Watch Notes from Nick!

Notes from Nick are weekly video messages from 2017-18 International President Nick Prillaman. Every Wednesday, a new Notes From Nick will be uploaded to our YouTube channel , social media accounts, and website

In this week's video, President Nick describes every Optimist Member as a beacon in their community. Be a guiding light demonstrating how to live a positive life in all of your endeavors.
Take Action in May

The month of May is   Optimists in Action Month! During the month of May, Optimist Clubs will create a widespread spirit of unity bringing together Optimist Members and other community volunteers for a variety of local-based activities, fundraisers and special events. Optimist Clubs can conduct any program or special event that meets the needs of their community and should contact local media outlets in hopes of receiving publicity. Take photos and videos and share your Club’s event on social media by including the hashtag #OptimistsInAction. Learn more here  
Register for Ottawa Now!

Online registration for the 100th Annual Optimist International Convention in Ottawa is now open! Share Optimism with fellow Optimists from around the world July 7-10, 2018. The events will take place at the Shaw Centre (Ottawa Convention Center) and the main hotel is the Westin Ottawa.

For all convention information, including housing travel and online registration, click here .
Global Spotlight
The Optimist International Global Spotlight was created to provide another means of communication between Optimist International and the Optimist Club Presidents outside of the United States and Canada. The newsletter is sent monthly. 

To view the March Global Spotlight, click   here .
Former Junior Golfer Competes at The Masters

Congratulations to Joaquin Niemann! A top-ranked amateur in the world, Niemann will turn pro next week. He’s received sponsor’s exemptions to the Valero Texas Open, AT&T Byron Nelson and Memorial Tournament and will attempt to earn status on the PGA Tour this year.

Niemann won the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship in the Boys 14-15 age division in 2014. Other Optimist players to follow at The Masters Tournament are Jason Day, Phil Mickelson, Daniel Berger, Patton Kizzire, Billy Horschel and Tiger Woods.

To learn more about Joaquin Niemann, click here .
Registering Club Officers 2018-19

Optimist Clubs can now register their 2018-19 officers online. A current officer will need to login to optimist.org website and click on “Reports” on the right hand side of the screen. Then click on “Club Officer Elect Report” and click on “Report” and you will be able to select the names of the Clubs Members who will be filling the leadership roles during the upcoming Optimist year. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Charlotte Baker in the Member Services Department at Charlotte.Baker@optimist.org  
Upcoming Webinars

This Meeting Will Come to Order
Thursday, April 12 at 7PM (CT)
Learn the ABC's of Parliamentary Procedure, and how to make sure that the minority is heard while the majority is served. Learn how to make a motion, and how to amend a motion. Learn about Roberts Rules of Order to conduct meetings. To register, click here .

Using the Personal Growth & Involvement (PGI) and Professional Development Programs in Your Club
Tuesday, May 15 at 7PM (CT)
When we take ownership of our own progression/development, the steps are simple - we learn, we commit, and we do. The professional development programs offered by Optimist International were designed to propel us along this path of advancement with a greater sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction. The Leadership Development Committee believes this webinar is beneficial for all Members - those new to the Professional Development Program, to those already in the Personal Growth & Involvement Program, and for those who are ready to grow beyond their Personal Growth & Involvement Level 10. To register, click here .

For questions, contact the Leadership Development Department at leadership@optimist.org .  
Submit a Video Before April 20

Optimist International presents the 2018 Reel Optimism Video Contest. Your Club could win a $1500 Club Grant by creating a short video based on the topic: "Living the Creed."

Click here for more information and follow the conversation with #ReelOptimism.
Junior Optimist International

Book your rooms for the 2018 Junior Optimist Convention as soon as possible - the rooms are filling up very fast! The Junior Optimist headquarters hotel is at Les Suites Ottawa.

Click here for booking information. The group block code is: OI2018
Make Valuable Changes Organization-wide

Please take time to evaluate the Optimist International bylaws to ensure they continue to effectively serve the organization. This process allows you and your Club to help shape and improve all of Optimist International. To recommend a revision, your Club must submit a proposed amendment citing the article(s) and section(s) and exact proposed wording change to the articles and sections cited, along with a written rationale in 200 words or less for the change. The Club must submit the proposal on Club letterhead signed by the Club President. The proposal may be emailed and/or faxed to the International Office, but the original Club letter must be received by the International Office in order for the proposal to be considered. All submitted changes will be brought before the International Convention delegates for vote and possible endorsement.

All proposed change submissions to the bylaws must be received at the International Office by 5:00 p.m. (CT) Monday, April 9. Please mail them to: Dana Thomas, Executive Assistant, Optimist International, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108.
Make Your Club Heard

The Convention resolutions process can be used for any aspect of the organization not covered in the bylaws. Clubs must submit resolutions by 5:00 p.m. (CT) Tuesday, May 15 to the Resolutions Committee. The committee will choose the strongest resolutions and report them to Convention delegates for debate and vote. Resolutions endorsed by Convention delegates are non-binding and are sent to the International Board of Directors for further consideration and study. Please type resolutions on Club stationery and include your Club name, Club number and Club President's signature. All resolutions should be written in standard resolution format: "Whereas... , Whereas... , Whereas... , Be it resolved that the Board of Directors of Optimist International is asked to consider...." Resolutions should be mailed to: Resolutions Committee, Optimist International, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108.
The Election is Near

Optimist International has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to administer the 2018 International officer election. To assure your Club's election specific broadcast email arrives safely in your inbox on May 1, simply add the following email address as an approved sender: noreply@directvote.net.

Your Club's dues must be paid in full prior to be being allowed to vote. Elections open online at 8AM (CDT) on Tuesday, May 1 and closes at 5PM (CDT) Wednesday, May 30. 

If you have questions, contact Tom Carver at (800) 500-8310 ext. 243 or (314) 881-1343, or email tom.carver@optimist.org

Below are the candidates for the 2018 International officer election:

2018 President-Elect Candidate:
Adrian Elcock

2018 Board Director at Large Candidates (2 to be elected):
Lola Cumbo
Sandy Cyphers
Luc Dubois
Sandy Larivee
Anthony Yaggie

2018 Vice Presidents-Elect Candidates:
Region 1 Northeast & Great Lakes – Teri Davis, NYNE
Region 2 Southeast – Russell Thomas, GATE
Region 3 Mid-Atlantic – David Bowman, MDSD
Region 4 Middle America – Dwight Pollard, EMO
Region 5 Great Plains – Lyle Merriam, AMS&NW
Region 6 Southwest – Don Crall, OK
Region 7 West Coast – Mike Padilla, PSE
Region 8 St. Lawrence – Nathalie Boulet, QW

Continue to check www.optimist.org for updates.
Official Optimist International Suppliers

United States and the Caribbean:
Shumsky
Canada:
Ansell's Awards and Specialties
Contact the International Board of Directors 

If you have comments, concerns or suggestions for the International Board of Directors, please send to   board@optimist.org
Scholarship Contest Deadlines

Mark your calendar for important dates regarding Optimist International scholarship contests:

District Essay Winners Deadline: April 15
District Oratorical Winners Deadline: May 15
CCDHH Winners Deadline: June 15

All required documents must be completed and submitted by the due date in order for scholarships to be processed. If you have questions, contact the Programs Department via e-mail at programs@optimist.org .
Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation

Did you know scholarships awarded to the Canadian District’s winners of the Optimist oratorical, essay and CCDHH contests are funded by the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation. Each year, your Foundation disburses $10,000 for scholarships to every Canadian District. This could only be achieved thanks to your donations. Help tomorrow’s leaders develop to their fullest potential by donating to the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation at ccof-foec.org