Optimist Club Resources
There are three key focus points required to run a successful, dynamic and fun Optimist Club: community service projects and youth programs, strong membership, and fund raising.
Serving Our Community - We are fortunate that Optimist International clubs are autonomous ... as a club we can decide how to serve our local communities. We have a diverse collection of international youth programs to choose from, and we can support local initiatives by running our own community service projects.
Active Membership - Having a sufficient number of members allows a club to deliver more youth programs and community service projects. The more members, the more variety for members to choose from, and the less chance that a member will get "burnt out" and leave a club. We need to recruit new members and retain existing members to ensure the survival of a cub.
Fund Raising - Optimist Clubs must be self-sufficient so we must engage in fund-raising activities to finance our youth programs, community service projects and membership administration and club fellowship.
Active Membership Resources
New Optimists Wanted
"NOW" is an Optimist membership drive activity that usualy involves running a "NOW" meeting like a dinner where prospective members are invited as guests to learn about your club. Here are some resources for "NOW":
NOW Resources
Membership Brochure
Member Invitation Form
Member Interest Finder
NOW Brochure
NOW Article
NOW Program Planning Guide
NOW Program Supplemental Material
Optimist Mentor Program
Are you interested in Member retention? Start with successful New Member Education! Check out the Optimist Mentoring Program created by Steve Andersen and Wes Ellis from the Gresham Optimist Club of the Pacific Northwest District. The Optimist Mentoring Program is a comprehensive New Member education tool designed to increase your Club’s Member retention.
A recently inducted New Member is paired with an active Club Member for an eight-week, one-on-one educational experience that covers everything from your Club’s unique projects to the opportunities and activities available at the International level.
Optimist Mentor Program Resources
Clubs interested in utilizing the program for their New Members will want to download the following resources in order to get started:
New Club Building
Building a new Optimist Club is one of those activities that can have the longest lasting impact on a community. A new club means that we have reached another community in need and more youth are being helped. Building a new club is a major commitment that an existing club must be prepared to accept, especially the follow through after the club forms.
Optimist International understands that people join Optimist Clubs for different reasons, most often for "intangible benefits." People join for the good feeling they receive from helping a young person succeed. Optimist International also recognizes the diversity and time limitations of today's volunteers. Different Optimist Club models are in place throughout the organization, and we're optimistic that one might be a Club concept that fits the goals of potential volunteers in your target community.
- Traditional Club – A traditional Optimist Club conducts a number of exciting, youth-oriented events and promotions each year. The Club meets on a regular basis at a fixed location.
- Non-Traditional Club – The Non-Traditional Club is built around a single focus or a single event during the year. This Club has officers and they meet via electronic newsletters and e-mails. Members may not all be located in the same community.
- Sports Club – A Sports Club is built with the primary goal to serve youth through athletics, be it baseball, football, golf, tennis, basketball, soccer or hockey.
New Club Building Resources
Optimist International dedicates a significant amount of resources and expertise to help clubs build a new club. Here are some resources to help you get started:
- Childhood Cancer
- Citizenship
- Community Improvement
- Culture and Education
- Fundraising
- Health and Welfare
New Club Building Handbook
Step-by-Step Build a New Club:
Do you want to bring out the best in kids by starting a New Club? Follow the step-by-step process to learn what is involved:
Optimist Project Profiles:
About Optimist International - This is a fab PowerPoint to speak from at informational meetings or to e-mail prospects inquiring about Optimist International.
Fund-Raising Resources
Raffle Fundraiser
This is to hold a cash raffle to raise money for the Optimist Club. This project is relatively easy but does require participation from Club Members in order to be successful.