We pledge to be good citizens from now on
Casting away victimization
Corruption will cease
Nepotism decrease
Throughout the whole nation
Our country then will be
Not just a society
But a just society
(Extract from Antigua and Barbuda Pledge)
The national pledge of Barbados is a promise… To uphold and defend their
honour; and by my living to do credit…
In Jamaica the promise includes... To stand up for justice, brotherhood and
peace; to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly...
Right across the Caribbean we have these really
profound and worthy-to-live-by national promises. As Optimists we combine the
pledge of our various member countries with a most profound set of tenets
expressed in Christian D. Larson’s The Optimist Creed. But neither the Optimist Creed nor our
national pledge should be seen as merely a series of profound statements or promises strung
together to be recited at the beginning or end of official activities.
Both are
rather commitments to a particular way of life that if lived to the fullest
would demonstrate to the world that we Optimists know and do what is right. Both have deeper positive meanings
beyond their words. Both speak to the core of our role as Optimists.
When we recite the Optimist Creed, it is a
declared commitment, for example… to be
just as enthusiastic about the success of others as we are about our own.
The success of one Optimist is the success of all Optimists.
In the same way as nationals of the various
countries across the Caribbean we have guiding principles in our national
symbols, so too as Optimists we have a moral compass in the ten tenets of the
Optimist Creed. One thing is sure, living by the creed is never going to be easy; but it starts with a promise. Promise yourself…
The creed is our compass to demonstrate integrity
as well as character. When we serve we serve in the interest of our fellow
human beings. We serve our children because we believe in the future – A future
of hope, promise, abundant joy and prosperity; a future of greater achievements! If we want a future of despair then we sow seeds
of darkness; but if we want a future of prosperity then we must sow seeds of
life. Our creed is a powerful source of life – a candle burning bright against
the darkness faced by our children?
When we get on board to serve in our clubs, in
our zones, in our district, region or at International level, do not serve for your
Governor-elect or your club president. Do it for you. Do it because you believe
in something that is fundamentally good. Do it because you believe that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the
well-being of humankind, community life and the world. Do it for the
children! If we do for the children then we do for Optimism.
So, serving in Optimism is not about Past
International President Theo Golding, nor Governor Nutilia Simon. It is not
about Governor-designate Barbara Arrindell, nor President-designate Ken Garner. Neither is serving about International President-elect Dave Bruns, and not about
Governor-elect Patrick.
Serving in Optimism is about the pledge that we have
taken as nationals of societies striving
each day to be just. Our volunteerism is a commitment to a pledge that is
embedded in the Optimist creed and solidified in the mission of Optimism: By providing hope and positive vision,
Optimists bring out the best in kids. Our service is a demonstration that we are, indeed, friends of youth.
Next August (August 10, 2015) will mark 35 years of Optimism
in the Caribbean. No matter how we look at it, 35 years is a long history of
triumph over many adversities. There have been many ups and many downs. Many a
turbulent rivers we have crossed; and, we are still here. Our overcoming is a
testament of a resolve and strength that run deep in our collective DNA.
Our overcoming must be celebrated not depreciated. So, let us not condemn each other for what
could have or should have been, but rather, let’s work with each other and do
what we can to help. It is said that true volunteers give because they have already
received. That is really our motive for service; our chief inducement. It is also said that there is only one way to demonstrate
gratitude and that is to give in
substance and self...Not one or the other; but both! Both what we have
and what we are.
I close with a twist on words spoken by Martin Luther King Jnr. in that April 4,
1967 speech, the fierce urgency of now…
“Perhaps a new spirit is rising among us. If it is, let us trace its movement
well and pray that our own inner being may be sensitive to its guidance, for we
are deeply in need of a new way beyond the darkness that seems so close around
us… We must move past indecision to action. We must find new ways to speak for the rights of our children…”
So let us move forward...
STEP BY STEP to building an organization that is
a beacon of hope and a cradle of positive action...
STEP BY STEP to conquering lions and
mountains....
STEP BY STEP to bringing our children home to a
better life.
Fellow optimists of the great Caribbean District, I urge us all: instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle!
The time has come for us to stand up, be positive, and make things happen.
Optimist
Patrick
Governor-Elect
Optimist
International Caribbean District
HOPE GARDENS
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