Choose Optimism

Join us today as we talk to Erin Reese, from the Optimist Club of Urbandale, Iowa, she'll be telling us about Risk Management & Safer Events for Clubs and Optimist International Insurance coverage.

Join us as our guest Dan Mills, from the Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo shares his take on what the "Power of Wonder" can give you a feeling of surprise. He tells about the breakout he gave on this topic from the 2025 Optimist International Convention. Dan's club is in the western side of the Michigan District. he has served as a club president, Lt. Governor, is a Past Governor and served on the Optimist International Leadership Committee as the chair.Learn more about the Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo.

Join us as our guest, Carroll Metzger, from the Twin Cities Optimist Club of Missouri, shares what the Period Project is through the Aunt Rose Project. They also provide young men hygiene products and education materials. The Aunt Rose Project works with non profits in Jefferson County Mo to provide free period products to people in need. https://www.facebook.com/theauntroseproject/Learn more about the Twin Cities Optimist Club https://twincityoptimist.org/

Join us as our guest, Cheryl Brenn, Executive Director of Optimist International shares her thoughts on civility and why we need it so much today. She will also share her thoughts on direction of our organization and where we are heading. Learn more about Optimist International https://www.optimist.org/ .

Join us as our guest Donna Johnson, from the Temple Optimist Club of Georgia shares a joint community project Just A Minute in the Park. This is a joint project with the Temple Recreation Department, to target mental health for total wellness and issues that youth have. This event is FREE to provide information to families. It also gave youth fun activities. Along with other donations the club received a grant from Optimist International Foundation. Learn more about JAM in the Park https://newsandviewsusa.com/event/j-a-m-in-the-park-healing-with-heroes-2/ and https://www.facebook.com/events/240-rome-st-temple-ga-30179-3932-united-states/jam-in-the-park/1743042776607385/ More information about the Temple Optimist Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/1162842953779467/Club Grants from Optimist International Foundation https://www.oifoundation.org/downloads/2025-Club-Grant-Info.pdf

Join us as Corey Rieck, from the Gilmore Optimist Club of Georgia shares how starting a Golf Tournament Project and raising money for youth activities in the community helped him build relationships by growing membership.Learn more about the Gilmore Optimist Club https://www.facebook.com/GilmerCountyOptimist/

Join us as we welcome Bonnie Sherbert, the Governor of the South Carolina District who shares her take on the Magic of Leadership and how it is for everyone. She shares the aspects of leadership. Learn more about the South Carolina District https://www.scoptimist.org/

Join us as Valerie Gordon from the Optimist Club of Roseburg, Oregon shares her insights on a unique project to raise funds for the club. She also shares how other club projects help to grow relationships. Learn more about the Ghost Tours and get tickets: https://www.hauntedroseburg.com/

Join us as we welcome Bonnie Sherbert from the Palmetto Optimist Club in the South Carolina District. Bonnie is the current Governor and shares with us the engaging community events that her club is doing to engage youth in her area. You'll find that partnering with the community is rewarding for everyone.

Join us today as Lorin Richter, Optimist International Marketing & Communication Chair shares her insights on marketing strategies and improving it on a budget. Learn how to use external marketing to improve your club brand and increase community awareness. Lorin is a member of the Audubon-Lower Providence Optimist Club and a Past Governor of the Atlantic District.

Join us as we welcome Michael Shue, a member of the Waterville-Brother Town Optimist Club and current Optimist International Membership Engagement Chair share his insights on engaging new members as well as what the C.A.R.E's program entails. Michael is a Past Governor of the New York/New England District and will serve as next years Membership Engagement.

Join us today as Karen Tolley from the Roseburg Optimist Club in the Pacific North West shares how the club does a great community event, Sidewalk Chalk Art. This is something for the kids and how they got this started, what it entails and how many kids and families. Learn more about the Roseburg Optimist Club and the Sidewalk Chalk Art

Join us as our guest, Cathy Hicks from the Capitol Optimist Club in the Pacific North West District. Cathy is located in Sacramento and tells us how to start a community project to help the kids can read by giving free books in the community. This project started in Southern California and was taken north. Learn how easy and inexpensive it is to get this going in your community.

Mark Feilmann, Optimist International Growth Chair for 2024-2025 talks about growing membership, new club building, and young adult optimist clubs. He talks about what is new for for governors and the growth teams in their district. Join us to learn more about how new ideas bring new life into the organization.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation! We have the incredible opportunity to speak with Jan Oord-Graves, the Optimist International President for 2024-2025! She'll be sharing her remarkable journey of transformation into an Optimist and unveiling her ambitious goals for the organization. We are thrilled to have her join us today—this is a session you won't want to miss!

This week our guest is Jim Pipe from the Midwest Ontario District and the Cambridge South Lath Optimist Club. We are excited to hear about building new clubs using social media. Join us in learning a new way to use the internet and build a new club in your community.

We are joined by Past International President Don Arnwine who shares his recollections of his 62 years of optimism. Don joined the South East Denver Optimist Club in 1962 and started his optimist career rising to International President in 1977-1978. He gives his insight into leadership through optimism and volunteerism - through speaking, facilitating, and more. Don is from the Breakfast Optimist Club of East Fort Worth, Texas - learn more about the club and optimism.

Today we are joined by Len Tilney, known as “Mr. Optimist”, he joined the Sunrise Optimist Club of Lockport, Inc. in 1972, and served as its President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. He shares his wisdom, insights and stories over the years.Learn more about the Sunrise Optimist Club of Lockport - click here

Today we are joined by Rhonda Scharf, renowned and award-winning speaker, author, consultant, and trainer, is the “go-to” expert for the Administrative Professional and Executive Assistant community.With over 250,000+ trained across the globe, Rhonda is THE authority for fun and uplifting education for admins, because #ADMINSROCK!Author, Professional Speaker and Trainer, Rhonda attended the Optimist International Convention in June we are excited to have her on the podcast.Learn more . . .

Today, we have Patrick Prendergast, Optimist International Board of Directors and member of the Sunset Liguanea, Jamaica talks creative ways to engagement members.