Optimist International is preparing to launch two new programs on October 1, 2026, designed to strengthen our clubs, recognize achievement, and help develop the next generation of Optimist leaders.
Both programs were introduced this year, and Michigan District Optimists will be hearing much more about them as we begin the new Optimist year.
C.H.A.P. — Optimist International Club Health Awards Program Pilot
The new Optimist International Club Health Awards Program Pilot (C.H.A.P.) will replace the current club and district recognition program beginning October 1.
The purpose of C.H.A.P. is to increase organizational engagement through recognition, with clubs and districts being celebrated for completing specific benchmarks in five key areas. Before qualifying for recognition, clubs must also meet several Minimum Club Standards, including maintaining at least seven regular members, participating in an Optimist Signature Program or Activity, holding an annual fellowship event, making a minimum $100 Foundation donation, and having at least one member participate in Optimist Institute training.
Clubs will have the opportunity to earn recognition at three levels:
- Bronze: Complete 5 benchmarks from a minimum of 3 key categories
- Silver: Complete 2 benchmarks in each of 4 key categories, for 8 total
- Gold: Complete 3 benchmarks in each of all 5 key categories, for 15 total
The five key categories are Youth & Community Impact, Membership Engagement, Foundation (OIF/CCOF) Support, Club Leadership & Administration, and Membership Growth. Benchmarks include activities ranging from conducting Optimist International Signature Programs and community service projects to member orientation, district participation, Foundation support, officer training, membership retention, recruitment, and new club building.
Districts can also earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold recognition based on the percentage of clubs within the district that receive C.H.A.P. recognition.
Governor-elect Bill Reaves and his team will present the new program at our Q4 Summit in Interlochen. Past Governor Marc Katz served on the International Committee that developed the new recognition plan and has offered to answer questions about the program. Marc can be reached at marcgoblue@gmail.com.
D.R.E.A.M. — District Resources for the Enrichment and Advancement of Members
The second new program is D.R.E.A.M. — District Resources for the Enrichment and Advancement of Members.
D.R.E.A.M. was introduced at the Optimist International Convention in Jacksonville this summer and is designed to help districts identify and develop emerging leaders within Optimism.
The program will consist of four one-hour sessions:
- Know Yourself
- Leadership Nuts & Bolts
- Encourage the Heart
- Encouraging Others
Each session will include its own PowerPoint presentation and will be available through the new optimistinfo.orgwebsite, which is also scheduled to launch.
Developing new leaders is essential to the future of our clubs, our District, and Optimist International. D.R.E.A.M. gives districts another resource for recognizing members who are ready to become more involved and helping prepare them for future leadership opportunities.
A New Optimist Year Brings New Opportunities
Both C.H.A.P. and D.R.E.A.M. reflect an increased emphasis on healthy clubs, engaged members, meaningful community service, membership growth, and leadership development.
As we learn more about these programs and the new optimistinfo.org website, I will continue to share information with Michigan District Optimists.
I encourage every club to learn about these new opportunities and consider how they can help us strengthen Optimism throughout Michigan as we begin the 2026–2027 Optimist year.
“Bee the Difference”
Dave Putt
Governor
Michigan District Optimists
