Insight Into the Vision, Objectives & Lessons from Our District Leadership
Greetings Optimist Friends –
Seems like I just started to serve as your SWIS Governor, second time, and I closing in on the end of my second month. I must confess, the privilege of being SWIS Governor is bittersweet. You are, at least I am, nervous when you know you have made the commitment, midway you want to be sure you are living up to the job and when the end draws near, you realize how satisfying the position was and the enjoyment that came with it. I might close this paragraph, reaching out to members to step forward, do like I did back in 2019, “throw your hat in the ring” for Governor of the SWIS District.
The year is going to go by fast, as we witness from month to month. With that in mind, I would like to include a few important reminders,
- Oratorical: If your club participates in this event, Thank You! On the other hand, if your club does not, please consider doing so this year. We provide a great opportunity for youth to build on their speaking skills that will follow them the rest of their life. Open to students under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2024. Club contests should be held in January/February, zone contests mid to late April with the final district contest at the May SWIS District Conference.
- Essay: A vital addition to a student’s portfolio, is the ability to compose their thoughts on a particular topic in a written format. Open to students under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2024. Hold contests between now and early February. Submit your winning essay to the District Chair by February 28.
(For both the Oratorical and Essay, reach out to a school instructor and you will find they will have an interest in working with you)
- Tri-Star Basketball: An experience you will treasure for a long time. Club events are held on or before mid-March. The winners will participate in a tournament, held in Sun Prairie in April, 2026. This event is open to children ages 8 to 13 and challenges them in shooting, passing and dribbling. The parents watching their child is as excited as the children on the court.
If you haven’t participated previously, make a commitment this year. After all, this is what we are all about, ‘Bringing out the Best in Kids’. If you would like to introduce one of these activities and need some help, reach out to myself, Maxine Lane, Jo’El Pearlman, Maureen Crombie (your Governor Team) or your zone Lt. Governor.
A couple more things to put on your calendar(s):
Club Officer Election Report: Due May 20, 2025. This report is submitted to Optimist International and identifies the new slate of officers for the upcoming year, President,
A date to place on your calendar(s)
May 20 – the Club Officer Election Report is due, identifying the incoming President, Secretary, Treasure and Foundation Representative. Even if your officers remain unchanged, please complete this report for confirmation with Optimist International and the SWIS District.
Throughout the year, when you have your NOW event, remember to file the report with OI and you will receive a patch for your club banner. One final report, extremely important, is the Club Pride Report, completed by the Club President at year-end. If you need assistance with any of these or have additional questions, contact your Lt. Governor or one of your SWIS District Governor Team members, myself, Maxine Lane, Jo’El Pearlman or Maureen Crombie. We are always willing to help.
Perhaps the primary purpose of my Governor message, is hoping everyone had a pleasant Thanksgiving with family. Although we face challenges from day to day, do your best to turn them into opportunities. Do something special or greet a stranger every day, you just might make them feel better about a difficult situation. Be grateful for what you have and the love of family and friends, tomorrow is not promised.
Maxine Lane, SWIS District Co-Governor
