gig Harbor. Hotel cut-off date is September 19. Rooms will be subject to availability after that time.
Located southwest of Seattle, Gig Harbor is about 35 miles from the Seatac Airport or 15 miles from Tacoma. This maritime village is the first stop on the Kitsap Peninsula after crossing the Narrows Bridge. Find out more about Gig Harbor attractions by visiting the official visitor website http://www.gigharborguide.com/home.aspx.

Where in the world is Governor Steve?

Joe Jenkins sent me a message from the Auburn Optimist Club that Governor Steve Andersen would be visiting their club this week as a stop along the way to the PNWD District Convention in Chilliwack. That got me thinking. Just where has Governor Steve traveled this year? Maybe he visited your club? Send me a picture and we'll add it to the collage. Enjoy!

Make plans now for the PNW Optimist Convention

Newly elected Optimist Club presidents and secretary-treasurers are encouraged to attend the PNW District Optimist Convention on August 14-16 in Chilliwack, British Columbia. According to Governor-elect Peter Smith, this is the best time to get prepared for the year ahead! Register online now.

Training this year will include basics of club operations, delegation and goal setting. New to the agenda will be a module recently introduced at the Optimist International Convention on Public Relations.

We will also be honored to welcome the incoming Optimist International President Don Sievers. Don hails from the Optimist Club of Jackson, Missouri and will be promoting a successful conclusion to the current administrative year and inspiring a great start to the incoming year. He will introduce the theme for 2008-2009, Give me Five for the Kids, as well as the new honor club requirements.

This is also the time of year that we elect our governor-elect for 2009-2010. Linda Jackson has declared her candidacy. Find out more about Linda Jackson and Ron Petersen. Ron will be the district secretary-treasurer if Linda is elected.