<HEAD><TITLE>How to Join</TITLE></HEAD>
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<H1 align=center><FONT size=7 face="Monotype Corsiva">How to Become an Optimist Member</FONT></H1>
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<LI><B>Join a Club in Your Area</B> 
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<P><FONTSIZE="4"><B><BR>Do you want to start "Bringing Out the Best in Kids?" If you like what you are seeing and would like to join the most dynamic youth-serving organization in the world, please join a local Optimist Club. The local clubs near you are:</B></FONT> 
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<TH>Club Number</TH>
<TH>Club Name</TH>
<TH>Date Chartered</TH>
<TH>Club President</TH>
<TH>City,State</TH>
<TH>Meeting Location</TH>
<TH>Meeting Time</TH></TR>
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<TD>#29000</TD>
<TD>Birmingham, Al</TD>
<TD>April 18, 1928</TD>
<TD>Linda Haefner De Marco</TD>
<TD>Birmingham, Alabama</TD>
<TD>YWCA of Central Alabama</TD>
<TD>Thursday, 2nd &amp; 4th @ 12:15 PM</TD></TR>
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<TD>#29007</TD>
<TD>Birmingham-West End, Al</TD>
<TD>February 24, 1983</TD>
<TD>Olivia Johnson</TD>
<TD>Birmingham, Alabama</TD>
<TD>Bethel Baptist Church</TD>
<TD>Monday, 2nd &amp; 4th @ 6:00 PM</TD></TR>
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<TD>#29170</TD>
<TD>Birmingham-Over The Mountain, INC, Al</TD>
<TD>November 1, 1955</TD>
<TD>Hal Ferrell</TD>
<TD>Birmingham, Alabama</TD>
<TD>Dales Souther Grill</TD>
<TD>Monday, 1st &amp; 3rd @ 6:00 PM</TD></TR>
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<LI><B>Become a Friend of Optimists</B> 
<P><FONTSIZE="4"><B>How do you want to be known for making everyone around you feel that there is something special in them? By becoming a Friend of Optimists you demonstrate to the children and leaders in your community that you care about them being the very best that they can be. Your support allows the volunteer work of others to continue to reach millions of children worldwide.Becoming a Friend of Optimists allows you to leave your community a little better than when you found it.</B></FONT> </P><br>
<LI><B>Bulid a Club</B> 
<P><FONTSIZE="4"><B>The primary goal is to build and develop Clubs that contribute to the betterment of your community with a focus on youth development. While Optimists are all about youth, there are added benefits of leadership, fellowship and personal development. Optimist International recognizes diversity and time limitations of today's population. There are many different club models that are offered as alternatives to build in your Community. 
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<TH>Traditional Club</TH>
<TD>Optimist Clubs annually conduct many exciting youth-oriented special events and promotions. Usually meets on a weekly basis, at a fixed location. </TD></TR>
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<TH>Sports Club</TH>
<TD>Built with the primary goal to serve youth through athletics, be it baseball, golf, tennis, basketball, soccer or hockey. </TD></TR>
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<TH>Non-Traditional Club</TH>
<TD>Built around a single focus such as the Red Tail Project. The preservation of a WWII P51 Mustang, flown by Tuskegee airmen. While they have officers etc they meet via electronic newsletter and e-mail, since most members are located throughout North America.</TD></TR>
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<TH>Associate Club </TH>
<TD>Organized in a country, which is economically depressed, and where the members cannot afford to pay full dues. Associate Clubs must complete a proposal form and provide a membership list to the International Development Department in order to be officially approved by Optimist International and paired with a Sponsor Club in the U.S., Canada or the Caribbean. </TD></TR>
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<TH>Twin Club </TH>
<TD>Two Clubs from different countries that decide to start a two-way exchange of newsletters, gifts and visits. They must register officially with the International Development Department and can purchase Twin Club patches for their banners. </TD></TR>
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<TH>JOOI Club </TH>
<TD>Junior Optimist Octagon International is the youth organization with ages ranging from 6-18. JOOI members develop leadership skills, learn about teamwork, citizenship, communication and organization. They meet other members from across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. They have a blast building community relationships. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></P></LI></OL></B></BODY>�