INTERNATIONAL “SEAL OF APPROVAL” APPLICATION
There are numerous worthwhile programs being run by Clubs, Districts or Regions that deserve special emphasis from the International organization. While some of these programs have applied for International Program status, they do not meet the requirements because they are not international in scope and may only be conducted in certain geographic areas.
“The Optimist Seal of Approval” designation recognizes programs of merit, impact and performance that are run by Clubs, Districts or Regions. These community service programs must be unique, not based on any current International program or community activity. These programs will not be sponsored or funded by the International organization.
Optimist International may recognize up to 10 programs to be reviewed every 3 years by the International Activities Committee. The sponsoring Club, District or Region will be asked to submit an application, detailed budget, promotional materials and a list of all participating Optimist Clubs for consideration to the Programs Department by August 10th of each year.
Once a program has received the designation, the submitting Club, District or Region will need to submit a letter informing Optimist International of any changes to the program or its financial status on an annual basis. Optimist International reserves the right to revoke the recognition status at any time.
Criteria are as follows:
Must have been run for a minimum of 3 years
Must be primarily run by Optimist Members or Clubs
Should be replicable by other Clubs in the area, may or may not be implemented in other Regions
Must serve the youth of the community
Must enhance the image of Optimism in the community
Requirements for applying:
Complete an application, which is submitted to the Programs Department to be reviewed by the International Activities Committee
Submit a detailed budget for income and expenses
Submit promotional materials and photos
Submit a list of all participating Clubs, Districts and Regions
Recognition:
Letter of Recognition
Application for
Seal of Approval
Program Status
Please type the answers to the following questions on separate sheets of paper, using as much space as needed. Be as detailed as possible.
Name and number of all Club(s) submitting the project
Name of all District(s)
Name of Project
Year project was submitted to Optimist International (or the District if prior to 2011) as a CPA entry if applicable.
Why did you choose this project and what do you want to accomplish?
Describe ways that this project will make a difference within the community. What is the impact on the Club and community being served?
Describe the target population of the project and indicate the reason(s) that this particular population was selected.
Has this project been run as a District Pilot Program? If so, for how long and what were the results. What were the participating Districts and Contact information?
Were modification made to this project after the pilot program was initiated? Please Describe. What modifications were made and how did they affect your goal?
Are there initial and ongoing costs to Optimist International to make this an official Seal of Approval program?
Is this an original program developed by Optimists and able to be utilized by Optimists in all Districted countries? Please keep in mind different languages, educational systems and government structure.
What are the modifications that would need to be made to this project to convert from a Club or District project in order for it to be run in all Optimist Districted countries and who would be financially responsible? Pease estimate costs, ex. translation, duplication, packaging and shipping, promotion, administration, and merchandise, if any. Would this conflict with the official Optimist International Supply company?
What are the financial considerations/obligations that will be incurred by Clubs in operating the program? How are these expenses determined?
What is the minimum number of Members required to accomplish the project?
What are the fundraising/sponsorship methods utilized by the submitting Club to fund this project as it applies to Optimist International? Are they any other ideas that can be considered as fund raising methods?
Please submit all projects to the following address: Programs Dept.
Optimist International 4494 Lindell Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108