It's Monday... a tribute

Our new Optimist International President Danny Rodgers (2010-2011), just a little tribute to outgoing OI President Mark Shriver, and other Optimists.

Bring Out The Best in Kids !

2010-2011 will prove to be an interesting and rewarding year under the leadership of International President Danny Rogers.

"If it's not working, change it!" is a quote taken from Seth Godin’s book titled TRIBES, recommended reading material for all incoming District Governors.

Fellow Optimists, change is coming and this change is necessary to build and strengthen on the successes of our clubs at the community level.

As we pass the baton from Immediate Past Governor Darryl Sim, I look forward to your continuing support to strengthen and grow the AMS&NW District. It will be a challenge, for both me and you. Here's another quote from TRIBES that I would like you to consider, "If you are not uncomfortable in your work as a leader, it's almost certain you’re not reaching your potential as a leader". So I ask you these questions:

• Is your Optimist Club a leader in the community?
• Are your members challenged?
• Are you reaching your potential as an Optimist member?
• Are you content with the status quo?

 

Let me share with you my goals for this Optimist year?

Optimist International looses 20% of its membership on an annual basis, and as a district our average losses are near 21% of our total membership. We cannot continue to benefit our AMS&NW communities if we continue to let our membership decline. I urge you to reach your potential by:

• Increase your yearly number of projects for community service. Become that service club that has social events rather than the opposite.
• Recruit 20% of your membership as new Optimists. Invite those prospective candidates to your new community projects.
• Encourage and promote active participation in personal development and leadership training at the district and club level.
• Enhanced communications at all levels; within the club, within the zone, and in the district.
• Reach your potential as an Optimist and as a Club in your community. Dare to be uncomfortable.
• Overall growth of 25% in district membership, and the building of 5 new clubs.

I am truly honored to become your District Governor, and look forward to this challenging year.

Together, we can succeed - In the Arena! In the Race! In Tune!

Tim Bell
2010-11 AMS&NW District Governor

District Website Reset for 2010-11

Hello, All.

I wanted to let everyone know that the District Web Services have been reset to support the 2010-11 Optimist year.  The AMS&NW District website, OptiNews, and Facebook page have been modified to support the new year.

There are some noteable changes this year which include:

• Each Zone has a dedicated page on the District website:
  Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6,  Zone 7, Zone 8 and Zone 9
  .
• The Members Quick Resource List has been updated with links to the new resources from OI and the District.


• The District Directory and Contact Cards have been changed to the 2010-11 year and can be downloaded from our Contact Us page.  We are going to ask all clubs to verify the contact information on their respective Zone Contact Card and Zone page.


• The Youth Programs section has been updated and includes the new topics for the CCDHH, Oratorical and Essay competitions.  In addition, we have added a page for Juvenile Curling.

We welcome you to check out the revised website, blog and Facebook page.

Yours in Optimism,
Gordon Welling, District Web Services

COER's and President Pride Report

Our year is coming to a close and deadlines are upon us. It is imperative that the Club Officer Election Report AND the President's Pride Report be submitted no later than September 30, 2010. These reports are necessary for your clubs to attain their honor status. The President's Pride Report tracks all the activities you have done for the KIDS this past year!! The COER helps the incoming district to have an up to date list of your incoming club's executive. This will also help to update the accuracy of the District directory online. Thank you for a great year and continued success in your upcoming year.

COER and President Pride Reports are available online from http://www.optimistleaders.org/.  Login, click on "Reports", and complete the applicable report.  You can also print a PDF copy of the report from http://www.optimist.org/e/member/documents4.cfm.

If you have not yet mailed your District dues payment, please mail them directly to Marilyn Bushell (incoming DST for 2010-2011) at:

Marilyn Bushell
4943 Marcombe Road NE
Calgary, AB.
T2A 4J5

Looking forward to seeing you all in Great Falls on Oct.8-9. Octoberfest awaits us all !!

YIO
Patti Welling
DST AMS&NW District 13