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 There is an inexplicable tie between programs and membership  People want to be involved with positive causes  People want to be involved with known causes  People want to know their time is respected and valued 2

 No discernible programs  The club is defined by one single program that isn’t appealing to all  Too many programs  Programs not relevant to the community  Meetings are not enjoyable ◦ Yes – meetings are a club program! 3

 Take a look at your programs ◦ Do they invite a diverse population to participate? ◦ Do they rely too heavily on fund raising? ◦ Are they labor intensive? ◦ Is there a mix of adult and children’s activities? 4

 Take a look at your meeting ◦ Do outsiders feel welcome? ◦ Is it dominated by personality or potential? ◦ Is there meaningful conversation or networking time? ◦ Is there a program to help your members learn and grow as involved citizens? ◦ Is it fun? 5

 New ideas  More projects  Better programs  More money  More friends  More resources for getting things done 6  More fellowship  New leaders  Club achievement  Increased sense of pride  Provide more service to more kids

 Participate  Enjoy  Promote  Enlist  Retain 7 Club maintenance reminder Complete the CRA CRA

 Our brand is enhanced when our Optimist Clubs participate in the same programs  Flagship Ideas ◦ Childhood Cancer Campaign ◦ The Optimist (formerly OIJGC) Optimist International Golf Championships ◦ JOOI – Junior Optimist Octagon International  Presentation from Gay Enyeart, Past Governor and JOOI Chair for

 Scholarship Programs have been funded by Optimist International Foundations ◦ Optimist Essay Contest ◦ Optimist Oratorical Contest ◦ Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 9

 Publications and promotions are funded by the Optimist International Foundations ◦ Respect for Law ◦ Youth Appreciation ◦ Safety Awareness ◦ Tri-Star Sports 10

 Optimist International has selected these programs because they have a universal appeal and speak to the purposes of Optimist Clubs  Doesn’t it make sense to use the tools that Optimist International gives us? 11

 What program does your club struggle with?  Discuss ways to make the current program contemporary and appealing to the students in your community  How can you share these ideas with the clubs in your zone? 12

 No one knows what your club is doing until you tell them about it  You have an unique opportunity as club president to help spread the word  After all, we’ve already learned that communication is the key to success 13

 Let’s use a few examples from our introductions  Brainstorm the best way to get the word out in your community about these great projects 14

 Visit and click on the “Tell Your Story” link to get great ideas for: 15 Writing newsletters Starting a blog The Elevator Speech Communicating with others Writing press releases Choosing a spokesperson Networking

Ed Murphy 16

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 New Club Building ◦ Lets you share why you are an Optimist with a whole new group of people. 18

Forming a new club in a new community is one of the most rewarding community service projects that you will ever perform  You’ll revisit the reasons that you participate in your club and build your enthusiasm along the way. 19

Benefit to new club areaBenefit to existing club  To meet the needs of growing communities  To provide service  Reach more kids  Betterment of community  New enthusiasm in area 20  New friends  Fellowship  Business Contacts  Build the roster of your own club  Awards  Brand recognition

 The member that wants to do just a little bit more  The lieutenant governor of the zone where the club is being formed  The District New Club Building Chair  The Governor 21

 Get help ◦ Optimist International Web Site ◦ newoptimistclub.com Web site ◦ Past governors ◦ Past new club building chairs ◦ Former new club builders  Attend a new club building workshop  Follow the directions 22

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 Setting goals is important for personal accomplishment.  Goals should SMART ◦ Strategic ◦ Measurable ◦ Attainable ◦ Realistic ◦ Timely 24

 Our Awards program reflect worthwhile goals.  Let’s take a look at what Peter hopes we will accomplish 25

 10 new clubs between June 1, 2008 and Sept. 30, 2009  At least 6 of those clubs between Oct. 1, 2008 and Sept. 30, 2009  Total membership growth of 5% (net 100 new members)

1. Membership: Net increase of 5 members; (net increase 1 new member for clubs with >75 members). 2. Finances: All District and international dues paid by September 30, 2009.

3. Service Projects: A minimum of 3 service projects completed AND at least one CPA entry (Community Service or Fundraising). 4. Club Reports: Officer-Elect Report by 20 May, 2009 AND President’s Pride Report by 30 September, Attendance: Club President or designate attends 50% of District Meetings.

 Alternate A – New Club Building Sponsor or co-sponsor a new Optimist club with a minimum of 25 fully paid Charter Members AND Complete the New Club follow-up program.

 Alternate B – Membership Club of 25 or more members on Oct 1: NET increase of 25 by Sept. 30 OR Club of <25 members: net increase at least 15 members with at least 25 members enrolled in the club on Sept. 30.

 Alternate C – JOOI Club Sponsorship + Membership Part 1: Sponsor a new Junior Optimist, Alpha or Octagon club with 15 members; complete follow-up program by Nov. 30, 2009 Part 2 The Sponsor club shows a net increase of 15 members by Sept. 30

1. Attend at least 3 District Executive Meetings (attendance at a 2nd Quarter Regional Meeting counts). 2. Complete the Annual Club Planning Conference Report for EVERY club in the Zone. 3. Zone shows a net membership increase of 5%.

4. One new club in zone OR 100% Clubs in zone attain Honor Club. 5. Hold at least 3 Zone Meetings and SUBMIT reports to District Secretary-Treasurer.

 Write down some goals for determining a direction for your year as Club President.  Think about: ◦ How many members will your club add? ◦ How many service projects will your club perform? ◦ How much money will your club raise?  Then ask yourself: ◦ How will we do it? 34 TIP: SETTLE FOR NOTHING LESS THAN HONOR CLUB

 Optimist Leaders Online vp=sitemap.htm#leadership vp=sitemap.htm#leadership  Optimists Serve their Community  Optimist International  PNW District  PNW District Blog

Linda Jackson