Optimist Indiana South District
Conferences, Convention and Events
World Optimist Day
Optimist Day is celebrated throughout the world annually on the First Thursday of February. This is a day where the world can be an Optimist themselves in action, plus join us in honoring Optimist Clubs and Members in their communities and worldwide for all they do year-round to promote efforts in bringing out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.
Optimist International Clubs and Members celebrate Optimist Day to promote their efforts and bring awareness to their community on how they are making a difference in the youth. They do this by wearing something with the Optimist logo and/or hosting events to celebrate the annual day. Optimist Clubs may choose a location and distribute copies of the Optimist Creed so others may choose optimism for themselves.
Indiana South Optimists Officers and Members
Incentive Program
Dear Indiana South Optimist Club Officers and Members:
You’re Invited! Join us at our upcoming district events and qualify for exciting incentives: mileage reimbursement, door prizes, and big drawings like a night’s stay at the annual convention in August 2026 or free registration at our next Jasper Conference! The more you engage, the more chances you have. Thank you for your service—let us reward your leadership!
Eligibility
Open to all currently serving Club Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, and Members who are in good standing within Indiana South District.
Incentives & Rewards
Mileage Reimbursement
Description: Officers attending in-person at conference and the convention are eligible for mileage reimbursement.
- Rate: $0.25 per mile round trip, up to $50 per meeting/conference.
- How to Claim: Submit mileage log at the end of the conference to Kent Reyling, District Treasurer.
Door Prizes
Description: All officers and members are entered into special drawings for door prizes at each conference.
- Examples: Optimist merchandise, gift cards, books, logo apparel, etc.
- Draw: Multiple prizes drawn at each event and must be present to win.
Grand Prize Drawings
All attending officers and members will receive one entry per event attended (more attendance = more chances!) for these grand prizes, drawn at each conference:
- A. Night’s Stay Giveaway: Win a complimentary one-night hotel stay at the convention venue in August 2026.
- B. Dinner & Show Ticket: Win 2 free tickets to the Friday night dinner and show at the convention in August 2026.
- C. Jasper Conference Registration: Win a complimentary registration for the Jasper Conference (April).
How to Earn Entries
- Attend a conference event in January and April and be in good standing with your club.
- Bonus: Bring a new officer or member (first-timers) – get 1 extra entry for yourself to win one of the grand prize drawings.
- Must be present at the end of each conference to win.
Pecan Chicken
Smoked Pork Butt
Red Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans
Roasted Carrots
Fresh vegetable tray
Assorted desserts and drinks
Roll w/Butter
Agenda Overview (Saturday April 18, 2026)
TBD
Governor South District Monica Wallace
Kimball Headquarters
Kimball Headquarters; 1600 Royal Street, Jasper, IN 47546
Liz_Christman Optimist Internatioal Vice President
Optimist Indiana South District
3rd Quarter Conference
Ripples of Change
Friday April 17, and Saturday April 18 2026
Kimball International Headquarters 1600 Royal Street, Jasper, IN 47546
Message from Indiana South Governor …
Dear Indiana South Optimist Club Members,
Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes our annual Spring Conference in
April in the great town of Jasper! This is a time to celebrate, re-energize, and look
forward to seeing everyone together. As members and friends of the Optimist Club,
each of us shares a common goal: to make our communities brighter and offer hope to
children and families across Indiana.
This year let’s renew our commitment to growth but not only in our programs, but in our
membership. There are so many people out there with big hearts like our neighbors,
friends, and colleagues who would love the chance to join our mission of spreading
optimism and opportunity. By inviting others to join us, we multiply the impact we can
have and ensure that every program, every project, and every act of kindness reaches
even more families and children in need of support.
Let’s also take every opportunity to share the incredible work we’re doing. Every story
of a child helped, a family encouraged, or a community uplifted, is a story worth telling.
Through our newsletters, social media, and word of mouth, let’s shine a spotlight on the
difference Optimists make. Our outreach will inspire others to get involved and remind
everyone that optimism is contagious!
Together, we can turn hope into action and dreams into reality. Let’s use this Spring
Conference as a launching pad for renewed enthusiasm and bigger impact as we grow
our membership, expand our programs, and reach as many people as we can.
Thank you for all that you do for your club, your community, and our shared mission. I
am excited to see what we accomplish together and look forward to connecting with you
all this April.
With optimism and gratitude,
Monica Wallace
Governor, Indiana South District Optimists
A message from Regional Vice President – Middle America Region
Dear Optimist Friends,
It is my honor and privilege to serve as your Regional Vice President for the Middle America Region.
From the very first time I volunteered with an Optimist service project, I felt something click: a deep
alignment between who I am and what our Optimist organization stands for. Hope. Action.
Community. Growth. That’s the heart of Optimist International, and it’s what fuels my commitment
every single day.
Professionally, I’ve spent 25+ years in education and nonprofit management. That journey gave me
the skills and perspective to lead, but more importantly, it grounded me in service. Today, I work as
a project manager by day-and pour my energy into being an Optimist by night (and let’s be honest,
most weekends too).
While I’ve served in many roles throughout my Optimist career, the ones closest to my heart have
been Governor of the East Missouri District (2020 – 2021) and International Leadership
Development Chair (2023 – 2024). In those roles, I’ve had the joy of nurturing leaders, building
connections and helping others discover just how powerful they can be when they lead with hope.
But beyond the titles, what truly fills my cup is being out in the community-volunteering side by side,
learning from others, and doing the hands-on work that reminds us why we do what we do.
My guiding light is a line from our Creed: “To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to
expect only the best.” It’s a bold standard and a daily practice. This year, I promise to walk beside
you with optimism, courage, and a deep respect for the work you’re doing in your clubs, your
communities and your hearts.
Here’s to a year of purpose, connection, and unstoppable hope. I can’t wait to see all that we’ll
accomplish — together.
With deep optimism,
Liz Christman
Regional Vice President – Middle America Region
From the heart of Middle America-with hope and purpose