1. Looking Forward Strategic Plan Presentation PNW District Optimist Convention August 21, 2009

2. We are ending the second year of a written strategic plan for the PNW District. The plan was designed to identify the mission, vision, purposes and goals of the PNW District. Mission – By providing hope and a positive vision, Pacific Northwest District Optimists bring out the best in more kids. Vision – The Pacific Northwest District will strive to achieve Distinguished District recognition through consistent growth, innovative programs and determination to fulfill the Optimist Mission.

3. Purposes of the District Why do we do what we do? To help Optimist Clubs be successful (so we can reach more kids) To help Optimist International grow (so we can reach more kids) When do we do it? Every, day, every year.

4. Strategic Goals 2007-2009 Continue positive growth throughout the PNW District Increase public awareness of Optimist Clubs in the PNW District Increase member attendance & involvement at PNW District events Increase individual and collective giving for OIF/OIFC Create & support a JOOI District (includes building new JOOI Clubs)

5. Goal #1 – Continue positive growth throughout the Pacific Northwest District. 1. Strategy – Encourage all clubs to attain Honor Club status and support all efforts for clubs to attain Distinguished Club status by the end of the administrative year. Benchmark: 50% of all clubs achieve Honor Club status and 20% achieve Distinguished Club status. Each of these goals recommended strategies for attaining these goals and benchmarks for measuring success.

6. Twenty strategies and ten benchmarks that would make the district successful were defined. Twenty strategies and ten benchmarks that would make the district successful were discussed. Twenty strategies and ten benchmarks that would make the district successful were dismissed.

7. Why were these great ideas ignored? It was not obvious how they met the first purpose of an Optimist District. To help Optimist Clubs be successful (and reach more kids)

8. Although it is easy enough to see how the plan might achieve the second purpose To help Optimist International grow (and reach more kids) The plan did not tell the average club member or leader WIIFM. What’s in it for me?

9. What is the solution? Let’s revise the plan so that the District goals inspire Optimist Clubs to take action Let’s make the benchmarks something that the District can control and measure.

10. Proposed: A club-focused plan for 2009-2010 The first purpose of the Pacific Northwest District – Optimist International is to help Optimist Clubs be successful. Definition of Success Growth in club membership, club projects, club participation and club awareness. If clubs are successful, then the second purpose is achieved. Optimist International will grow.

11. Clubs actively seek new members and practice member retention strategies. Clubs conduct more programs and involve club and community members to carry out the purposes of Optimist International. Clubs understand and can explain the purposes of Optimist International and how their club is an integral part of the mission to bring out the best in children Clubs come together to share stories and gather information and experience to be even more successful. Continue positive growth throughout the PNW District Increase public awareness of Optimist Clubs in the PNW District Increase member attendance & involvement at PNW District events Increase individual and collective giving for OIF/OIFC Create & support a JOOI District (includes building new JOOI Clubs)

17. Benchmark: District creates New Club Builders “club” made up of members who are actively engaged in new club start-up or follow-up programs each year.

19. Benchmark: Lt. Governors understand and complete their responsibilities as described at officer orientation.

22. Benchmark: District teaches club bulletin editors how to blog.

23. Benchmark: District provides monthly online or telephone conference workshops open to all Optimist Club members.

24. Benchmark: District bulletin is made available by email to subscribers.

26. Benchmark: District officers present local and regional education sessions to encourage leadership development, best club practices and administration.

28. When our District Officers and Chairpersons work hand-in-hand with our Optimist Clubs, our clubs will be successful. Together, we will reach more kids. Target (per the prior approved vision statement) The PNW District will achieve Distinguished District.

29. Questions? Comments? Are you with me? Can we do it? Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out. -- Robert Collier Please join me and the PNW District in these small efforts that combined will make a big difference.