I AM AN OPTIMIST because...

I believe that investing in the tremendous potential of our children today is preparing a better future for all.

The “I AM AN OPTIMIST” DAY initiative was started three years ago not to focus on any special projects per se; but rather to creatively use the many media and communication platforms available at our finger tips to make people aware of Optimism and the positive work being undertaken on behalf of children.

So, via Email, Fb, Twitter, BBM, and YouTube, or the newspaper, television, radio, posters, and fliers, the near 1700 registered members of the 64 active clubs in the Optimist International Caribbean District are expected to collectively say it louder and prouder than ever before: I AM AN OPTIMIST! 

Together, we believe, the individual declaration should have a more far reaching resonance.

I pause to thank especially President Shalana Waterman (Optimist Club of Bridgetown, Barbados) for her unconditional support from the very beginning of this initiative and PG Joe Benfield for remaining fully committed. CP Valerie Vassell (Optimist Club of North St Andrew) and LTG Andrea Samuels (Optimist Club of Kingston Breakfast) continue to be such creative sources of inspiration on the District communication team and of course PG Cecile Hale (Optimist Club of Sunset Kingston) and IVP Sonia Anderson (Optimist Club of St Ann's Bay) for their consistently quiet, calm and gentle urging.

Thanks to Governor Lynden Buchanan (Optimist Club of Mammee Bay) and DST Latoya Wade (Optimist Club of Sunset Liguanea) and to all the Optimists who each year do whatever they can to ensure that the I AM AN OPTIMIST DAY Initiative works! 

Next year, 2014 with Easter holidays in April, we will return to the original designation of March 31 as I AM AN OPTIMIST DAY in this great Caribbean District of Optimist International.

In the meantime (and in between time) we continue to spread the good word on Optimism - Providing hope and positive vision; the Caribbean District - Making a difference one child at a time; and Optimist International - Bringing out the Best in Kids! 

Here are a few links I know you will always find useful:

www.optimist.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJB9lxjnkP8

http://www.optimist.org/form/member_invite_brochure_e.pdf