Message from Greetings, Fellow Optimists and Friends,
Joan and I welcome you to the 2011/2012 Optimist year in Midwestern Ontario. We are both very excited as we meet new people and make new friends within our Optimist family.
We look forward to meeting and visiting with many of you throughout our year.
The theme I have picked this year is “Encourage Youth – Secure Our Future”. I feel our members and Organization can have a significant impact on our youth by promoting a variety of programs in our communities. Programs such as H.O.B.Y., oratorical and essay contests, internet safety, bike rodeos, etc. will encourage our youth to build self-esteem and encourage self development. Programs such as these, will also teach them safety and to ensure they grow into mature adults. These youth will be the future leaders of our country and our Optimist organization.
This year, as your Governor, I would like to promote growth within our Organization and our District. This can be done by introducing new clubs in needy communities and by supporting our current clubs who are struggling with membership. I know if we all work together we can be proud of these achievements and leave a legacy for our future members to follow.
I would like to thank all of you for your support and trust in allowing Joan and I to lead your District into the 2011/2012 year. By all of us giving a 100% and then some… I know our “Encourage Youth – Secure Our Future” team along with your support will make this an enjoyable and productive year.
Thank you for the dedication to your clubs and Optimism and for everything you do to “Bring out the Best in our Kids!”
Sincerely,
Ken Hayward
Governor
Midwestern Ontario District
Optimist International
2011-2012
