Mentoring through Optimism

A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you. - Bob Proctor

Since the last blog advocating individual MENTORSHIP as a practical manifestation of the 2012-2013 District theme, Caribbean Optimists making a difference - One child at a time, I have been asked to share more on the idea.  So here I go with some ways in which I believe we could MENTOR through Optimism:
1.     Enter your mentee in the youth competitions – Essay, Oratorical, CCDHH; Provide them with the necessary guidance and coaching even;
2.       Take your mentee to club meetings and project activities; Expose them to the great work Optimists do with children and young people;
3.       Involve your mentee in a Tri-Star, Respect for Law or Youth Appreciation Week activity; Show them how much Optimists care for their personal development;
4.       Sponsor your mentee to attend even one JOOI and/or District meeting; Promote appreciation for meaningful networking and fellowship
5.       Give them an Optimist Creed pocket card; Teach them to live by the Optimist creed
6.       Host a group of his or her friends at one of the District Youth Forum Initiative; Encourage their right to association and participation in activities that promote good governance and civic affairs.

PLtG Patrick

MENTOR a child and make a difference

I have been reflecting on the 2012-2013 theme for our District, Caribbean Optimists Making a Difference – One child at a time, and one thing strikes me deeply that I wish to share:  The theme is a specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely statement. It is simply, a smart one to make at this time. Those of us who are keen on writing objectives, forgive me if I have ended up tweaking the acronym a little; but I am trying to leave the thought process as true to its initial flow as possible.  Everything about the theme points to something that is very practical in its application. 

Here are a few parts of the reflection which have led me to the conclusion that by the end of this year we could see the most dramatic impact from, on, and in the movement since I have become a member just a handful of years ago. Follow me.

What is the mission of the Optimist movement? By providing hope and positive vision Optimists bring out the best in kids.  I am therefore not alone in my belief and conviction that everything we do as Optimists should be about creating opportunities that will make children realize their true potential regardless of race, gender, nationality or circumstances. Indeed, our mission keeps us on track always, to make a positive difference for the future! The fact is, Optimists have an awesome responsibility - if not a lifelong transformative duty - to children. 

Where there is despondency we must bring hope; where there is low self-esteem, inspire confidence; where there is desperation, encourage calm; and where there is fear, mobilize courage. 

It is becoming cliché to say, “never before have our children needed Optimists than now”. But, while the realities that cause the statement may indicate some failures of the past it sure provides a platform for action that will bring greater achievements in the future.

Here is one simple action I wish to suggest we could take this year using the latter part of the District’s theme as our mantra – Become a MENTOR.

If every single member of the Caribbean District were to take just one child under his or her wing and make that child a mentee for just this year what a difference one could make for the years to come. Imagine what would happen, if right across the Caribbean each and every Optimist stand as the guarding hands for that one child, shine your guiding light for that one child, become the spirit of humanity for that one child, exhibit the love and compassion for others, the dedication and commitment to hard work, and the pride in triumph over adversities for that one child. I know you are seeing it.

On an individual level it would mean two persons working together all the time and at their very best, helping each other to achieve only the very best, making each other a future in which there is hope and confidence in success.  On the collective level it would mean that at least 3,592 persons across the Caribbean would be keenly involved in making a better life – that is 1,796 Optimists plus each child under their wings promoting health, happiness and prosperity for all. Literally, Caribbean Optimists Making a difference – One child at a time!  

Won't you do it now: Identify a child and make that child your individual project for the year. We can be sure of a mighty wind of positive change for each Optimist, each child, and collectively the people and children of this beloved Caribbean region. 

As Governor Lynden said in his Installation speech in August, referencing the story of the Starfish, “The essence of this story is that while we may not be able to change large groups of people at any one time, we can make a major impact on individual lives or smaller groups, (which) lead to a major change over time”. 

The time is indeed NOW. Become a MENTOR today and bring hope and positive vision, for the future! Start the mission now: Motivate Encourage Nurture Train Open-up Respect...one child at a time.

PLtG Patrick

One one coco full basket...