Message from Governor, Beth Abruzzino, 2023-24
My fellow Optimists,
It is both an honor and privilege to serve as your governor for the year 2023-2024 for the great State of South Carolina. It is humbling to walk in the rich history of the Governors that have gone before me. We are a district with 22 clubs all serving their communities and the youth with distinction and honor with the aim to make their respective communities a better place to live.
On the District level my goal is three-fold. Retention is the #1 goal. While building a new club is nice, it is more important to focus our attention on retaining the current members that we have so clubs can continue the good work they are currently doing in their communities.
Goal #2 is to increase communication from the district to the club. It is not enough to send an email and expect that everyone will read it. We must depend on all ways of communication to make sure that
all members have the most up to date information from Optimist International.
Goal #3, leadership development is key for the survival of any organization. Both clubs and the district rely on developing leaders this keeps ideas fresh, and allows people to grow which in turn helps both clubs and district to grow. This is vital in any organization without new leadership (new growth) the organization will cease to exist.
I would like to challenge the clubs to do an assessment of their club by using the CARE program and to add one new project which meets the need in your community. Perhaps it comes from a new member of your club that you learned when you review the results of the CARE program.
Optimists, there are so many needs out there and we cannot do everything, but we can do one thing maybe two. You know why we can because WE ARE OPTIMISTs, we look at the sunny side of everything.
I look forward to an exciting and successful Optimist year.
Beth
Mission, Vision & Purposes
Mission: By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.
Vision: Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
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.
Leadership
The South Carolina Optimist Executive Committee is made up of the Governor, District Secretary/Treasurer, Two past Governors, Governor-Elect and the Lieutenant Governors from each zone.
Optimist Zones 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. Each Zone has an elected Lieutenant Governor to assist the clubs in meeting their goals and to assist the Governor in serving the Optimist District.
