February 2021
Optimist Day is Celebrated Around The Globe Every Day
The Global Spotlight Newsletter normally begins with announcements of new Optimist Clubs in countries around the world. But recent projects done by several of our Clubs should be highlighted up front this time as they continue to bring “Hope and a Positive Vision” to their corner of the world. The Optimist Club of Nepalgunj last month collected and distributed hygienic kits to 101 children in the marginalized community of Duduwa. The Optimists were joined by local government leaders who vowed to continue working with the Optimists to better the community.
The Optimist Club of Kingston in Jamaica continued a project developed last year that aims to put technology in the hands of young people. The Club periodically donates computers to young people who do not have access to the technology. Two more donations were made in January and it appears they were well received.
The Optimist Club of Kisumu, Kenya has been working with a Children’s home in their area of the city.  “These are children who are orphans and children found from the streets,” said Club President Barack Odheir. They need food, clothing, shoes and care to feel happy as any other child and that’s why we chose them to be part of our programs.”  “We wanted to provide service to humanity and promote child protection issues” said Optimist George Oduru. “Our Club has already scheduled a second visit to the home in April.”
Projects such as these are driving home the message that by Choosing Optimism people can have a great impact on their communities in a positive and long lasting way. Similar projects are anticipated from our newest Optimist Club in the Middle East, the Golden Optimist Club of Amman Jordan. 
It organized earlier this month with the sponsorship of the Lebanon International Optimist Club and the Greater Richmond area Optimist Club of Virginia. Members have already been participating in the monthly webinars offered by the International Development Committee on various aspects of the organization. Speaking of webinars…
Administrative Corner

A special webinar is being created for Club officers for February 9, 2021.  This session will be administrative in nature to help club officers navigate the Optimist Leaders website so they will be able to manage their Club’s membership roster, its financial affairs and other aspects of their Club’s operations.  Links to the webinar will be distributed via email to the Club officers a week prior to the sessions. Club officers are strongly encouraged to take part in this informative session so they can become aware of proper methods for online Club administration.