Unabated Global Expansion Continues… by Jim Boyd Director of New Club Building for Optimist International
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t has been a rarity during the 2020-2021 Optimist year for a week to go by without Optimist International launching another facet of its expansion effort in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It represents firsthand evidence that people all over the globe are deciding to Choose Optimism and want to associate themselves with an organization that “provides Hope and a positive vision”. There are a number of very recent examples supporting such a claim. The Optimist International Board of Directors in November of 2020 approved the formation of a new District to help with the administration of the rapid growth of the organization in Nepal. The Nepalese Optimists have since adopted District policies, held a special Convention, elected District officers, created the Zone framework for administration of the District, and approved a budget. These developments have come as the expansion in Nepal continues unabated. “We reach to the local groups who are independently involved in service activities and motivate them to come under the umbrella of Optimist International", said Uday Niraula. “We are in touch with people who previously were the members of Junior Chamber International ( JCI), and who have retired from the
Nepal District officers from their special Convention on April 23-24
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JCI membership. These people are now keen to join Optimist International, and started to organize Clubs.” “One of the major reasons behind the rapid growth is the Optimist Creed and the simplicity of Optimist Club as a vehicle for community service,” said Prithvi Raj Thapa, another founder of the Optimist movement in Nepal. Five new Clubs have organized in the country since the Board decision. The Nepal District of Optimist International will start with 23 Clubs covering all seven provinces in the country. Beirut has been the launching point for Optimist International’s expansion into the Middle East. While the Optimist International Club of Beirut organized before September 30, 2020, it has been instrumental in the growth of the Optimist presence in the region. “Since I got to know the international family of Optimists, I liked its goals and aspirations for the human being, especially children’s affairs, and empowering them to a society full of happiness and hope,” said Elie Abou Samra who has been the driving force for the development of new Clubs. “In order for Optimist clubs to succeed in the Middle East, we must cultivate love and positivity today.” A second Club was formed in Beirut, followed by two
