The Optimist International Global Spotlight was created to provide another means of communication between Optimist International and the Optimist Clubs outside of the United States and Canada.  The newsletter will be sent monthly. If you have suggestions for improvements, Club projects, articles for inclusion and/or other information about your Club, contact communications@optimist.org. 
Nepal Optimists
The success of the first Optimist conference outside of North America and the Caribbean is prompting a second one. Optimists in Nepal are convening September 20-21 in Kathmandu for the two-day event to attend workshops, network with each other about how to make their Clubs stronger, and to enjoy two days of fellowship.

"We are also going to be talking about fostering growth of Optimist International in this part of the world," said Kathmandu President Uday Niraula.

Optimists in Nepal have decided to hold an annual conference in the country during the third week of September every year.
Beijing Optimist Club

The Beijing Optimist Club's reading program is gaining traction with an organization from Hong Kong donating several readers to the Club. The Shunyi International School in Beijing has also jumped on board donating some stories for the readers.
 
"A student club at the school is helping to facilitate the program," said Member April Tang. 

There will probably be 50 elementary students involved in the project.
New Club Development

A new Club chartered in Jamaica: the Optimist Club of  Negril! The Club organized in August. The Club is one of several expected to be formed by the end of September in the Caribbean District.

New Club development efforts are continuing in several countries around the globe. The Optimist Junior Golf Tournament in late July served as the springboard for projects now underway in Uruguay, Ecuador, and Paraguay. There is also the potential for new Clubs in the Netherlands and Finland.
 
Meanwhile, projects are to be completed soon in Togo, Benin, and India. Sponsor Clubs from the United States and Canada are being sought for all of these international projects. Your Club can help by contacting the New Club department at newclub@optimist.org.
2018-19 Club Officers

This is the time of year for Optimist Clubs to make certain that their respective officers are registered with headquarters in St. Louis. If there are going to be no changes come the first of October, you do not have to do anything. If officers will change October 1, please notify Optimist International at your earliest convenience and no later than the end of September. By keeping your officer list up to date, your Club will not miss any important communications from Optimist International.
Mothers of Tomorrow Optimist Club in Uganda

This month's Global Spotlight is on the Mothers of Tomorrow Optimist Club in Uganda. It recently launched a program involving rabbits to combat hunger.

"We raised money to purchase the rabbits and to raise them" said Club President Joseph Nkalubo. "They are commercial rabbits purchased for about $5.50 US. We fatten them up and are able to sell them for a little more than $40." 
 
Nkalubo indicated the demand for rabbit meat in Uganda is much bigger than the supply.