September 27, 2010

Changing the way Optimist Club members learn

This week marks the end and the beginning of a year in the life of an Optimist Club member.  Thursday is my last day as governor of the Pacific Northwest District-Optimist International.  It's been  a good year, full of challenges and the rewards that come from knowing that I gave it my all. I am happy and sad with the transition that will take place later this week.

On October 1, new Optimist Club and District leaders will launch their fresh approach to serving their communities. That's a good thing. We all need enthusiasm and new individuals to lead our charge. For the first time ever, Districts have been asked to forgo their usual quarterly meetings in place of a regional gathering. Incoming International President Danny Rodgers has been actively promoting the "Parallel District Conferences" and information from the International Office remind us several times a week to register for the "PDC - coming to a region near you."

For my entire career in Optimism, I have always believed that the beauty of the organization is its local impact.  In fact, hands-on support for the clubs in my district was a major part of my work plan this year.  I realize we live in a global society. I value the connections I can make from a larger network. But I still wonder if trying to drive Optimist Club member participation from a central point is a good thing. It's not a bad thing; but it is different, and as much as I encourage people to be flexible and adapt to change, I believe it is okay to ask questions and determine what is right for you and those who are in your care.

Good luck to the regions with PDCs. Good luck to the one region without. I look forward to reviewing the outcomes next year at this time.

Categories

alabama alberta anguilla arizona arkansas arts B.W.I. barbados british columbia california canada day cayman islands ccdhh celebrations change charitable Christmas Trees childhood cancer campaign childhood literacy childhood wellness campaign children citizenship college colorado communication community building community development community service do the right thing donation doodle 4 google drug abuse easter education enchantment engagement essay contest experience optimism Facebook faith fellowship festival fishing fitness florida food drive football friend of youth friendship fundraiser fundraising generation gap georgia good government grand cayman gratitude Halloween happiness hawaii health and welfare healthy club checklist holiday hope idaho illinois indiana inspiration internet safety iowa iron eyes jamaica jay leno join an optimist club jooi joy junior golf kansas keep america beautiful kentucky leadership louisiana maine manitoba marketing maryland membership mentor michigan minnesota mississippi missouri Montana motivation music sunday n carolina n dakota nebraska new jersey new mexico new optimist club new york ohio oklahoma ontario opportunity optimism optimist club optimist clubs optimist creed optimist international optimist international convention optimist international foundation optimistic story of the day oratorical contest oregon outreach partnerships patriotism pennsylvania playground pnw district promotion public relations quebec quotes recognition recycling respect respect for law s carolina scholarship school supplies schools service clubs share optimism social media south carolina South Dakota st. maarten stories success talent show teachers Ted tennessee testimonials texas traditions twitter virginia volunteers w. virginina washington website wisconsin young adult youth appreciation youth safety youth sports