Welcome form the 2011 District Convention

Welcome from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan!  We are gathered at the Prince Albert Inn to share in some fellowship and to pass along some new information.  We are pleased to welcome Optimist International President Danny Rodgers who is experiencing the AMS&NW charm on his second visit to our District.  We last welcomed President Danny and his wife Jill in 2005 at our convention in Sherwood Park, Alberta.
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There are six workshops for members to attend, and more in-depth training for the incoming Lieutenant Governors, Club President-Elects and Incoming Club Secretary-Treasurers.

Last night we gathered for a 50th Birthday Celebration for the Optimist Club of Prince Albert, who are commemorating 50 years of service to the youth in Prince Albert.

I'll be taking some photos and posting updates in our District blog and our facebook page. For those who couldn't make it, this will be your opportunity to experience some of our weekend.  If you have a question that you want to pose to a District Chair, District Secretary-Treasurer Marilyn Bushell, Governor Tim Bell or OI President Danny Rogers, please post them to our Facebook page and I will do my best to get an answer for you.

Why attend the District Convention?

OI President Danny Rodgers

I am a firm believer in the ‘power of three’… a concept that you can best remember important facts, features, ideas, etc if you remember them it sets of three.  Our District Convention will be starting in a few weeks in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan hosted by the Prince Albert Optimist Clubs.

So here are three solid reasons to attend:

1. Meet OI President Danny Rodgers and his wife Jill who are our guests.  As Optimist members, we do not often get a chance to meet the president of Optimist International and engage in a conversation on the burning topic that is near and dear to our heart.  This would be your chance.
2. Attend Quality Workshops hosted by some of our District Committee Chairs.  If you are club president elect or a secretary/treasurer designate, the best training outside of the OI Annual Convention is always provided at the District Annual Convention.  If you are an incoming Lieutenant Governor, you get the opportunity to spend an entire day in workshops covering all the information that you’ll need to enjoy a successful year.  There is usually a wide assortment of interesting workshops held on Saturday for regular members to attend … all provided to enhance your ability to deliver quality, fun-filled projects and programs in your local communities.
3. Meet the Incoming District Team who will be introduced by incoming Governor Ted Huber and sworn into office by OI President Danny.

The most important reason to attend the District Annual Convention is that it is usually a enjoyable mini vacation where you get a chance to enjoy the fellowship with the members from other clubs throughout the District.  There is ample time to share experiences and pick the brains of the more experienced Optimist members who will be there.

I’ve been attending District meetings for years and I especially look forward to District Conventions as I always feel recharged as we head into the final six weeks of the current Optimist year and we start to plan for the coming year.

If you haven’t registered, I ask that you consider attending the District Convention this year.

Yours in Optimism,

Gord Welling
District Web Services

"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

Thanks from the Alberta Curling Federation

Mike DeNicola recently received this letter of thanks from Jim Pringle, Executive Director.