Optimist International1 New Club Building Building a New Club in a community or area that has no Optimist Club is the BEST Community Service Project any Club could ever perform.

Optimist International2 New Club Building The lieutenant governor is the primary person who can inspire the building of a new optimist Club in their zone. It takes only two people to get a project started - the lieutenant governor and an interested club president.

Optimist International3 Why Build a New Club? New friends Fellowship Business Contacts Build the roster of your own club Service to children your club cannot reach Betterment of community New enthusiasm in area Awards recognition

Optimist International4 New Club Building Get Started Make a commitment. Develop a positive attitude. Select a site.

Optimist International5 New Club Building Plan the project Organize a New Club Building Committee. Establish a timetable for completion of the Club. File a “New Club Building” request form. Develop a prospect list. Study your site.

Optimist International6 New Club Building Building the Club - Get to work! (Continued) Recruit Charter Members by asking for applications and charter fees. Encourage every Charter member to personally recruit another member. Hold weekly meetings, more often if possible. Communicate regularly with Charter members and prospective members.

Optimist International7 New Club Building Building the Club - Get to work! (Continued) Keep Optimist International, District Governor, and District officials informed of progress. Stay positive and keep that burning desire.

Optimist International8 New Club Building The Organizational Meeting Make certain the Club is ready. Prepare for the meeting. Hold a Pre-organizational meeting. Must have 60% of Charter members in attendance. First Board of Director’s meeting. Orientation session for committee chairs and officers.

Optimist International9 New Club Building The Follow-Up is a Must! Sponsor Club must complete 90 day program. Help plan the Charter banquet. Work with new Club to establish a firm foundation. Encourage club to become an active member in all District activities

Optimist International10 Roundtable Discussion How can you, as lieutenant governor, get club members to attend New Club Building seminars? How can you, a lieutenant governor, create an interest in new club building for volunteers in your zone? How does someone get started in a new club building project? What resources are available to assist you in building?

Optimist International11 New Club Building Sites What clubs might sponsor a New Club Building project and where might they build a club?

Optimist International12 New Club Building This presentation was prepared by Bob Sojourner President Charleston-West Ashley Optimist Club from PPT files available at Bob may be reached at