Season's Greetings

Greetings to you all.

It's that time of year to check your list twice.  If you don't have your list done by now and have checked it at least once, you had better hurry!!

Every year, after the holiday season, I find I have left something undone.  I'll try not to do that this year.  I would like to be able to greet each of you in person this year, but that is impossible, so I will do it this way, by letter.

I have said "You are the number one volunteer for Optimist International," and that is true.  But, most importantly, you are the most important person to those 32 kids that your membership represents.  They need you.  They need you to provide growth opportunities in education, sports, the arts, humanities,  health and moral support, to move forward in their lives.

As we move through the final stages of this year, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and celebrate the New Year, hug all around you and celebrate to the fullest of life.

As an Optimist, celebrate the good that you have done for so many, many kids that needed you.  Give thanks for having the ability to help them.

This is your time with family and friends.  This is your time to receive comfort from them and give comfort to them.  This is your time to enjoy.

Ellen and I wish you the very best during this Holiday Season and, as we go forward into 2012, have a Happy New Year!!

"Spiraling Upward"

Governor Ted and Ellen Huber, District #13  AMS&NW

Future Optimist Club of Red Deer on Facebook

Laura Murphy of the Futures Optimist Club of Red Deer is inviting all fellow Optimists to visit the new Facebook page for their club.

This is an excellent example of putting your club on Facebook.  Congratulations on the excellent look!

For more information on adding your club to Facebook, consider the "First Steps - Create a Facebook Presence" article on the "Put Your Club Online" blog.

St. Albert Optimists 30th Anniversary

The hard working Optimists from the St. Albert Optimist Club are celebrating their 30th anniversary with a special dinner.  Everyone is invited to attend:

Date:  November 26th at 6 PM

Location:  Eagles hall, 23 Rowland Crescent in Riel Park in St. Albert

Cost:  $25 / person

Join them for a turkey dinner and good fellowship.

RSVP to Glen Kreller - Contact Glen

One Week to Go ... Have You Registered Yet?

There is one week to go before the 1st Quarter Conference kicks off.  Here are a few reasons to register and make an appearance ... if you are sitting on the fence about attending:

• Meet the Incoming District Team - Governor Ted will be introducing the District Committee Chairs and Lieutenant Governors.  You'll get a chance to meet them and exchange some of your ideas with them.
• Attend Quality Workshops - we have several new workshops that will be available ... more about those in a few moments.
• Get Excited About Growing Optimism - Participate in the open discussions and exchange of ideas about how we can bring in new members and focus on servicing the youth in our communities.  Governor Ted has some plans about "Spiralling Upward" that he wants to share!
• Meet OI Vice President Judy Boyd - Judy is the OI Vice President for the Great Plains Region.

WORKSHOPS

Here is the tentative list of workshops:

• District 13, Your Club, A Future Direction for Us All - hosted by John Plenke.  This will be a double session workshop focused on the future of Optimist clubs.
• Child Wellness Campaign - hosted by Tom Nyquist.  This will be a double session workshop that will discuss on where the Childhood Cancer Campaign is heading.
• Club President Training - hosted by Don Morrison.  This is a double session training workshop for Club Presidents ... if you missed the workshop at the Annual Convention, this workshop is for you.
• Membership 101 - hosted by Roger Lesofski.  This is scheduled for the first session block and will focus on bringing in new members.
• Internet Safety Education - hosted by Brian Wallace.  Scheduled for the second session period, Brian will cover what is in the Internet Safety program for kids and adults and how to start the program in your club.
• PGI - hosted by Jeff Barnhart.  Scheduled for the second session period.  Jeff will introduce PGI and discuss how to implement an active PGI program in your club as a means to strengthen member participation.

Haven't Registered Yet

You mean you haven't registered yet ... please send an email to Roger Lesofski to let him know you are coming so that he can ensure there will be there ... they want to welcome you with a smile (and ensure that your arrangements are taken care of).

The District OptiNews Oct. 2011

AMS&NW District OptiNews http://p0.vresp.com/Lgm6NV
Check out the latest AMS&NW Newsletter, subscribe to it too.  Down on the right hand side of this page, near the bottom.

Being Number 1

I am so happy to welcome you to the District #13 Group of Optimist International.  Thank you for taking up the challenge of growing the District to new heights in 2011-2012.

The District pin is the number 1, but it represents two messages: 

1. You (or you say to the person you are giving it to) are the number one volunteer for Optimist International.  
2. Bring in one new member.

I look forward to an exciting and rewarding year for our group.

Sincerely Optimistic,

Governor Ted Huber

Meet the District Team for 2011-12

Incoming Governor Ted Huber (Bozeman Breakfast) is pleased to announce the following appointments to the District Team for 2011-12.

Introducing the District Executive Team

The District Executive Team is responsible for running an effective District that fosters growth in membership and clubs, delivers fantastic youth projects and programs, and delivers services that support the Zone Lieutenant-Governors, and Clubs.  We are pleased to introduce the District Executive for 2011-12:

• Governor – Ted Huber (Bozeman Breakfast)
  
• DST – Connie Plenke (Bozeman Breakfast)
  
• Governor-Elect – Nick Markowsky (Prince Albert High Noon)
  
• International Ambassador – Tim Bell (Airdrie)
  
• Candidate Qualifications – Darryl Sim (Red Deer)
  

 Learn more about the 2011-12 District Lieutenant Governors

Meet the District Growth Team

The District Growth Team is responsible for fostering a significant growth in District membership by assisting fellow Optimists to recruit new members and build new adult and JOOI clubs, and by enhancing the knowledge and skills of Optimist leaders and members.  We are pleased to introduce the District Growth Team for 2011-12:

• Leadership Development Chair – Don Morrison (Regina)
  
• Membership Chair – Roger Lesofski (Great Falls uptown)
  
• New Club Building Chair – Edie McInnes (Blackfalds)
  
• JOOI Chair – Lee Weiszhaar (St. Albert)
  
• Personal Growth (PGI) Chair – Jeff Barnhart (Great Falls Uptown)

Meet the District Youth Programs Team

The District Youth Programs Team is responsible for running the District Scholarship Contests, and supporting clubs with running other OI sanctioned youth programs.  We are pleased to introduce the District Growth Team for 2011-12:

• Childhood Cancer – Rod McKendrick (Regina Downtowners)
  
• CCDHH Competition Chair – Wyn McAra (Edmonton Dinner)
  
• Essay Competition Chair – Dick Mastel (Medicine Hat)
  
• Oratorical Competition Chair – Marilyn Bushell (Calgary Dinner)

• Junior Golf Chair – Brent Card (Saskatoon Hub City)
  
• Juvenile Curling Chair – Reg Lakness (Govan)
  
• Internet Safety Chair – Brian Wallace (Edmonton Dinner)
  
• Other Youth Programs – Bert Hancock (Edmonton Dinner)
  

Meet the District Services Team

The District Services Team is responsible for providing services that support the District Team, Zone Lieutenant-Governors, and Clubs.  We are pleased to introduce the District Services Team for 2011-12:

• Activities & CPA Chair – Bert Hancock (Edmonton Dinner)
  
• Bulletin & PR Chair – George Lewko (Prince Albert)
  
• District Convention Chair – Susan Hannet (Penhold)
  
• District Foundation Rep – Doug Kirby (Billings)

• Supplies (Canada) – Martin Bailey (Unknown)
  
• Supplies (US) – Loran Salsbury (Magic City)
  
• District Web Services – Gord Welling (St. Albert Breakfast)

District Goals to Bring Out the Best in Kids!

Ted Huber
2011-12 Governor

International President Jack Creswell encourages all Optimists to do "100% and then some!"

Whatever we do and how we do it must always result in raising kids to a new level.  We simply cannot give just 50% or 90% as our goal and accept it.  100% and then some must be the operative.

The time has come; 2011-2012 is the time for change.  We must move forward with the groundwork that has been laid from past governors to move forward toward "Spiraling Upward" into the future.

How do we do that?

1. Review, reflect, debate, and embrace the new generation who have the willingness and the energy to facilitate change.
2. We must review our organizations, including how the District does business.  Each Club should set aside time to review their mission statement and the programs that are ongoing, and then ask questions that encourage debate about the future needs of the local community.  Reflect on the great things the Club has accomplished.  We all need to know that what we are doing is indeed making a difference in kid's lives.
3. It is difficult for me to learn a new language, and maybe you as well. But we all must learn to bridge the communication gap between the older members and those just chomping at the bit to propel Optimism and Optimists into the future.
4. Let's all do a media blitz.  Shout about the town, "THIS IS WHAT WE DO"!!  Come join our Optimist group and help us develop new programs, help with existing programs, and you will "Bring Out the Best in Kids."

I get goose bumps just thinking about how we can make a difference. We can "Bring Out the Best in Kids." We can create a "Spiraling Upward"!!


Ted Huber
2011-2012 District Governor
Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan & Northern Wyoming

A Letter from OI President Jack Creswell

Jack Creswell
2011-12 President
Optimist International

My fellow Optimist,

This is the year “it” is finally going to happen! So what is “it,” you are asking?

My reply is quite simple. GROWTH! That is what we are and must be all about for the foreseeable future. For far too long now, we have suffered under the burden of negative growth. Shrinking numbers mean financial problems, fewer projects and, finally, less service for our young people. Not a pretty picture.

These are certainly not any of the reasons you or I joined this great organization!

The group of leaders and Members who have come together this year have rededicated themselves to making us grow! No longer will you hear, “We can’t,” but rather, “What can I do to make ‘it’ happen?”
Now that you know and understand just what your job is (growth), we need to tell you where your resources and support are going to be coming from.

Our staff in St. Louis and Montreal stands ready to guide and direct you. Our website is just filled with information for your use. Also, never forget to call upon the current or, for that matter, the past leaders of our organization. All stand ready to serve.

Our theme this year, “100% and then some,” really says it quite nicely. It is, after all, that little bit of extra effort that will make all the difference.

“And then some” will make this the year others will talk about for years to come.

I ask of you most sincerely, step forward today so that tomorrow there will be an Optimist to hear a child’s call for help.

2011-12 District Website is now LIVE

2011-12 District Website

I am pleased to announce that the 2011-12 District website has been published and is available for public viewing.  You will find links to all the current documents including the 2011-12 District Directory.  There is a "Tour Guide of Website Changes" available which will explain some of the changes and new features that have been added.

Corresponding changes will be made to the OptiNews pages within a few days.  If you spot any errors with the District Directory, please contact Connie Plenke (our District Secretary-Treasurer).  If there are any issues with the District website, please contact me.

District Policies Now Available Online

A new PDF version of District Policies is now available online from the "For Our Members" page on our District website.

Things to know:

• The document includes a cover page and a table of contents.
• If you click on any topic in the table of contents, it will move you to the corresponding content on the correct page in the PDF file.
• The font is set to be larger to make it easier to read.  
• Some long paragraphs were borken out into sub-paragraphs where it made sense to do so.
• The actual wording of the content has not changed.

New Optimist Creed Video

As individuals, we each contribute our own voice, but speaking the Creed unites us in one positive vision.

At the last International Convention in Baltimore, motivated Optimist Members displayed their passion in this Optimist Creed video. These are the voices of dedicated Members who give time and energy to their community every day. The creed is an important part of Optimism; we recite it, we share it and we work to live by it.

Lend your voice and be an Optimist.


Originally provided by Optimist International

Blackfalds Optimist Club Signs 20 FOOs

Because Edie McInnes, John McCrimmon and Heather Osborne of the Blackfalds Optimist Club in Alberta, Canada chose to be "in the arena," they made it happen and made twenty new Friends along the way. 

Population: 6,000

When Edie McInnes heard about the success of the Greenfield, Iowa Optimist Club's efforts to take-on Optimist International President Danny Rodgers's challenge to recruit twenty Friends of Optimists between July 1st and September 30th in their town of 2,000 people, she felt compelled to make it happen in her town of 6,000.

Edie had self-doubt, but that self-doubt turned into inspiration. She thought, "well, I can probably get quite a few, and I could get a few of our Members to help out." The Blackfalds Optimist Club had a party on Edie's deck.  "We just started brainstorming," says Edie. Within days they talked to the President of the Chamber of Commerce. Within hours an email was distributed to Chamber Members. Within minutes Edie recieved a direct response from Denise Nielsen. That same day, Edie faxed Denise the Friend of Optimists application and Denise joined. 

Remove the pressure, and it makes it easier for Optimists to ask and for the potential Friend to say, "yes."

Heather's story

Heather Osborne is a longtime Member of the Blackfalds Optimist Club. She says, "I've overcome a lot of small issues within me by being an Optimist Member. So this is just another little challenge along the way." With the tenacity "To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best," there's no doubt why new Friend Denise Nielsen says, "If these guys need anymore help, get a hold of me."

Twenty Friends in Two Weeks -- IT CAN BE DONE

Optimist John McCrimmon says, "I know I had my Chiropractor appointment this morning, and I was talking to the ladies in the office about it." Chiropractor, Doctor, Dentist, Superintendent, Teacher, Firefighter, Mom, Dad, Neighbor, Brother-in-Law, Sister-in-Law and Friends...all of these people can be part of your  Twenty Friends.


Learn more about Regular Membership and Friends of Optimists.

Originally provided by Kai Gansner from Optimist International

2011 1st Quarter District Conference Invitation

You are invited to the 1st Quarter District Conference scheduled for Oct 28-29, 2011 in Great Falls, Montana. Enjoy the hospitality of the Great Falls Optimist Clubs and take the opportunity to meet with the District Team led by our Governor, Ted Huber.

Some Information has Changed - See Highlighted Info for Details

Early Registration Deadline: September 30, 2011 (REVISED DATE)
Hotel: Holiday Inn & Conference Center, 400 10th Ave. S., Great Falls, MT. Call (406) 727-7200 for reservations.
Theme: Join us for a Halloween Party, Friday evening. Come in costume and get a chance to win your registration fee back as GRAND PRIZE**  Other prizes will be awarded for costumes.!  (REVISED)
Training Workshops: Information on the training workshops will be provided very soon..
How to Register: Both a "Kids & Companion Programs" are available so you can bring the entire family. Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!
Opt Roger Lesofski        September 17, 2011

Originally Submitted by Opt Roger Lesofski (Great Falls Uptown Optimist Club)

2011-12 District Meetings Schedule

Ted Huber
2011-12 Governor

Incoming Governor Ted is please to announce that the dates and locations for the 2011-12 District meetings have been finalized:

• 1st Quarter District Conference - Great Falls, MT - 28-29 Oct 2011
• 2nd Quarter District Conference - Havre, MT - 24-25 Feb 2012
• 3rd Quarter District Conference and Oratorical Contest - Calgary, AB - 11-12 May 2012
• 2012 Annual District Convention - Red Deer, AB - 15-18 Aug 2012 (includes training dates for incoming LGs and Club Presidents and Secretary-Treasurers).

Specific announcements for each meeting will be published in "OptiNews", will be made available on the "District Meetings" page on our website, and will be scheduled as an Event on our District Facebook page.

21 Top Optimist Questions (Part 3)

Our first two articles on common Optimist member questions provided answers and links to online resources. Here are last 7 common Optimist questions that we thought of:

15. Do Optimist clubs offer education scholarships?
16. Someone has asked me if our club runs an Internet Safety Program. Where can I find information about that?
17. Our club secretary passed on and I have been asked to take over. I need some immediate help. Who should I contact? What needs to be done?
18. I am moving to another community. Where can I go to find a list of Optimist Clubs?
19. I am moving to another small community that does not have an Optimist Club. What can I do to remain involved?
20. I am interested in serving on the District Team. Who should I contact?
21. Our club wants to host a future District Conference or Convention. Who should we contact?
    

15. Do Optimist clubs offer education scholarships?Optimist International offers three scolarship competitions, the Oratorical Competition, the Essay Competition, and the Communication for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Competition. Winners of those competitions are awarded scholarships that they can collect when they enter a post-secondary education institution.

16. Someone has asked me if our club runs an Internet Safety Program. Where can I find information about that?

In 2007, Optimist International partnered with ikeepsafe.org to develop an internet safety education program. You can direct interested people to our Youth Programs page on Internet Safety, and we also have a resources page for the program.

17. Our club secretary passed on and I have been asked to take over. I need some immediate help. Who should I contact? What needs to be done?

Suddenly losing a club secretary and/or treasurer due to illness, death or personal reasons can create a treamendous amount of concern. We suggest that you contact your Zone Lieutenant Governor and the District Secretary-Treasurer for assistance and guidance.

18. I am moving to another community. Where can I go to find a list of Optimist Clubs?

If you are moving to a community in Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan or Cody Wyoming, you can refer to our online Zone and Club List or consult our District Directory. If you are moving somewhere else in North America, we wish you well on your future endeavours and recommend that you consult the Optimist International website for a complete list of all clubs.

19. I am moving to another small community that does not have an Optimist Club. What can I do to remain involved?

You have several choices ... (1) Retain your membership with your current club (once an Optimist, always an Optimist). (2) You can transfer your membership to the nearest club. (3) Retain your current membership, and on October 1st become a Friend of Optimist (FOO). Of course we have information on signing up as a FOO.

20. I am interested in serving on the District Team. Who should I contact?

Thank you for your interest. We suggest that you contact Incoming Governor Ted.

21. Our club wants to host a future District Conference or Convention. Who should we contact?

Thank you for your interest. We suggest that you contact Incoming Governor Ted.

Other Questions:

• The First Set of Common Optimist Questions
• The Second Set of Common Optimist Questions

Comments or suggestions:

Do you have a common question that you need answered or additional suggestions for the questions we listed above? We invite you to share your contribution.

21 Top Optimist Questions (Part 2)

Our first article on common Optimist member questions provided answers and links to online resources. Here are another 7 common questions:

8. Where are the District Meetings for the coming year?
9. What are Optimist Youth Programs and where can I find more information?
10. I need to provide information to prospective new members. Do you have something on what Optimists clubs do?
11. I have a club project that I want to advertise online as soon as possible. Can you help me?
12. I have been asked to build a club website but I don't know how to start. Do you have some information?
13. I am new and keep hearing all these acronyms. What is NCB, CPA, PGI, NOW, OI, OIF and CCOF?
14. Where can I get a copy of the Optimist Creed and Mission?

8. Where are the District Meetings for the coming year?

The schedule for District meetings can be found on the District Meetings page. We also publicly announce each meeting about 6-8 weeks prior on our "OptiNews" blog, and the information for the upcoming meeting is always located in the right hand column on each "OptiNews" blog page.

9. What are Optimist Youth Programs and where can I find more information?

Optimist International sponsors many international youth programs that clubs can choose to participate in. Those programs include internet safety education, education scholarship competitions, fighting childhood cancer, youth sports competitions like golf and curling, youth safety and youth appreciation. You can check out details on any of the available programs on the District Youth Programs page.

10. I need to provide information to prospective new members. Do you have something on what Optimists clubs do?

We certainly do. Here is a brief introduction on What Optimists Clubs Do that you can provide to prospective new members.

Your club should also have a supply of membership application brochures that contain information on youth programs, and you can always suggest to your club that they create their own brochure to hand out to prospective new members.

11. I have a club project that I want to advertise online as soon as possible. Can you help me?

The quickest way to get information online is to post it to your club website or blog. We also invite you to (1) post the information about the activity on the District Facebook Page. You will need a Facebook account and you must "Like" the District Facebook page to post information. (2) You can email the information including any graphic files, brochures, invitations or registration forms (all in PDF format) to optinews@gmail.com and we will post the information on the District Blog.

12. I have been asked to build a club website but I don't know how to start. Do you have some information?

We have just created a new educational blog called "Put Your Club Online" that will contain information on how to build a Facebook page, a club website/blog, a Twitter feed account, and club portal "just for members". Articles and "How-to" PDF guides will be made available in the near future.

13. I am new and keep hearing all these acronyms. What is NCB, CPA, PGI, NOW, JOOI, OI, OIF, CCOF, DFR and CFR?

I guess that all orgainizations have their own glossary of special terms. Here is what those acroynms mean:

• NCB - New Club Building
• CPA - Community Project Award
• PGI - Personal Growth & Involvement
• NOW - New Optimists Wanted
• JOOI - Junior Optimists & Octagon International
• OI - Optimist International
• OIF - Optimist International Foundation
• CCOF - Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation
• DFR - District Foundation Representative
• CFR - Club Foundation Representative

14. Where can I get a copy of the Optimist Creed and Mission?

Our Optimist Creed has a copy of the Optimist Creed, the Optimist Mission, and the Optimist Purpose. You can orders copies of the optimist Creed on business cards from Optimist Supplies.

Other Questions:

• The First Set of Common Optimist Questions
• The Third Set of Common Optimist Questions (coming soon)

Comments or suggestions:
Do you have a common question that you need answered or additional suggestions for the questions we listed above? We invite you to share your contribution.

Twenty Friends in Twenty Five Days!

Fellow AMSNW Optimists,

Twenty Friends in Twenty Five Days!

That’s correct. Bring in twenty “Friends of Optimist” by September 30th and bring International President Danny back to this district, and a personal visitation to your CLUB.

We are in the final stretch, the finish line is in sight, and our race is almost complete!

Can we catch that spurt of energy to drive us to victory, and drive through that ribbon strung across the finish line? Let’s take this opportunity to ensure the clubs in your zones can move on to the next season healthy, and with renewed growth.

Watch this video from President Danny:

Please send an email to all Optimist members you have in your email address book with a link to this blog post. This is YOUR time to make a difference in this district.

Let’s push to the finish line and the greater achievements of the future.

In the words of Theodore Roosevelt…
“who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement , and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

I believe in you and know we can push through these next 26 days…

Governor Tim,
“In the Arena! In the Race! In Tune!

21 Top Optimist Questions (Part 1)

In this 3-part series, we will list 21 common questions with corresponding answers and links to the appropriate online resource or service. Here are the first 7 questions:

1. I want to recruit a new member. Where can I get help?
2. I want to run a club service project. Are there any examples of Optimist service projects available?
3. Where can I locate forms online?
4. I heard that there are online course materials available. Where can I get access to those?
5. I want to build a new Optimist club and I need help. Where should I start?
6. I am trying to find the contact information for a Club President. Where should I go?
7. Someone has approached me about building a club for kids in our neighborhood. Can you provide me with some information?

1. I want to recruit a new member. Where can I get help?

Jay Strever
Membership Chair

Congratulations and thank you in advance. You should probably start by discussing this with your Club President. You can find additional information at our "New Optimists Wanted" resources and feel free to contact "Jay Strever who is the District Membership Chair. Jay can answer any question you might have.

2. I want to run a club service project. Are there any examples of Optimist service projects available?

Yes there are. Here is some online information about club project profiles and club activities.

3. Where can I locate forms online?

You will find a quick pick list of common Optimist forms and documents at on our For Our Members page. Optimist International hosts dedicated pags for forms and documents.

4. I heard that there are online course materials available. Where can I get access to those?

We have links to Optimist training materials in our "Member Training" page.

5. I want to build a new Optimist club and I need help. Where should I start?

Edie McInnes
New Club Building

Bless you. Building a new club is an noteworthy achievement that can have lasting positive affect on the community the club will serve. Not only will you introduce Optimism to a new community or neighborhood, you will help recruit 25 new members and build a legacy for you and your club. There is a wealth of available online information. First, you should discuss this with your club as it involves a commitment from them. Second, I would suggest contacting Edie McInnes, our District New Club Building Chair. Edie has built a new club and can pass along valuable tips and suggestions to ensure your success. We invite you to investigate our online resources for building a new club.

6. I am trying to find the contact information for a Club President. Where should I go?

We have several places you can look. You can try one of the following:

• Our District Directory
• Our Contact Us page includes "Contact Cards" in PDF format that you can print
• Our Zones and Clubs online list.

7. Someone has approached me about building a club for kids in our neighborhood. Can you provide me with some information?

Lee Weiszhaar
JOOI - Youth Clubs

Certainly. Optimist International has a special level of clubs for youth organized under the Junior Optimists and Octagons International (JOOI) program. Youth can build their own clubs, elect their own president and club executive, raise their own funds and run their own community service projects. Many of these clubs are organized as School extra-curricular activities. JOOI clubs provide a great opportunity for our youth to volunteer their time serving their community and it gives many youth practical leadership and management experience. You can learn more by checking out our "Youth Clubs" section on our website at []. If you are interested in starting a JOOI club, please contact our Lee Weiszhaar, our District JOOI Chair.

Other Questions:

• The Second Set of Common Optimist Questions (coming soon)
• The Third Set of Common Optimist Questions (coming soon)

Comments or suggestions:

Do you have a common question that you need answered or additional suggestions for the questions we listed above? We invite you to share your contribution.

Optimists, Lets Finish Strong

It's been an amazing year and as we enter into the last 29 days, let's remember everything we have accomplished this past year and work to finish the year strong by achieving the Twenty Friends incentive and making Honor Club!   

Please share my message with your Optimist friends and be sure to tell them what a great job they are doing in their community! 

Optimists, I believe in you!

Let's finish this year with positive vibes, service to kids & new Friends! 

Optimistically, 

International President Danny

Is Your Club on Facebook Yet?

I did a little research and discovered that there are 15 unique Facebook pages or groups representing 13 District clubs, Zone 5 and the AMS&NW Optimist District itself. Considering how recent Facebook pages are, that is truly remarkable. Some clubs host a Facebook "Group" while other clubs host a Facebook "Page".

Sylvan Lake Optimist Club on Facebook

That leaves 45 clubs that do not have a Facebook presence ... why haven't you joined yet?

What is your club missing?

What is so important about an online presence ... why does my club need to go online?

That's a resonable question. There is NO mandatory reason to put your club online. In fact, you can save yourself and your club members effort and time by not creating an online presence for your club ... but ... you will be missing out!

What will you be missing? Ahh, now that's the more important question! Here goes ... what will your club be missing out on:

• A chance to add credibility to your club throughout your community.
• A chance to tell your club's story ... what is unique about your club.
• A chance to thank volunteers and donors for their contributions.
• A chance to recognize your members publicly for their efforts.
• A chance to invite people to join your club.
• A chance to advertise your club fundraisers and community service projects.
• A chance for the recipients of your club's service projects to thank you for your efforts.
• A chance to connect to your club members, advertise meetings and special guest speakers.
• A chance to connect with fellow Optimists throughout the District.
• A chance to learn how other clubs do what they do.
• ... and so much more.

And what will it cost ... NOTHING ... NADA ... ZERO ... well, just some volunteer time.

Here are the top 3 reasons why Facebook is so attractive to a service club:

1. Easy and quick to implement: Anyone with average computer skills and a Facebook account to create an online presence for their club. All you need is a little background info, a digital image file to use as a logo, and some spare time. With the proper instructions, you can create a Facebook "Page" or "Group" in under one hour.


2. It's all about community: Facebook gives you the ability to engage club members, friends, co-workers, fellow members from other clubs, non-member volunteers and potential new club members in sharing content and expressing ideas.


3. People can find you in Google: Facebook content is indexed in major search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo. So people who do a search for your club can easily find it ... go ahead and try it ... search for "Optimist Club Prince Albert" in Google and Bing. Facebook also comes with it's own powerful search engine that allows Facebook users to search for you. Again, log in to your Facebook account (if you have one) and run a search for "Optimist Club Prince Albert".

Still Not Sure?

Why don't you spend a little time and explore some of the active Facebook pages from clubs in our District:

AMS&NW Optimist Clubs with Facebook pages:

Prince Albert Optimist Club on Facebook

Sylvan Lake | Prince Albert | Prince Albert High Noon
Regina Downtowners | Regina High Noon | All Nations Medicine Hat
Calgary Dinner Optimist | Blackfalds | Waskasoo Red Deer

How to get started

There is no reason why a club should not be on Facebook. It is easy, engaging, and fun. All you need is  How-to Guide that can walk you through the process.