Oklahoma Friends of Youth:

I look forward to working with all the clubs as we start a new year. We have a splendid opportunity to expand the bounds of Optimism for the Oklahoma District. Please realize, if we put forth the effort we can guide the youth of our community to bring out the best in kids.

We have put together a splendid team to aid me in working with your Clubs. It starts with my Assistant Governor, Tim Pate and my Secretary/Treasurer, Larry Rahmeier. And, all the committee chairs were filled by willing members ready to serve your clubs. You, the Clubs have selected an outstanding group of Lt Governors to assist us in serving you. We stand ready to assist you with any special requests. Please use this web site or the Oklahoma District Directory to find the person best to serve your club needs. Feel free to call on us to make your wishes known. During the year Tim or I plan on visiting and working with as many clubs as possible.

I would encourage each of you to add another member to your Club or be a part of building a new Optimist Club or JOOI Club. It would be great if we could build five new clubs. It’s our duty to advance optimism and make optimism a reality. It all starts with you and I. Together we can make optimism grow in Oklahoma for a brighter future for our youth. I would like each Club to make a commitment in gaining six members on their roster during the up coming year. This would gain our district over 180 members. Each member can help their club do this great work. It’s only one member addition every two months. Additional members will also strengthen our clubs.

The more members we have, the more kids we influence. Statistics show that each Optimist member influences 35 youth in a positive way. After all, “it’s all about the Kids, our future”. This is the theme of our Oklahoma Optimist District for 2006-2007. I’ll say it again, “It’s all about the kids, our future”.

We encourage each Club to send as many members as possible to your District Conferences and Convention for special training. Or, just attend to know what other Optimist Members are doing to make their clubs successful. Please make note of the special dates for our District Meetings. Plan to attend and enjoy optimism.

Wishing everyone an Optimist year,

Leonard Casey
2006-2007 Governor of the Optimist District of Oklahoma