Each of us joined the Gardena Evening Optimist Club for our own individual reasons. Hopefully those reasons were based on a desire to further the goals, objectives and purposes of Optimist International which we pledged to uphold when we first joined the club. Those goals, objectives and purposes can all be summed up in the words “Community Service”. First and foremost we are a SERVICE club dedicated to the youth of our community. Being organized as a club allows us to benefit from the strength of numbers. We are able to do far more and have much greater impact as a club than any one of us would on our own. The pay back we receive for being a member of the club is primarily found in the satisfaction of contribution and making a difference in the lives of others, whether we do so directly through a hands-on experience or indirectly by virtue of our membership.

So, what does the Gardena Evening Optimist Club expect of its members in return? What are the responsibilities of membership? The answer to both of those questions is the same—Support! Support through active involvement in club activities and programs in which you have an interest. Support through working on and helping out with fundraising projects. Support through regular attendance at club meetings. Support through recruitment of new members. Support through maintaining your individual financial obligations. Support through service as a club officer, board member, committee chair, or committee member. Support through developing and maintaining associations and friendships with fellow members and their families. Without your member support we will not be able to continue to function as a viable and successful club.

How are you supporting the club? Are you contributing as much as you are truly able? Can you be a more active member? Can you come out to more dinner meetings? Can you attend more events? Are you current with you membership account? How many members do you know by name? Have you met their families? When was the last time you talked about the club to someone else and invited them to attend a club meeting? I’m reminded of that famous line by JFK that goes. . .“Ask not what your Club can do for you, but what you can