I would ask all of you to review the rules of the contest which can be found on Optimist International’s website. Be especially aware that speeches MUST be a MINIMUM of four minutes in length and a MAXIMUM of five minutes long. Penalty points are given for being too short or too long and we’ve had kids with great speeches not advance in the competition because of points be taken away for this infraction. Remember too that no judge can be used in two different competitions (i.e. at the club level and then again at the zone level.) and that “no judge shall be familiar with the contestants”.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at: drmike59@yahoo.com

Michael Damiano

District Chair: Oratorical Contest

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM MIKE

Once you have completed your zone level oratorical contests, please forward the winner's paperwork and fees to me as soon as possible.  Please let your winners know that the deadline for hotel reservations is April 17th.  I will remind them of this once I get their information from you, but it always helps to have them hear it more than once.

I will be away from April 15-24th.  Therefore, it is VITAL AND IMPERATIVE that I get the following from each zone that is being represented at the district contest A.S.A.P.:

The application form of each contestant.
A hard copy of their speech.
A check for the district level fee.

Looking forward to seeing you in Albany!!

Mike

Give a "High Five" Back to Your Community

With the unemployment rate rising, there are people in your community who have recently lost their jobs. Why not give one of those people in your community a "High Five" by inviting them to become a member of your Club?

Offer an open hand and a "High Five" to a person in your community who has recently lost his or her job. Recruit the member before September 30, 2009. Current Members who become unemployed are not eligible (but you're probably waiving dues for them anyway - a heartfelt thanks to your Club).

Optimist International will waive the processing fee AND international dues for only this new member for one year, until September 30, 2010. You are encouraged to do the same with your local and District dues. It's a great way to show the community that Optimists support those who support them!

There is a limit of one (1) new High Five Member per Club. The High Five Member designation is non-transferable. A special procedure must be followed to add the High Five Member (see link below). The new Member will count in the Awards and Recognition Program, because he or she is a new Member.

Find out how at www.optimist.org/membership/highfivemember.pdf