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 [email protected]. 
Optimist International Launches First Club in China


An organizational meeting was held March 31 for the Optimist Club of Beijing representing the first Optimist Club in the People's Republic. The 19 Members of the new Club initially plan to work on a mobile library project that will help bring reading materials to children in remote areas. Huge congratulations to Charter President Markus Masseli for his efforts. He initially reached out to Optimist International in January 2017. He helped guide the project to its successful conclusion. And an equally big thank you needs to go out to the June He Law Firm of Beijing and attorney Janet Hui, who provided pro bono legal assistance during the development phase of the project and will continue to do so during the government registration process. She is one of the charter Members. The Optimist International Board of Directors approved of the creation of Optimist International-China at its meeting in March. The Optimist Club of San Antonio, Texas has agreed to sponsor the Club in Beijing.

Monthly Conference Calls Add to Communication Efforts

Optimist International began a program in January to increase monthly communications with our Clubs oversees by utilizing a video conference call system. This has worked well when internet connectivity is strong. Some of our Clubs report difficulty in making connections or maintaining those connections once the call has begun. Optimist International is continuing to investigate means to eliminate these issues so calls can continue and the communications between Optimist International and our Clubs in Africa and Asia can improve. For more information, contact Director of Strategic Growth, Jim Boyd, at [email protected]
Another Optimist Club in Nepal

Optimist International continues to expand in Asia with the sixth Optimist Club organized last month in Nepal. The Optimist Club of Hetauda is located about 87 kilometers southwest of the capital and is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Kathmandu. The Club has 18 charter Members.

Existing Network to be used to Spread Optimism

An effort has begun in Africa to spread the message of Optimist International across the continent. Dakar Optimist Club President Mamadou Gueye is a member of "YALI," the  Young African Leaders Initiative.

"It's actually a mechanism established by the United States government to form powerful leaders in Africa," said Gueye. "As a member of this network and also the President of the Dakar Optimist Club, I wish to use it to convey the philosophy, goals and mission of Optimist International to generate more Members and help create more Clubs in Africa."
Global Spotlight on Anti Bullying Campaign

The Optimist Club of the Cross Roads, Kingston, Jamaica is highlighted this month for its anti- bullying campaign.

"Observations in our society, and in particular the primary schools, have revealed that the Optimist International Caribbean District's flagship campaign should not only be geared towards children, but that adults, parents and teachers need to be sensitized about this very worrying and important topic," said Crossroads President, Angel Johnson. "The meeting, February 28, was interactive between the Optimists and parents, guardians and teachers. A real life situation was brought to the fore by a parent whose child appeared to be experiencing some amount of bullying."

The Optimist presentation identified four key areas of bullying, signs of bullying and how parents can help their child if they suspect they are being bullied. The Cross Roads Optimist Club reports the program has impacted hundreds of students in the Kingston area.