Optimist Club for Students Comes to Olivet

Optimist International is establishing a base at Olivet College under the direction of Jacob Richards, community service coordinator.

According to Gayl Dotts, customer service specialist, it is a “civic service club” with three different programs: Traditional, Junior Optimist International (JOI) and College. “It just seems like a natural connection,” said Dotts.

Olivet’s commitment to service within the Compact pairs well with Optimist International’s own missions. There are no restrictions for being in the program, so long as the student wants to fulfill the goals of the program, said Dotts.

Abigale Smith, junior, said the club will provide the opportunity for people who aren’t available to go on service trips, or who can’t afford the travel service-learning opportunities. “This is a good opportunity for service every day,” Smith said.

The club has three components ofthe program: leadership training, networking, and service. There are leadership conferences available and conventions four times a year said Dotts. Students will perform networking from all around the world. Also, students will be able to create their own service projects, said Dotts. The club will walk them through every part of putting on a service project.

Marrissa Pritchard, sophomore, is another student interested in joining the club. “I’m all about being a leader and giving back,” Pritchard said. “I thought it would be nice to be able to go out of my way to help others while demonstrating leadership qualities as well.”

There will be an organizational meeting on Thursday, March 7 in the insurance room of the library at 7 p.m.

The club is sponsored by the Charlotte Optimist Club, which is the club that Dotts is a member of.

For information, look at their website https://www.optimist.org/.