SWONT ACTION REPORT 2007-08
SWONT - Restructuring of meetings: With some adjustments to timing and composition of meetings, financial savings can be achieved thereby freeing up funds to promote Optimist Youth Programs at the district, zone and club level.
To Achieve this Target we will do the following:
At Quarter conferences, the Executive will meet in Executive session on Friday evening.
Executive sessions will involve only the Executive of the district and only those others who may from time to time be requested to attend before the executive at the executives sole discretion.
At the 4th Quarter conference and Annual General Meeting, the executive will meet in Executive session on Thursday evening.
Executive sessions will involve only the Executive of the district and only those others who may from time to time be requested to attend before the executive at the executives sole discretion.
Opening Ceremonies will be held on Friday morning to be followed by a Board Meeting which shall be adjourned at noon. Purpose of the adjournement will be to provide time for other meetings, training or such other activities as from time to time may be required or desirable.
Saturday shall see the continuation of the Board Meeting and shall be known as the Annual General Meeting
SWONT - Focus: Emphasis will be on the Positive. We will be highlighting our achievements and successes as individuals, clubs, zones, districts, and as an organization.
To Achieve this Target we will do the following:
Each Lt. Governor shall be required to submit a report at each quarter conference highlighting an acheivement or success by an individual or club within their respective zones. A copy of this shall be forwarded to the District webmaster and if suitable, posted on the SWONT Internet site.
Training shall be provided for club presidents or designates on how to involve the press in their activities.
The importance of being seen by the community as providing a service to youth shall be promoted.
The executive shall explore options for providing an incentive process for club and zones that submit positive experiences for the good of Optimism and their community.
SWONT - Promoting the Programs: By properly funding, adopting 'best practices', utilizing Optimist material, and focusing on OUR programs we can present to the public a dynamic organization that works in communities to Bring out the Best in Children.
To Achieve this Target we will do the following:
In achieving our first target, we will utilize the additional financial resources made available to promote and enhance our Optimist programs.
In achieving our second target, we will be able to identify successes and share with the district the 'best practices' learned so that other clubs or individuals can adopt them with limited risks.
We will promote the use of Optimist 'branded' programs and materials to help ensure that clubs are seen throughout the district as consistently working as one to Bring out the Best in Children.
We will be emphasizing the importance of District Chairs acting as, and being available as, a club resource for their particular area of responsibility.
We will promote, without being restrictive, the importance of Optimist programs and the use of the Optimist International Foundation of Canada as a way of building strong dynamic clubs within Southwestern Ontario.
SWONT - Training and Development: By identifying, training, supporting and profiling potential leaders and others within the district, we will ensure the continued viability and strength of our organization.
To Achieve this Target we will do the following:
We will encourage and support the Candidates Qualification Chair to meet quarterly with the Past Governor's.
We will request and support the Past Governors effort's in building and maintaining a data base relating to individual Optimists and the various roles that they have undertaken within their club, zone and district.
We will encourage and support the Candidates Qualification Committee to assist the Governor - Elect in actively searching out individuals to serve as Lt. Governors and District Chairpersons.
We will ensure that ongoing training is provided in a timely manner for all District Officers, Chairs and Club Officers. Whenever practical, the use of 'Certified Trainers' shall be employed and training outside of District quarter conferences shall be encouraged.
We will encourage the use of Directors within the District to maintain a direct liaison with various chairpersons. Directors are to encourage and support the efforts of their respective chairpersons.
We will encourage and support the Lt. Governors and District Chairs in a training and mentoring process for others interested in their particular area of responsibility.
