Transcript OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OVERVIEW • • • • • • • WHO WE ARE CLUB OPERATIONS CLUB PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OPTIMIST CREED GETTING STARTED QUESTIONS?…CONTACT US.

OPTIMIST
INTERNATIONAL
OVERVIEW
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WHO WE ARE
CLUB OPERATIONS
CLUB PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
OPTIMIST CREED
GETTING STARTED
QUESTIONS?…CONTACT US
WHO WE ARE
• Optimist International is an international service
organization that has focused on “Bringing Out
the Best in Kids” since 1919.
• Mission Statement
– By providing hope and a positive vision, Optimists
bring out the best in kids.
• Vision Statement
– Optimist International will be recognized
worldwide as the premier volunteer organization
that values all children and helps them develop to
their full potential.
FUN FACTS ABOUT US…
• There are over 2,900 autonomous Optimist Clubs
worldwide. This includes Optimist Clubs in:
– England, France, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and
many other countries!
• There are over 90,000 Optimist Members worldwide.
• Optimists conduct 65,000 service projects per year,
serving over 6 million children.
• Optimists spend $78 million on their communities
annually.
HOW EACH CLUB OPERATES
• Each Optimist Club is autonomous, and operates
independently.
• Each Club elects their own Officers and Board of
Directors to oversee Club Activities.
• Each Club also picks and chooses the programs and
activities that most benefit the children in the
community.
– Ask yourself what are the needs of the children in the
community? What are the youth issues facing your
city/town?
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
ASSOCIATED WITH OPTIMIST
CLUBS
• 501(c)(4)
– Every Optimist Club is considered a 501(c)(4) charitable
organization; therefore, Clubs are exempt from certain
taxation.
• Liability Insurance
– Each Optimist Club is covered under an 11 million dollar
umbrella liability insurance policy; therefore, members of
your Club are covered in the unlikely event of litigations
while you are conducting community service projects and
sponsored activities.
– This policy covers all active Optimist Members as well as
their spouses at Optimist activities.
THE OPTIMIST CREED
Promise YourselfTo be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism
come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect
only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are
about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater
achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living
creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have
no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
STILL INTERESTED?…WELL
LET’S GET STARTED!
• You will need a minimum of 25* Charter Members in order
to establish an Optimist Club in your community.
• Optimist International has a full-time staff to assist you in
getting your Club off the ground. We can help you assess
opportunities in your area, market your Club activities, and
recruit new members.
• We can also pair you up with members of an existing
Optimist Club in your area. They will work hand-in-hand
with you throughout the process.
• Remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
*A Pilot Club requires only 15 Members, but is not recognized as a Full Adult Club
TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED
• 1. Needs Assessment
– Identify a purpose and focus for establishing an
Optimist Club.
– Start by researching the Internet or talking to other
members of the community and identify youth-related
opportunities.
– Determine what your Optimist Club can do to help
meet these community needs.
• 2. Recruitment
– Develop a “hit list” of key people you think would make
great Optimists.
– Approach these people and talk to them about who we
are and what we do. Be ready to answer the question
“What is an Optimist Club?”
TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED
• 3. Meetings
– Once you have a handful of people interested, invite
them to attend a meeting.
• These meetings should be informational but fun!
• Set a constant location, date, and time. Routine is good!
• Have an agenda prepared and always set goals for the
next meeting.
• 4. Advertise, Advertise, Advertise!
– Talk to your local newspaper and see if they will
feature your Club in an article, or advertise your
meeting in the newspaper’s calendar of events.
– Prepare a Press Release.
– Hang up flyers, hand out brochures, etc…
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME!
• PLEASE CONTACT OI STAFF AND MEMBERS FOR
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS REGARDING STARTING AN
OPTIMIST CLUB IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
• YOU CAN ALSO REQUEST THE FOLLOWING
MATERIAL THROUGH THE OI NEW COMMUNITY
GROWTH DEPARTMENT:
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BROCHURES/MEMBER APPLICATIONS
PRESS RELEASES
FLYER TEMPLATES
COLLEGE CLUB POSTCARDS
PROJECT PROFILES
800.500.8130
www.optimist.org