Changing Times at OI

Here are a couple really cute videos that show both creativity and innovation in how we can share information and encourage dialogue:

Learn Strategies for Service from Successful Clubs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3dfS4Af5fA

2014 Online Elections
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMfhkxmBZrA#t=24

Oh, by the way, the following link is not a video but we may want to start a discussion in our clubs and district:
Proposed Bylaws Amendments for 2014-2015
http://www.optimist.org/Documents/2014-2015_Proposed_Bylaws_Amendments.pdf

Time for Optimist International Convention in the Caribbean

In 2018 when the Optimist International Convention takes place in Ottawa, Ontario it will be the 100^th time that Optimists will gather for an annual general meeting. It will also mark the first time that the convention will be held in that city since Optimists started holding their annual convention in 1919 in that historic city of Louisville, Kentucky. That’s a great first in the making!

Over the near hundred years of Optimist gatherings several cities, and by extension Optimist districts, have had the benefit of hosting a convention. Among the cities are multiple hosts St Louis (6) and Montreal (5). The convention returns to New Orleans in 2015 for that city’s fourth time as host; its third since Optimism hit the shores of the Caribbean over three decades ago and its second since the Caribbean district was established in 1996. The 2014 convention gives Las Vegas the distinction of hosting two of its five international conventions during the lifetime of the Caribbean district.

Florida, the state and region with which the Caribbean would have had both close geographical proximity and administrative kinship has had only two of its cities hosting an OI Convention. Miami, arguably the southernmost major city of Florida, had its first of three in 1946 and its last more than four decades ago in 1969. Orlando had its first in 1981 and the third in 2009. In other words, it has been five years since the Convention headed so far south. 

I would have expected an even more southern trajectory especially in recent times. Actually, I think the time has long gone for a leap off the northern land mass and across to the islands in the Caribbean Sea. Surely, from a location perspective any one of the Caribbean member countries from The Bahamas down to Barbados could host an international convention. Look across the region and in all confidence, tell me that Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Jamaica or St Lucia does not have the physical and intellectual capacity to host an international gathering of Optimists.

Nowhere is there a perfect location. That’s a given. But the wide mix of modern, technologically cutting-edge and internationally competitive convention facilities available across the tourism, entertainment, and events management industries make us more than worthy of consideration. The Caribbean has the human resource and expertise to deliver the first-class experience expected of an international affair. The planning, organisation and direction skills within the Caribbean are unquestionably among the best in global convention services. And the region's ICT capabilities are consistent with global standards far outstripping many of the usual choices.

Ask international parliamentary groupings. Check with world religious confederations. Scan the experience of transnational financial alliances. Look to the multinational civic society and interest groups. The region has been and will continue to be a location of choice for many intercontinental affairs. Optimist International needs to be among those groupings that meet in the Caribbean too. I see no reason why OI should not be looking further south and specifically to the Caribbean. Well, only one minor weakness comes to mind and that could easily be resolved with planning - like all other aspects of events management.

Convention 2018 is settled. So too are convention locations for 2015 and 2016. But 2017 is not. In the normal scheme of things that is not much time; but it is an opportunity. If advocacy is needed then we have to start now. Caribbean Optimists must get into the habit of setting its own agenda. We need to be proactive. This is my way of putting this matter on the agenda and I encourage other Optimists to join the lobby.

I am calling for an international convention in the Caribbean if not for 2017 then certainly by 2020! 

The glass is half full...

Recently, my club president Optimist Tetrice sent a message to fellow Optimists in the Sunset Optimist Club of Liguanea family and I feel obliged to share. So, here goes:

FELLOW OPTIMISTS,

In our daily lives we all of have our own priorities, struggles and triumphs. A lot of the time it's hard to juggle it all, much less the demands of being in an organisation such as the Optimist Club. 

In many ways, I myself am faced with many challenges as it relates to the overall management of the various aspects of my life. A lot of the time I am overwhelmed by a lot of things and end up discouraged along the way, as I am sure many of you have experienced. At that time, I turn to the Optimist Creed to brighten my perspective. 

Today I read the creed again and the part that stood out to me the most was, "...To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future..." In highlighting this section, I am imploring my fellow Optimists to really help me to make these [third and fourth] quarters a shining success.

...The 3rd quarter is still fresh. Please continue to keep the faith and, this time around, really step up in Optimism and help me make the Sunset Optimist Club of Liguanea the best club in Jamaica and the Caribbean. 

Some say the glass is half full, some say the glass is half empty. As an Optimist, I can only hope that you see these next 6 months as a glass half full. We have so much to accomplish this year; and I want everyone to really press on to make the second half of the Optimist year better for us as a team and as a family.

Best regards,

President Tetrice

Push

Until

Something

Happens...

Caribbean Optimist Adrian Elcock seeks seat on Optimist International Board

Past International Vice President
Optimist Adrian Elcock

ADRIAN M. ELCOCK, the popular Barbadian businessman and volunteer extraordinaire, is making himself available for yet another opportunity to serve the Optimist International movement at the highest levels. He is a nominee for one of two seats open on the International Board for the 2014-2015 year.

With 75,000 members in 2600 Optimist clubs spread across the Caribbean, Canada and the United States of America, Optimist International is one of the world’s largest voluntary service organisations. Roughly six million children and young people benefit from the activities of Optimists each year.

Optimist Adrian Elcock (Optimist Club of Barbados, Bridgetown) is one of six certified district trainers in the Caribbean. He is a past club president, past Lieutenant Governor, and past Governor of the Caribbean District. Having served as International Vice President for the South Eastern region and on several committees, Optimist Adrian is ready for another tour of duty at the international level.

Elcock’s captivating personality, healthy appetite for fun, and progressive thinking make him a special human being. This husband (married to Ann Wallace-Elcock) and father (daughter, Sanaa) believes in making a difference, and actually does. 

As a well-respected businessman in Barbados, he holds pole position as Director of the Elcock Group of Companies, which includes Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd; Exclusive Lighting & Electrical Supplies Ltd; and Everson R. Elcock Holdings Ltd. He is also founder and owner of Praxis, a leading retailer of men’s fashion in Barbados.

Optimist Adrian Elcock
Optimist clubs of 
Barbados, Bridgetown and
Ocho Rios, St Ann

The public accounting graduate of Pace University, New York, returned home to the family business after a number of years working among the best auditors in the USA, and has been a rising star in private and public service ever since. He is currently serving as Chairman of The Barbados Tourism Authority where he has managed to bring new energy, creative insights, and bold initiatives to life.

Elcock's passion for voluntary service is well established. Apart from Optimism, a number of social and civic organizations have been beneficiaries of this desire to serve.  He is a Trustee on the Board of the Barbados Gallery of Art Trust and founding director of Big Brother, Big Sister of Barbados Inc. As former director of the Child Care Board, special resource to the UN Special Convention on Youth, and member of the National Association of Black Accountants, New York Chapter, his involvement and contribution to the charities sector have indeed been wide and varied.

Currently there are 57 optimist clubs and near 1500 members in Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Jamaica as well as Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Lucia, and Barbados contributing to the welfare of thousands of Caribbean children and young people through the optimist movement. Since the launch of Optimism in Jamaica in 1980 and the establishment of the Caribbean district in 1992, the impact of the Caribbean on Optimist International has been consistently impressive, thanks to leaders like Optimist Adrian M. Elcock.

See related stories:

Caribbean District News Desk

http://issuu.com/caribbeandistrict/docs/2013-2014_caribbean_district_news_d_374e35fd8949f1

Online Voting is Now Official

http://www.optimist.org/e/member/elections1.cfm

Celebrating milestones and achievements...

Past president Latoya (l) holds
court with Desrene Green (c)
and new member Optimist Doreen

On Tuesday evening, March 25 a small band of Optimists gathered in Kingston, Jamaica to celebrate a milestone at an after-work Lyme hosted by club president Optimist Tetrice Prendergast and event co-coordinator, director Optimist Marc-Maurice Frankson. Fifteen years ago on March 25, 1999, the Sunset Optimist Club of Liguanea was chartered with Charles Reid as president. Charter member Optimist Glaister Green expresses pride in the milestone achievement. "I came over to Optimism as a way of continuing voluntary work which actually brings a lot of satisfaction, and the fact that we have been able to work with children in such concentrated manner over the years is quite fulfilling", reflected past president Green.

Immediate past president Lavern (l)
and Optimist Joan

Optimist International is a voluntary service organisation dedicated to "bringing out the best in kids". With 2,600 Optimist clubs and 75,000 members spread across the USA, Canada and the Caribbean, some six million young people benefit from approximately 65,000 service projects conducted each year by Optimists.
Past club president and fellowship chair, Optimist Heather Chin-Walker, the first of five club members to serve as zone 4 lieutenant governor, opened the celebratory Lyme with prayers as is the custom of Optimist gatherings. President Tetrice in welcoming club members noted that the club has done a lot over the years and expressed appreciation to the membership for their continued support which has been the lifeblood of the club.

Director Horace always having fun

Two audio visual presentations were thrown into the mix of light background entertainment. One paid tribute to the presidents over the years and the other acknowledged the tremendous project activities executed by the club. The Sunset Liguanea family of Optimists has brought the spirit of volunteerism and positive outlook to inner city community basic schools doing infrastructure upgrading (including play, dining and reading areas), breakfast programmes, and community health fairs. Several projects such as book drives, library upgrading, greening of school yards, mentoring, and field trips have been done with primary and high schools across Kingston, St. Andrew and St Catherine.

Past president Marc-Maurice (l)
chats with Optimists Dahlia and Larry

The club has also sponsored many young people in such Optimist International standard programmes as the essay and oratorical competitions, communication contest for the deaf and hard-of-hearing and tri-star sports clinics. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and equipment have also gone to the Bustamante Hospital for Children and University Hospital of the West Indies Children's ward in St Andrew, the Annotto Bay Hospital in St Mary, as well as children hospices Mathew 25:40 and Dare to Care.

Meanwhile, president Tetrice says it's easy to see why the club is still standing strong after 15 years. "We are blessed with dedicated members who believe in service and legacy. Old and new members always feel like they have joined a family and, because of that, we will continue to grow". According to the incumbent, "Our members will always pass along the positive attitudes and outlook to fellow Optimists and friends of Optimists; and I'm certain that with this approach our club will still be strong and growing in another 15 years".

The Sunset Optimist Club of Liguanea meets on 2nd Thursdays at 6:30 pm for business and fellowship at the Mayfair Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica and provides a perfect platform from which to engender hope in the future through voluntary service with and for children.

(L-R) PLt.G Ken Jnr, VP Stephen,
Treasurer Ken Snr and Lt.G Karlene
with baby daughter Kailani

(L-R) Past Lt.G Patrick, Treasurer Ken Snr.,
Past president Glaister and VP Stephen

Past Lt.G
Heather Chin-Walker

Past president Marc-Maurice
and Secretary Sharon

Past Lieutenant Governors
Latoya and Ken Walker, Jnr.

Past Lt.G Margaret Wright (L) 
with past Lt.G Patrick and president Tetrice

SOCoL - 15 Years of Leadership in Optimism

Optimist Coleen Walker

WE ARE INDEED members of one of the most dynamic clubs in Optimist International because we have made it so.  Since our charter on March 25, 1999 club #78-329, the Sunset Optimist Club of Liguanea (SOCoL) has never failed to make its mark as a voluntary service organization.

On Tuesday, March 25, 2014 when we gather to celebrate the 15^th anniversary of our charter, in essence it will be an expression of appreciation to the over 100 persons who have declared themselves Optimists through our club. For one reason or another, many are no longer on our club roster but we appreciate them anyway for it has been a journey.  And from that journey of many challenges and triumphs, we can unashamedly boast in several areas. One area worthy of pride is leadership. SOCoL has been blessed with leaders whose unique style and approach have kept us steadfast in bringing out the best in kids.

President No. 15, Optimist Tetrice Prendergast is standing on the shoulders of some special people - each in his/her own right and own way.  Charter president Optimist Charles Reid led the new club for six quarters with solid hands and vision. Reid was followed in the 2000/2001 year by the indomitable Dennis Brown. Then came the matriarch of the Walker clan, Coleen (01/02) whose son and daughter, Kenneth M. Walker, Jnr. and Karlene M. Walker held the presidency in the 04/05 and 05/06 years respectively. Both were to later become Lieutenant Governors of Zone 4 in 2007/08 and 2013/14.

L-R Optimists
Heather, Patrick and Latoya

Before that though, little miss go-getter, the quintessential Optimist, Heather Chin (later Walker) had taken over the 2002/03 presidency mid-way from Kisha Sawyers. Chin became the second president to serve for 6 quarters continuing on to the 03/04 administrative year. She was also the first of five SOCoL presidents to have become Lt.G of zone 4. The others included the classy, compassionate and effective 07/08 club president, Optimist Latoya Wade and the visionary team player, Optimist Patrick Prendergast who served as club president in 2009/10. 

Chin-Walker and Wade also moved on to become District Secretary-Treasurers to power-of-one-governor, Optimist Dwight Phillips (2011/12) and making-a-difference-governor, Optimist Lynden Buchanan (2012/13).

Other members of the illustrious SOCoL presidents club are the unassuming, Optimist Joet Powell (06/07) and fun-loving hard-worker, Optimist Philbert Perry (08/09). The charismatic and innovative, Optimist Marc- Maurice Frankson (2010/11) was followed by the hands-on dedication of Optimist Glaister Green (2011/12) and immediate past president, Optimist Lavern Brown, whose dedication and motivation always lifted the team.

SOCoL team at Marie Atkins Basic

At 15 then, yes we can sing of our leadership in Optimism. We can also crow about the quality of our volunteerism - the tremendous value of our time, personal experience, and more than 1.5 million dollars shared with hundreds of children and young people. Standout projects include Dare to Care, Eve 4 Life, Marie Atkins and Providence Basic Schools, Mathew 25:40, School of Hope, Bustamante Hospital for Children, and the UWI Hospital Children Ward. The work we do with junior optimists at The Queen's High and Kingston College as well as Rousseau Primary is also deserving of boast.

Let us recommit to the hope and positive vision of Optimism as we journey together in empowering our children for the next 15 years.

See more on the Sunset Liguanea Presidents Club here 
http://issuu.com/prendergast.pw/docs/socol___15_presidents_club_v3

Sunset Optimist Club of Liguanea

Uncovering the gifts of our children

Optimism is more than a part of speech - Commentary

OPTIMISM IS defined as a noun. To be optimistic is an adjective. Optimism is also a choice. It is a decision to be hopeful and confident about the future even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. It is a way of life. Optimism is a culture that is developed with practice and commitment to overcoming.
Like Leibniz, I believe we live in the best of all possible worlds and it is our responsibility, if not duty, to live the best life. Like Bob Marley, in reaffirming the words of a late Ethiopian Emperor,  I am always confident in the victory of good over evil. I therefore take pride in not just being optimistic but also in being able to share the philosophy of optimism through an organisation focused on the welfare of children.

Optimist International is one of the world's largest voluntary service organisations. Here adult volunteers have an open field of opportunities to conduct positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. The approach is simple - be positive. The mission is straight forward - empower children to be the best they can be.
One of the problems with being in a voluntary service organisation like Optimist International though, is its name. So I would say to someone, 'I am an Optimist'. The response is 'Oh, that's good!...God knows somebody needs to be optimistic'. Optimism is such an everyday word.We all are Optimists because we are all hoping for the best... always trying to see the sunny side of things.
There is so much going wrong in our societies; so much despair and hopelessness. So much negative energy. And in the midst of all the trials and tribulations is an even greater need for hope and positive thinking. Optimism is such a regular part of our vocabulary and language that there is no prime value placed on it.
When Optimism as a voluntary service movement was launched in an organised manner just about a hundred years ago it was out of a need to provide hope and vision. The world was on a severe downward spiral. But like the the gold of the Jamaican flag reminds us, once the sun shines, there is life; there is hope. The question though is how do we translate that hope and positive thinking into positive action. How do we use the adversities of life to spur us onto new heights, new ways of thinking, and new beginnings?
What better place to start than with the future - our children. What better way to build Optimism than by empowering our children; working with them to create opportunities and pathways to becoming the best at what they can be. After all, Optimism is about envisioning a better world and working towards realizing that vision. But are Optimists manifesting that attitude of optimism in the way we go about working with fellow Optimists?
Are we building relationships that lead to collective strengthening of the efforts to raise up our children? Are we fully embracing the evidence that Together Each Achieves More or are we so individualistic that we are being immobilized by the fear of other's success? Are we opening up and adjusting to modern innovations; or are we trapped in the innovations of the past that have obviously become obsolete and irrelevant?
To build a culture of optimism takes commitment not only to the principles of optimism as a movement but also a commitment to working through the realities that we continuously face in everyday life. Optimism is more than a part of speech.