June 2021

The Optimist presence around the globe continues to expand as the mission and vision of Optimist international spreads.  The Optimist Club of Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo marks the second Club in the country for the organization. Sponsorship comes from the Optimist Club of Kinshasa and the Optimist Club of Moncton, New Brunswick in Canada.

The North Tripoli Lebanon Optimist Club became the fourth in the country thanks to continued efforts by the Optimist International Club in Beirut and the Optimist Club of Kutztown, Pennsylvania. It was followed by the fifth Club in Lebanon, The Optimist Club of Matn. Once again Beirut is a sponsor, and it will be assisted by the Centerville Noon Optimist Club of Ohio

Nepal continues its tremendous pace of growth. The Optimist Club of Palpa became a reality thanks to the efforts of the Optimist Club of Kathmandu and the Flint West Optimist Club in Michigan. The Kathmandu Club was also the sponsor of the Optimist Club of Patan. Its North American sponsor is the Optimist Club of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Kathmandu Valley Optimist Club got into the act with the sponsorship of the Butwal, Optimist Club. Optimists in Highland Illinois are also sponsoring this group. There is also a second Club in Papla going by the name of Srinagar City Optimist Club. Optimists in Nawalparasi, Nepal and St Cloud, Minnesota are handling the sponsorship responsibilities.

Educational opportunities continue for our Optimists outside of North America with monthly webinars created by the International Development Committee.  Last month Optimist International Foundation President Jan Oord Graves presented to bring members up to date about activities and programs sponsored by the Foundation as well as grant opportunities. Six Clubs outside North America were among the recipients of the annual Club Grant Award. Learn more about the program and find out who won in the Foundation’s quarterly newsletter.

The International Convention was the topic for the month of June as members overseas are encouraged to consider participating using the Convention virtual platform.  More information about the Convention can be found here and the registration form is also here. We look forward to seeing some of you online for at the convention in Atlanta.

This month’s Global Spotlight shines on Ghana, Africa where you will find the Oti Region Optimist Club. The Oti Region is in the east central part of the country on the Ghanaian-Togo Border.  Optimists in the Oti Region club were busy helping young people in several schools in their area.  The Club donated much needed chalk to 10 schools in its area.  The members also provided educational materials such as books and mental health awareness information to schools and they worked officials at the Worawora Government Hospital to provide some needed supplies there. We are happy to shine the spotlight on these Optimists in Ghana who continue to try to fulfill the mission of Optimist International.

Administrative Corner

Be sure to check out the Spring 2021 Optimist Magazine Click Here for our article "Unabated Global Expansion Continues".