Optimists Make Things Happen...

Edited comments delivered by GE Patrick at Optimist International Caribbean District Convention 2014, August 9, Sunset Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios. This is the first in a four part extended series on "Caribbean Optimism... Moving Forward".

Photo by Marc-Maurice Frankson

Introduction…

As I accept the task and responsibilities that have come with your vote of confidence, I wish for you to know that I am your humble partner in making this great Optimist International Caribbean District the best avenue for voluntary service to our children and young people wherever they are in the Caribbean.

I want to thank every single Optimist who has provided some level of support to my journey as an Optimist so far. Those who follow my 7804Optimist blog and my writings over the last four years in particular would know of the people who share a unique place among that support group.

The special individuals and groups that have in some shape or form kept a certain buzz going over the years include: Charlie's Angels and the People’s Governor Bajan Posse, The Magnificent Six, The7804 Massive and Zone Niners, as well as Team Secretariat.

Of course, if it were not for my sponsor and the wonderful Sunset Optimist Club of Liguanea family, none of this would be possible. Thankfully, my own precious family allowed space for Optimism to grow as a family endeavour.

I love, respect, and thank you all individually and collectively; and I look forward to building an even deeper relationship with you, especially over the next two to three years.

We are people who make things happen…

Photo by Marc-Maurice Frankson

I want to share a little about what I think it means to be a Caribbean Optimist at this critical juncture in the life-cycle of our great district – who we are, where I think we are, and a specific role we should consider playing as we move forward.

It is said that there are three types of persons in life: those to whom things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who make things happen. Every organization has them all; but I strongly believe that by virtue of being Optimists we fall among the latter group. Logically, Optimists should be people who make things happen!

If we are being brutally honest, however, we would admit our current reality and say to ourselves today that the wait-and-see or watch-and-see mode in which we have fallen must be shaken; and shaken now. 

Yes, we have achieved a lot over the last three decades. As Optimists, we have made a significant difference to the well-being of many. As volunteers, we have grown; and certainly as individuals many of us have seen significant personal development from our involvement in Optimism. But, there is still a great need for a shift towards the proactive people Optimists are supposed to be. There is need for change; and quickly!

My first real encounter with Optimism was at a boys empowerment seminar organized by the Sunset Optimist Club of Liguanea, my home club. That was an absolutely great experience. It was a deeply inspiring encounter with young people.  One could see it in their eyes and hear it in their expressions that they were excited, they were happy, and feeling confident about themselves. All of us adults sharing in the seminar felt good to see the possibilities, to see the potential, to see the positive shining through these young men. What a difference these young people will make on the future, I thought.

(L-R) Optimist Nicolas,
JOOI International President-elect Javani
and International President-elect Dave

My first real invitation to join Optimism was a very simple pitch by a then colleague of mine, Optimist Dahlia Vanriel. It was a very effective and winning one. The line that stood out was this: Optimism is an organized way of sharing at another level your passion and work with young people as a volunteer.

I officially became an Optimist in September 2007 and it has been an interesting and defining journey for me so far. The first year was probably the most defining though. There were things being done with and for the children that really touched my heart; but there were also some serious challenges – some of which I often share with my club members more as indicators of victories we continue to score as Optimists.

For example, I have learned to deal with the sometimes inexplicable ways in which people hold on to traditions that are obviously not advancing Optimism. I have also learnt how to temper the thinking that my energy and money would be better spent directly with the children than being at a conference. Sure there is the added value of fellowship and bonding; and the treasure chest of training that comes with convention; but… 

We still need to truly demonstrate the full capacity of Caribbean people to stamp the positives of our unique culture, style, and leadership on this great movement called Optimist International;

We still need to be innovative, forward thinking, visionaries capable of uncovering and developing a stream of people eager and ready to take their enthusiasm for volunteerism to the highest levels of organizational leadership.

I raise these two examples of challenges we face for one simple reason. As Past International Vice President Optimist Sonia Anderson, would say, Time come!  The time has indeed come for some serious reflection; but it is also time for some serious action.

I put it to you, fellow Optimists, if we are going to realize our true potential of being the best voluntary organization serving children across the Caribbean, it is time to think differently about the way we do things. 

It is time we think differently about the activities we do. 

It is time we think differently about how we define our relationship with the children. 

And, most importantly, it is time we think differently about how we see ourselves as Caribbean Optimists. 

It is time to think and act Optimism. Time to stop thinking of Optimism as just a noun; Optimism is also a verb! After all, Optimists make things happen!

Optimist Patrick

Governor Elect

Optimist International Caribbean District