AMS&NW is on the plus side ... WOW

Hello Everyone:

First of all I would like to “Congratulate” you all for helping to make our district move into the plus side. This is the first time in quite a while that we are at this stage this time of the year. Please give yourselves and all of members your club a hearty pat on the back and keep up with the good work.

We are #5 this week on the leader board and to think that the increase is due solely with Member retention as well as new Members being brought in to all of our clubs. Wait until all of the clubs that we have on the go come in. Wow and double Wow. This district is on the way up. It really is nice to see the upward climb rather than the downward decline. Once again “Congratulations.”

See you all in Billings

Soaring to Greater Heights for Children

Governor AMS&NW District 13

Nick A Markowsky

462-23 Street East

Prince Albert, SK

S6V 1P8

Ph 764-6199

Fax 764-9149

nmarkowsky [at] sasktel.net

2012-2013 PGI (Personal Growth & Involvement)

Every Club in our District should be considering new people for your clubs and new ways to reach your club members for PGI!

Create some competition from within to bring in new members and get them started ASAP in PGI it's a great way to add some spice to your club and a way to encourage growth from within.

Drop me a line for more information.

Have you heard the latest ... Coffee Recruitment

Have you heard about the latest idea in recruiting new members for your club?

It's as simple as a cup of coffee ... literally.  That's what it involves; just inviting a friend or a neighbor for a cup of coffee, or tea, or milkshake (whatever strikes your fancy).

• Invite - Extend an invitation to "coffee" and be ready to pick up the tab.
• Enjoy a coffee and Listen - Begin to build a relationship by taking the time to ask questions.  Share stories about your club and how they can have an impact with community service projects to help kids.
• Engage - let your guest know about an upcoming project and invite them to participate.

Once your guest meets your fellow club members running an activity ... you'll often hear a question about how to become more involved.  Download the Coffee Recruitement Program brochure to get more ideas.

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

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

"Twenty Friends" Awards - District Challenge

Here’s a new initiative that clubs should be reminded about.

It’s an opportunity to bring funding into your club, which you can dedicate to additional programs or additional members. $40 of every $100 Friend of Optimist membership is sent directly to the club.

I’ve heard of one club in North Carolina which purchases a $17 engraved plaque to present to businesses who become Friends of Optimists, and the club still receives a net $23 return.

Can we challenge our clubs from now till September?

Download the full contest details.

Originally provided by Governor Tim Bell

A Friendly Incentive for Your Club

Fellow Optimists,

Optimist International is excited to announce a new incentive that helps Clubs stay healthy and help more kids in their community!

From January 1 - June 30, Clubs will be rewarded for making new Friends - Friends of Optimists that is.

Clubs that add 3 Friends during the second and third Optimist quarter will receive 3 rewards!

• The addition of a new traditional Member at no processing charge.
• Waived dues for that Member until September 30, 2012. 
• A special Club banner patch.

 We want to see your Club succeed!  Go to www.Optimist.org/FindSomeFriends for helpful Friends recruiting tips!

Good luck!

P.S. Keep an eye out for a Friends application in the next issue of The Optimist. 

Governor Tim's Optimist Address

AMSNW Governor (Tim Bell) Welcome Address at Prince's Island Park in Calgary on the second day of his year as District Governor.

What a Great District Convention

What an great convention.  We had 98 members representing 18 clubs from across the District.  We missed those of you who couldn’t come and promise to focus on what we can do to help you.

We have to thank Convention Chair Dennis Farnham (Bozeman Breakfast) and his team for a fantastic job organizing and running this year's Convention.  As promised, Dennis was able to keep the rain away until the day after the convention closed.

OI President Mark Shriver did a wonderful job; he seemed to be involved in everything and I think talked to every single member there.  The Bozeman Breakfast club hosted a 2 hour workshop presentation/open discussion event that focused on OI Renewal from Top to Bottom.  You can read and comment on the reports that came out from this process.  This review will proceed and committees will be formed very soon.  I will Chair this.

I am asking all members to commit yourself to finish our year strong so that we will be, for the fifth consecutive year, a Distinguished District.  That will entail going the extra mile to help this happen.  Finishing strong for our term means starting strong for Governor-Designate Tim’s year and on into Governor-Elect Ted Huber’s year.

Do whatever you can to make your club Honor.  That is the overall guide to measure success.  It also encompasses the growth that we need which is about 140 new regular or FOO members and 1- 25 plus member club or 2 pilot clubs.  Break it down and we are close.  Clubs do not need to cut membership until October 1st.  That will help us reach our goal for 2009-10 and clubs will not be penalized for cuts made on October 1st (we will provide more details on that in a few days).

Please do your own share, help your club members too, help your zone and help other clubs throughout the District.   Get a sense of urgency.it’s the last lap in our relay race so do it now!

You have earned  it!


Darryl Sim
Governor
AMS&NW District

Notes for Club Membership Chairs

Less than two months left to take advantage of "Free for Four" membership drive.  Read about "Tribes" words of wisdom from Seth Grodin and other delightful news for club membership chairs.

Originally submitted by Opt Ruth Nelson (Past Gov District 37), OI Membership Committee

FOO Challenge

Fellow Optimists. Your Governor and you have been challenged! The Governors of the other Districts in our Great Plains region have dared to say they can find more new FOO members than we can before August 31. Even though we are leaders in FOO members they think they can trounce us. Obviously they don’t know how the AMS&NW District reacts to a challenge. Let’s show them who we are.


Darryl Sim
Governor
AMS&NW District 13

More Information:

Friend of Optimists (FOO)

Individuals can show their support of Optimist International by becoming Friends of Optimists. A Friend of Optimists may be someone who does not have an Optimist Club in their area, or they may not have time to dedicate to a local Optimist Club. Optimist Clubs can also bestow a Friend of Optimists membership on a community member who has shown great support for the Club. To learn more, check out the Friend of Optimists Brochure and read the Frequently Asked Questions. To apply for membership online, click here.

OI Membership Notes

Hope that you are all having a great month of May.  School is almost out, Graduations concluding - and isn't it nice to see all that potential that stands before us - kids on the brink of what they will become in the future. Wouldn't it be nice to be a mouse, and follow them for the next 10 to 15 years and witness who they become ...hopefully, many of them will be joining us as Optimists, or giving back to their communities! 

Hope you enjoy these Notes on OI Membership.

If you have a grad this year, Congratulations! - If not, think of them as the promise for the future, and think of the feeling you had at that age that you could accomplish anything!

Best to all

Opt Ruth - OI Membership Committee