Message from Governor, Bonnie Jean Sherbert
Dear Fellow Optimists,
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It is an honor to serve as your Governor for the 2024-2025 Optimist year, and I am filled with excitement for the journey ahead. Together, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact, not only within our own clubs but also across the entire District. I would like to outline the goals that will guide us this year and set the stage for continued growth and success.
Our Focus for the Year
1. Strengthen the Leadership Pipeline: Strong leadership is the foundation of thriving clubs. This year, we will focus on enhancing our leadership pipeline, providing support and training to ensure our future leaders are prepared and equipped to lead with confidence and vision. By nurturing leadership at all levels, we will build clubs that can continue serving their communities for years to come.
2. Member Retention Strategies: A club is only as strong as its members. Implementing effective retention strategies is key to ensuring our clubs remain vibrant and active. We will work together to create welcoming, inclusive environments that encourage our members to stay engaged, contributing their time and talents to our shared mission.
3. Increase Brand Visibility and Membership Awareness: Communication is essential to spreading our message of optimism and service. We will work to increase our brand visibility through enhanced communication strategies, helping both potential members and our communities understand the incredible work we do. By raising awareness, we will attract new members and continue to grow the impact of our Optimist family.
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I want to take a moment to thank each of you—our members and club leaders—for your continued dedication and passion. It is because of your unwavering commitment that our clubs have achieved so much, and I know that together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
As we move into this new Optimist year, I encourage you to embrace these goals and make them your own. Let's continue to inspire each other, share our successes, and lift each other up in true Optimist spirit. This is our year to shine brighter, serve stronger, and reach further than ever before.
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Thank you for all you do, and here's to a wonderful Optimist year ahead!
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With gratitude and optimism,
Bonnie Jean Sherbert
Governor,
South Carolina Optimist District
2024-2025
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Mission, Vision & Purposes
Mission: By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.
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Vision: Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
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Purposes:
To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed.
To promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs
To inspire respect for the law.
To promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people.
To aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.
Optimist Clubs in South Carolina
South Carolina Optimist District 22 is made up of three zones of clubs in South Carolina, Zone 1 in the upstate, Zone 2 in the Midlands and Zone 3 on the coast. Click the link for the club closest to you to see their website or Facebook page for more information.
Zone 1 - Upstate SC
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Mount Hebron Dreamkeepers (22006)
4th Saturday of each month at 11AM at Mt Hebron Baptist Church
2nd & 4th Saturday of each month at 8:30 Am at Golden Corral 1492 W.O. Ezell Blvd
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Clover (22035)
2nd & 4th Tuesday of each Month at 7:30 pm at 1500 Tom Joye Road
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2nd Saturday of each month at 9:10 AM at Jerusalem Baptist Church
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1st Tuesday of each month at Noon at The Little Cafe
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1st Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM Golden Corral at 2370 Cherry Rod
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See Facebook Page
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See Facebook Page
Zone 2 - Midlands, SC
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Columbia Downtown (22045)
1st & 3rd Tuesday of each Month at 11:45 AM at the Palmetto Club
Last Wednesday of each month at noon at New Life Christian Outreach
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North Augusta (22120)
2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at the North Augusta Community Center
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North Richland Fairlawn (22138)
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2nd Thursday of each month at the Fairlawn Community Center
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Sumter Evening (22406)
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2nd & 4th Tuesday of Each Month at 7pm at Shoney's in Sumter
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3rd Tuesday of each month at Noon at Lizzard's Thicket in Blythewood
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3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:45 pm at the Sumter Chamber of Commerce
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Clarendon (22429)
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2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 - See Facebook page for location
Zone 3 - The Beach, SC
Every Wednesday at Noon at Spiro's Pancake House in North Myrtle Beach
1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at Noon at Pines Lakes Country Club, 5603 Granddaddy Drive, Myrtle Beach
4th Monday of each month at 1:00 PM at St. Andrews Parks and Playground
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See Facebook Page
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1st Monday of each month via Zoom
2024-25 District Executive Committee
Introducing the leadership team for the 2024-25 Optimist year. We are thrilled to have such talented and dedicated group of individuals leading our organization. With their expertise and passion, we are confident that we will continue to make a positive impact in our community beyond.