Greetings Fellow Optimists,

First, a hearty thank you to all for the hard work you have been doing in serving our children and our communities.  Collectively we are making a huge difference in the lives of those we touch! We have committed to “The Year of the Honor Club.” Obtaining Honor Club status will keep our Clubs healthy, active, and fun. All Clubs should make every effort to achieve that status. Honor Club should be the minimum level of service for any Optimist Club. 

A new initiative is underway to help our existing Club base: the Social, Service and Young Professionals Group. The Social, Service and Young Professionals Group is a “Club within a Club” concept. This group of Members would be Members of your Club, volunteer for your projects, and show on your roster. Check with your Governor, Lieutenant Governor or Vice President if you have questions. As an added bonus, Club, Zone and District are awarded new Club building credit if 15 Members are added.

We are nearing the President’s Midyear Planning Conferences. We had a game plan for the year, and we are approaching half time. We need to reassess where we were, where we are now, and where we want to be in September. This is a great opportunity for District and Club leaders to learn, share and network. Another training event each Optimist should take advantage of is the 99th Annual Optimist International Convention in Albuquerque on July 6-8, 2017.

Every Optimist has received an email about sponsoring new Members. It is hard to believe, but about 80% of our existing membership base has never sponsored a new Member.  Here is your opportunity to add a friend, family member, or co-worker to your Club. A special drawing will take place during each of the three remaining quarters of the 2016-17 Optimist Year. Recruit a new Member for a chance to win $500! 

As Seth Godin says:
“'The Yea-sayer'
Opposite of the naysayer, of course.
This is the person who will find ten reasons why you should try something.
The one who will embrace the possibility of better.
The colleague to turn to when a reality check is necessary, because the reality is, it might work.
Are you up for it?"

Call for Nominations for International Officers

The deadline for self-nominations for the positions of International President, International Board Member and International Vice President is Saturday, April 1

The following requirements must be met - 

International Vice President nominees:

• Must be nominated by two Club within the Region in which the individual resides
• Send to the Candidate Qualifications Committee at dana.thomas@optimist.org or mail to the International Headquarters. Mail must be post marked no later than April 1.

International Board Member nominees:

• File an intent to run to the Candidate Qualifications Committee at dana.thomas@optimist.org or mail to the International Headquarters.  Mail must be post marked no later than April 1.
  

• Must be nominated by two Clubs from two different Regions. 
  
• Send to the Candidate Qualifications Committee at dana.thomas@optimist.org or mail to the International Headquarters. Mail must be post marked no later than April 1.
  

Help Provide Our Youth with Higher Education

The 2nd Annual Optimist International Oratorical World Championships will be June 15 and 16, 2017 at Saint Louis University’s Center for Global Citizenship. It is encouraged for Clubs and Districts to find the funding to send your District contestant to St. Louis to compete in person.

You can also give the gift of higher education by donating to the Optimist International Foundations here. Post the Firstgiving link on your Facebook and/or Twitter pages to share with your non-Optimist Member friends.

Webinar: Resources

The Leadership Development Committee will present a “Resources” webinar on Wednesday, March 15 at 7:00pm (CST). The presenters will be Teri Davis and Claire Labreche. Optimist International wants your year as a Club Officer to run as efficient and smooth as possible. A number of resources are available to help you have a fantastic year! Resources include other leaders (Lt. Governors, District Chairs, etc.), optimist.org and optimistleaders.org sites, and Optimist International staff. To learn about these resources, register for the “Resources” webinar here! For questions, contact the Leadership Development Department at leadership@optimist.org. 

Road Sign Incentive

Two of the most beneficial things you can do for your Optimist Club are bringing in new Members and increasing your Club’s visibility within your community. Our latest incentive will help your Club do both! Any Optimist Club that meets one of the following conditions is eligible for their choice of an Optimist road sign or a retractable Optimist Creed banner:

• Achieve 10 total Member adds in the 2nd quarter
• Achieve net +10 membership for the year by the end of the 2nd quarter

Contact the Membership Department at membership@optimist.org with any questions or to request your award.

Register for Convention Online

All US Clubs Tax Form 990 due February 15

Clubs whose annual gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less are required to electronically submit Form 990-N, also known as the e-Postcard, unless they choose to file a complete Form 990 or Form 990-EZ instead.

How to File
To electronically submit Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard) for Tax-Exempt Organizations Not Required to File Form 990 or Form 990EZ, use the Form990-N Electronic Filing System (e-Postcard).

Information Needed to File e-Postcard - Completing the e-Postcard requires the eight items listed below:

• Employer identification number (EIN), also known as a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
  
• Tax year
  
• Legal name and mailing address
  
• Any other names the organization uses
  
• Name and address of a principal officer
  
• Web site address if the organization has one
  
• Confirmation that the organization’s annual gross receipts are $50,000 or less
  
• If applicable, a statement that the organization has terminated or is terminating (going out of business)

Optimist Junior Golf

Benchmark Club Projects

Every month, Optimist International will feature a Club project in the Leadership Hotline and on the Optimist International website. The Benchmark Club Projects will highlight a successful project, along with information about the host Optimist Club. 

The Hidden Valley Optimist Club of Charlotte, North Carolina held a successful NOW Event in September. The event included collaboration of Club officers, and Club Membership, Fellowship and Youth Activities Committees. The goals were to grow the Club, provide Club fellowship and involve youth in an internal Club event. Unique features of the event include limousine service for guests, red carpet new Member induction ceremony, and a grab bag including an application and an Optimist Creed card. For additional details, click here. 

Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation

Optimist International Foundation