Optimist Club
An OPTIMIST CLUB is a voluntary organization of civic-minded men and women banded together for progressive thought and action in community service. Membership, which is by invitation only, is composed of citizens drawn from business, industry, agriculture and the professions. Members are motivated by the desire to contribute to the community from which they and their families draw daily benefits. There is no greater opportunity for participation in community affairs and service than in an Optimist Club.
The purposes of an Optimist Club are to develop Optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.
Evening Optimist Club of Gardena
The Evening Optimist Club of Gardena (popularly known as the Gardena Evening Optimist Club or GEO) is in its 62nd year of serving communities in the South Bay. We were originally sponsored by the Japanese American Optimist Club of Los Angeles (JAO) and chartered in February of 1964.
Our membership is currently comprised of approximately 58 members representing a cross section of the community. Most of our members live in the immediate South Bay area, however we do have some active members that live as far away as Orange County. Our primary goal is to serve our community through projects and programs designed to develop and enrich our youth.
The Club runs many programs throughout the year. GEO sponsors Boy Scout Troop 683, and we actively support the Gardena Valley JCI, the Gardena Valley Sansei League, A Sense of Home, and the Optimist Youth Homes.
Fees and Dues: Our annual dues are $120 per year (Optimist International (OI) and OI Pacific Southwest District (PSWD) fees account for about $85 per year).
Meetings: Club member meetings are usually held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month @ 6:30PM. Periodically through the year we will combine special programs and social events with our member meetings in which spouses and guests are invited to attend.
The Optimist Creed
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others, as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
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