A Message from Governor Joleen

Welcome to the 2026 – 2027 Optimist year.  This past year, Governor Jane Schmitt did an outstanding job in Cultivating Optimism.  Now is the time to Feel the beat move your feet, as we  keep the momentum moving forward as we “Tune Into Optimism”   Wouldn’t it be nice for our District  to have Back to Back positive hits?

As a child my grandparents had an older Philco radio.  When I visited I enjoyed listening to that radio.  It always seemed to have Notes of nostalgia, 

Occasionally, the frequency did not come in well and adjustments were made in order for the station to come in correctly. We as Optimists need to keep dialing in, in order to keep the static and noise out of our airwaves.  We as Optimists need  to change the tempo and promote positivity. Once we inundate the  airwaves we can nurture and improve what occurs within our communities . I believe Optimists in the District can develop powerful beats that speak to communities throughout our District.   However, we must work at this together.  Optimist members  and Optimist Clubs are the DJ’s of their own lives, and I believe we can keep making the right harmonies versus minor chords. 

During each conference we will be learning how to better promote ourselves within the communities we reside. We will talk about using a 

“ Branding Day.”   We will also celebrate long term Optimist members.   Those individuals are a key to the success of Optimism and truly are making a difference in the communities in which they serve. I want to set a tone and investigate the use of Club within a Club. I intend to turn up the volume on all forms of media platforms.  This is in addition to encouraging a more visual presence at Festivals, Fairs and parades, to make more of a visual presence to those around us.  

Think for a moment what it would be like if every community had an Optimist Club within our District.  Wouldn’t that make life sound better?  We would be changing the world one song at a time from our radio.   I believe this could happen if we worked together. 

I am looking forward to meeting all the clubs during this next year and seeing the impressive Clubs in action.  I will take delight in seeing  our members living out The 10 promises in our beautiful Optimist Creed.  

I want all of you to prepare to share this Optimist year as we turn up the volume button on the radio as we tune in.  We all can create a new rhythm and keep this tempo moving forward.  

Governor,. 

Joleen Jorgensen