The Optimists’ Tribe
Cross-Generational Conversation, Collaboration, Community and Camaraderie
The Optimists’ Tribe is an international community of positive minded individuals founded by Phyllis Weiss Haserot in 2009.
See www.optimiststribe.org, Check out the Optimists’ Tribe groups on Facebook and on Linkedin.
The mission:
To better our communities, world and businesses by empowering and inspiring ourselves and each other through positive thought and action.
To this end, Optimists' Tribe members will:
- Commit to a project, either individually or collaboratively, that fulfills the mission of positive change
- Recruit and engage others to increase our impact
- Share ideas and opportunities and invite feedback on our positive thoughts and actions
A Social Networking Story
Phyllis started the Optimists’ Tribe (www.optimiststribe.org ) in January 2009, sort of accidentally by way of a metaphorical message she posted on several Linkedin groups. In her words: “ I started by saying that I was optimistic about Generation Y//Millennials and also the Boomers, who I believe will continue to change the world for the better. And I invited anyone wanting to take positive action to cause change, even in the depths of a serious recession, to join my “tribe” and take action.”
“The overwhelming response I had to that first message, when I used the term “tribe” metaphorically, and the second one, where in response I proposed to really start an entity called “the Optimists’ Tribe,” indicates the positive message has struck a chord.”
We’ve formed a not-for-profit and launched a web site in progress: www.optimiststribe.org. as well as groups on the social networking sites. There have been some live local gatherings.
Cross-Generational
The demographics of the members that are joining the Tribe and the Tribal Council confirms that it is truly cross-generational (encompassing four generations and four continents – so far)) and that optimism mixed with collaboration is a glue that can bridge generational differences.
Optimists look toward the future. Succeeding generations are all our futures.
Phyllis’ Project
From this point of view, the Optimists’ Tribe itself is a piece of a cross-generational conversation puzzle I am constructing as my project and my passionate work to inspire others and achieve the combined strength of the generations to improve deficient business models and engagement and change for the better the work environment, our communities and the world.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE: To increase and raise the level of cross-generational conversation – particularly in the work environment, and then have that filter out through our planet.
I will pursue this: - within workplaces; - in my networks; and - by creating new cross-generational networks:
5 reasons why this is important (and more so in an economic downturn/crisis):
- There is palpable tension over opportunities in the workplace.
- We need to avert a “prepared leadership” gap.
- There is a continual push to achieve better productivity.
- There is tension among the generations over money to live the lifestyle expected.
- Our businesses, communities and the world need to continually develop new ideas and methods of work, products and services to meet the challenges of innovation in both good and turbulent times.
I will spread the word through my writing, speaking, consulting and coaching, running forums and facilitating dialogue. I will create programs, facilitate them, and teach others how to implement them. I aim to inspire, to persuade and to produce results. And I aim to continue my own never-ending growth process through this: looking for new challenges, trying new things to stretch beyond my comfort zone and serving as a role model and mentor.
For more Optimists’ Tribe project stories and to post your own, go to www.optimiststribe.org.
Want to know more about the Optimists’ Tribe?
We welcome new members and will start getting the word out beyond our 200+ current membership and start local groups to enable meeting in person. Feel free to contact me at pwhaserot@pdcounsel.com. See www.optimiststribe.org, Check out the Optimists’ Tribe groups on Facebook and on Linkedin.