The Optimist clubs of West St Andrew and Kingston Breakfast
have been experimenting with a novel idea of club-twinning aimed at maximizing
their resources. This twinning has been at the level of club meetings; starting with their joint Installation in Q1.
On Wednesday evening (March 7) it was another of those small but dynamic
gatherings of which I love to be a part. Presidents Shyama and Camilia and their club members are all unto
something here.
Of course, it was also another opportunity to give more big ups to Past Distinguished LtG Margaret for her accomplishments in 2010-2011. But what made the gathering even more special for me was the discussion moderated by ST PDLtG Al on the main issues coming out of the February 2102 Q2 District Conference: The proposal for an increase in District dues and the motion to review the number of District conferences held each year.
With Governor Dwight in the house and some interesting points being raised the debate was respectfully fierce – biting at times, revealing at others, but certainly consistent in its vigor. The Pembroke Hall Methodist church hall is a fine meeting place and I guess its openness also encourages a certain kind of vibrancy. Or it may have been that the members of West St Andrew and Kingston Breakfast were just eager to address these matters.
While there were no conclusive positions – the objective was really to get the discussion going – it was clear that there needs to be continued dialogue within the clubs about strengthening dues compliance and collection, refreshing our membership retention and recruitment tactics, finding the right motivators or incentives for our membership, addressing matters of affordability and membership commitment, and ensuring that members don't lose touch with why they opted to become an Optimist. I look forward to hearing the discussions among other Optimists in the Zone and certainly believe that by the time our Zone Leaders and Q3 Zone meetings come around in April we will have got closer to a consensus to take to Q3 District meeting either on May 26 in Barbados or June 2 in Jamaica.
It is clear to me though that creative and innovative solutions lie within the membership of our clubs and that time may have indeed come for the leadership to be motivated by the general membership instead of the other way around.
Thanks OCs WSA and KB for another fantastic meeting and all the best as we continue to serve the children of this great Caribbean region.
Of course, it was also another opportunity to give more big ups to Past Distinguished LtG Margaret for her accomplishments in 2010-2011. But what made the gathering even more special for me was the discussion moderated by ST PDLtG Al on the main issues coming out of the February 2102 Q2 District Conference: The proposal for an increase in District dues and the motion to review the number of District conferences held each year.
With Governor Dwight in the house and some interesting points being raised the debate was respectfully fierce – biting at times, revealing at others, but certainly consistent in its vigor. The Pembroke Hall Methodist church hall is a fine meeting place and I guess its openness also encourages a certain kind of vibrancy. Or it may have been that the members of West St Andrew and Kingston Breakfast were just eager to address these matters.
While there were no conclusive positions – the objective was really to get the discussion going – it was clear that there needs to be continued dialogue within the clubs about strengthening dues compliance and collection, refreshing our membership retention and recruitment tactics, finding the right motivators or incentives for our membership, addressing matters of affordability and membership commitment, and ensuring that members don't lose touch with why they opted to become an Optimist. I look forward to hearing the discussions among other Optimists in the Zone and certainly believe that by the time our Zone Leaders and Q3 Zone meetings come around in April we will have got closer to a consensus to take to Q3 District meeting either on May 26 in Barbados or June 2 in Jamaica.
It is clear to me though that creative and innovative solutions lie within the membership of our clubs and that time may have indeed come for the leadership to be motivated by the general membership instead of the other way around.
Thanks OCs WSA and KB for another fantastic meeting and all the best as we continue to serve the children of this great Caribbean region.
LtG Patrick
... Harnessing the power of one
... Harnessing the power of one
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