Message from Governor Ray Cockrell 2022-2023

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Happy New Year!!

That is right – welcome to a New Optimist Year! I have high hopes and a very optimistic view of the time before us.

We need to re-energize our District! We need to get back to the fundamentals. When is the last time you read or recited the creed? I don’t mean at your last meeting – I mean when is the last time you really read and thought about the words and the meaning of our Creed? It is powerful!

I have engaged in thought and time preparing for the year ahead and look forward to sharing those thoughts with you. We will focus on Communication, Marketing, Recruitment, and Optimist Projects.

Communication – I commit to keeping you informed about what is happening at the District and International level. You will hear from me at least once per month if not more.

Marketing – we need to continue to let everyone know who we are and what we are about! Our social media and web presence is important. We will also spend time when we are together sharing about the great work we are doing in each of our Zones. Be ready to share your new innovative projects with your fellow Optimists

Growth – It is an on-going conversation and important effort. The more new optimists we get involved, the more kids we reach and serve. We have a great opportunity for at least two new clubs this year and always potential for more.

Optimists Projects – Back to fundamentals. Let’s re-focus on our Essay, Oratorical, CCDHH scholarship programs. There is no reason we cannot have representatives from every Zone. We will focus on this. We MUST provide intentional support to our OI Foundation, Childhood Cancer and Boys and Girls Homes as our District Projects. They need us now more than ever.

Training – We need to be continual learners. Even the most experienced among 

us always have room to learn and grow. We will highlight and encourage use of 

the Optimist Institute (formerly LMS).

I will share more info about these focus areas and my thoughts on how we get 

there at our first quarter meeting.

I am still working to nail down details, but plan on the following for our meetings 

this year:

              1st Qtr – Nov 12 – Greenville – Focus on leadership and direction.

              2nd Qtr – Feb 10,11 – Lake Waccamaw (Boys and Girls Homes) – 

                     Focus on District Projects.

              3rd Qtr – May – Optimist Farm in Raleigh (working to identify specific               

                     dates) – Focus on Fun!

              Convention – TBD – Celebrate our year together.

Together, we can accomplish anything we put our minds, hearts and effort toward. Together, we will make this a year of strong growth and healing. Together we will serve as Optimists.

I look forward to working alongside each you for a great year of Optimism. Together we can!                                                           

Ray Cockrell

Governor 2022-2023

NC East District Optimist