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. 
New Club Development
It has been a fast-paced couple of months for many of our Optimists Clubs overseas
demonstrating the commitment to the mission of "providing Hope and a Positive
Vision to youth, our communities and  ourselves." 

A new Optimist Club organized in Haiti. The  Optimist Club of Hinche, which is north of the capital of Port au Prince, is a direct result of the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships. Prior to becoming an Optimist Club, a group conducted a local oratorical competition in each of the last three years.
 
"It was a great pleasure to volunteer my time for the benefit of my community," said Member, Ernso Sylvain, who was instrumental in organizing the Club. The group is also looking to sponsor the first Junior Optimist Club in Haiti when the new school year begins this fall.
 
The Caribbean District was also a part of the new Club development effort in June. The Custom Made Optimist Club of Montego Bay organized near the end of themonth with 36 Members. 

Welcome to the Optimist family!
 
New Club Development Projects are also underway in India with at least one expected to be completed before September 30. There is a similar time frame for a new project in Togo and another in Benin. Efforts have also begun to bring the Optimist philosophy to Paraguay, Ecuador, and Peru.
Anti-Bullying Initiative

An initiative is underway this year in the Caribbean District for a number of Clubs to participate in a District wide anti-bullying initiative.
 
"It seems as though bullying has been normalized in the Caribbean where we say that is something we usually do," said District Governor Calvin Hunter. "But with this campaign, we want people to understand that just because it's normally done doesn't mean it's right or acceptable."
 
Read full article here.
Optimist Clubs in Africa Collaborating

A number of Clubs on the African continent are coming together to make communication better between them, as well with Optimist International. Tema District Optimist Club President Kofi Dogbe initiated a chat group using WhatsApp for Club leaders on the continent to share ideas for projects, as well as challenges they face and administrative matters that come up during the Optimist year. The group currently consists of some of the Clubs in Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, with more participation expected from Clubs in other countries on the continent. As other Clubs join Optimist International, they will be added. The group has already been discussing means for becoming a Honor Club and "How to Run Effective Club Meetings." A similar chat group is coming for Club leaders in Asia during August.
Now is a Good Time to Check the Roster

The final quarter of the Optimist year brings with it many opportunities and responsibilities. There are opportunities to add new Members, try a new project, and make certain your Club's administrative house is in order. This includes reviewing your Club file at the Optimist leaders website to ensure your financial obligation for this year has been met, your roster is up to date, and your Club is in good health. The Club's online file can be accessed by the Club's President, Secretary and Treasurer using the login information provided when the Club organized. You are encouraged to conduct this review in August so any adjustments can be made before the end of the Optimist year in September.
Spotlighting Two Clubs

The new Optimist Club in Beijing launched its first project this past month. It is a story time for young people utilizing a toy. The project aimed at schools or communities with low literacy rates.
 
"Story reading volunteers are from all over the world, from different background and cultures record the stories," says April Tang, a Member of the Club and one of the project organizers. "After the voice volunteers upload children stories into an audio broadcast device called Ximalaya, the Optimist project part will be to edit, and download these stories to an audio device called Xiaomi. Children will benefit from listening to stories as it builds early creativity, empathy, and vocabulary."

 
The Optimist Club of Morocco (Club Optimiste Maroc) was again a co-sponsor of a 1,056 kilometer road rally across the country. The Club works in partnership with the Automobile Club of Morocco, and the rally is designed only for students of higher education, under the auspices of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Minister of Youth and Sport.
 
"'Generation Optimistic for a Better Morocco' was the theme of the three day rally this year," said Club President Abderrazaq Mihamou.
 
Dozens of students participated using paper maps and stop watches as navigation guides. GPS systems were prohibited.
 

A tip of the cap and a round of applause for both Optimist Clubs for their great projects.