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.