June 28, 2011

Weekly programs are pure gold

With summer in full swing, our Optimist Clubs have been busy performing service projects out in the community. From bicycle rodeos, to car shows and pancake feeds, you've heard about them right here; but what you haven't heard about lately is what I consider to be one of the most important projects of all: club programs.

That's right, club programs. Most clubs gather every week for fellowship and project planning. The clubs who are most engaged in their communities take those weekly meeting opportunities to have guest speakers.

Guest speakers explain what is happening in their organizations and give their perception of what is needed or what is good in the community. It's a great way to learn how and where the Optimist Club might fit in. It's also an easy way to read the business and community service climate and take notice of trends so your club can act accordingly. Of course sometimes guest speakers can be entertaining and other times merely there to generate awareness for their cause.

The reason for this post came from an article that I saw in the Richfield Community News & Voices. Last week, the Optimist Club of Richfield, MN welcomed Joseph Imholte, Director of Special Exhibits, Science Museum of Minnesota to their meeting. He was there to promote the latest traveling exhibit "Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs," on display through Labor Day.

According to Imholte this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these artifacts. Isn't that the truth?

Can you imagine your Optimist Club making certain that children of all ages have the opportunity to see King Tut? Can you imagine them taking their families and friends to the exhibit as well? Wouldn't you?

Being part of an Optimist Club means learning about what is going on in the community so you can share the experience with others. Make sure that you are inviting speakers to visit your club frequently, if not every week. You'll learn more about the place you call home and as a bonus, share your love of optimism with new people every week.

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