March 2021
Optimist Celebrates Happiness Around The World
Europe and Asia both played a role in February for the expansion of Optimist International beyond North America and the nations of the Caribbean.  The Optimist Club of Malta was organized marking the first time a new Club had been developed in the European Union for more than a decade. The Club came about, in large part, because Charter President Reuben Buttigieg became a Friend of Optimist early in 2020. The group in Malta is being sponsored by the Urbandale, Iowa Optimist Club.
Optimist International’s presence in Asia continues to grow, specifically in Nepal. The Kathmandu Valley Optimist Club organized with 15 members last month with sponsorship by the Kathmandu Optimist Club and the Optimist Club of Rochester, Indiana. It’s the second club in the area of the capital city and the 18th overall in the country. Elsewhere, the Biratnagar Optimist Club and the Hetauda Optimist Club were organized to take the place of Clubs that previously failed in those cities. The Wheat Ridge Colorado Optimist Club and the Gretna-Westbank, Louisiana Optimist Club are the respective sponsor Clubs.
Check Out the New Webpage.
         International Development now has its own page on the Optimist International website. You can click on the link above to find the current and past editions of the Global Spotlight Newsletter, updates on new Club development overseas, as well as past webinars conducted by the International Development Committee. There is also a calendar of events to keep members up to date about upcoming programs and activities. Check it out.
Webinar to Feature International President

         The International Development Committee will sponsor its next webinar March 3 at 8:30am and 1:30 PM. President Mark Weinsoff will present on the International Day of Happiness scheduled for March 20. Information will also be shared about the music competition sponsored by Optimist International to coincide with the observance. Learn more about it now here.
Grants from the Optimist International Foundation.

         Two grant programs from the Optimist International Foundation are in the application phase. The Club Grant program is a Matching grant from the Foundation to help with a new project for your Club. Applications are needed in the Foundation office by March 15.  The other program focuses on Childhood Health and Wellness and is also a matching grant program.  The application deadline for this program is April 30.
March Global Spotlight Focus

         The Fusion Optimist Club of New Kingston in Jamaica is a relatively new and highly active Club. They recently completed a fundraiser centering around Valentine’s Day focused on the sweet tooth. The cupcakes were a big hit.  Some of them made their way to the Nest Children’s Home where the young people were treated to a motivational talk along with cupcakes and chocolate. We are certain there was a sugar rush after the event. Two businesses in the community partnered with the Optimists to make the event a huge success.