New Club Building

Step 1: Needs Assessment
A needs assessment is exploring the way things are versus the way they could be within a community. This first step is simply identifying the purposes of the New Optimist Club. What are some opportunities for service within the community? How could a Club help bring this about? Can a Club achieve the desired result? What are the costs and benefits of a Club to the community?

Step 2: Recruitment
Recruitment is simply the process of adding like-minded individuals to an Optimist Club for the purposes of “Bringing Out the Best in Youth, in our Communities, and in Ourselves.”

Step 3: Meetings
Meetings are the process of coming together as an assembly for a common purpose during the formation of an Optimist Club. There are two types of meetings in New Club Building: Informational and Organizational. Informational Meetings are held to inform prospective Members about the mission, values and structure of Optimist Clubs and to identify service opportunities within the community.

Step 4: Follow-Up
Follow-up is the ongoing process, led by the District, ensuring that each New Club becomes a strong, viable asset with effective leadership that provides excellent service to the community.

New Club Resource Materials:

New Club Step by Step
Rules for New Clubs
New Club Handbook
Sponsor Commitment Form
Coffee Recruitment Program
New Club Progress Report
Non-traditional Club Q & A
New Club Database Guide
Builder of Excellence Recognition

Step 1 Materials
City Profile Sheet
The Special Needs Guide

Step 2 Materials
Project Profiles
Optimist International PowerPoint
College Club PowerPoint
The College Club Guide
Sample Press Release
Dues and Fees
Lead Card
Sample E-mail
Sample Letter
Coffee Recruitment Program
Membership Recruitment Kit
The Club within a Club FAQ

Step 3 Materials
Meeting Flyer
Meeting Reminder
Standard Club Bylaws
Standard Club Bylaws (adjustable)