Optimist

Bringing out

the Best in Kids!

Purposes of an Optimist Club

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 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

Our positive approach, our upbeat outlook, and our commitment to creating a more optimistic future for kids is what differentiates Optimist Clubs from any other volunteer opportunity.

Communities in the United States, Canada, the nations of the Caribbean and other countries throughout the world have been touched by the powerful, positive force of Optimist Club Members.

From sponsoring youth athletic leagues to weatherizing the homes of the elderly to conducting oratorical contests for young people—Optimist Clubs are responding to the special needs of our local communities.

Although we come from all walks of life, Optimist Club Members share one common trait. We know that we can make a difference in the lives of others.

What should I expect?

Every Optimist Club was formed by people who wanted to reach out to help youth and the community. People like you and me. Members of an Optimist Club usually live in or work in the community. Members have joined together to serve others and to promote Optimism as a way of life.

Each Optimist Club is chartered as a Member of Optimist International. This gives the Club the right to use the Optimist name and provides each Club with services and programs offered by Optimist International.

Each Optimist Club operates autonomously. This means they operate independently of each other. They choose their own activities, elect their own Officers and raise their own funds.

A Club’s service activities are based on the needs of the community. What a Club can do is limited only by imagination and resources of the Members.

Optimist Clubs do share certain similarities. This offers you, the Member, the assurance of knowing wherever you are, should you wish to attend an Optimist Club’s meeting, certain components will be the same. The programs and guest speakers offer the Members an opportunity to learn, grow and improve themselves.

The program features the youth in the community, as in the Essay and Oratorical Contests or in the Youth Appreciation Week. These meetings help to reinforce our commitment and allow us to take pride in our accomplishments

Optimist Programs and Community Projects

Optimists have become a champion for those dealing with childhood cancer! Through this new, unique program, Optimists are building awareness of the disease that kills more children than any other. In addition, Members provide support for children with cancer and their families, and support research to find a cure. Find out how you can help today!
Build local students’ self-esteem! Recognize their talents in the arts, athletics, academics and their contributions to the community. How? By celebrating Youth Appreciation Week! To honor local youth, Optimists have successfully hosted swim parties, sponsored crazy bowls, planned youth lock-ins, chaperoned field trips, and provided funds for school supplies. This program encompasses anything that makes a difference in the life of a young person.
The CCDHH contest provides an opportunity for young people who are deaf and hard of hearing to communicate in a public forum while developing valuable skills and confidence. The Optimist International Foundations annually fund a $1,500 scholarship for each Optimist International District. Many Districts donate an additional $1,500 to the Foundations in order to provide a second scholarshi
As Optimist International’s oldest program, this contest allows young adults to gain experience in public speaking, on a pre-assigned topic. Optimist Districts have the opportunity to provide two $1,500 college scholarships or a first place scholarship of $1,500, second place scholarship of $1,000 and a third place scholarship of $500.
This program prepares elementary children for future Oratorical competitions. Although winners are normally selected, emphasis is placed on making all contestants feel like a winner just for participating!
This contest presents young people the opportunity to write about their opinions regarding the world in which they live. Optimist International awards each District contest winner a $650 scholarship for advanced education. Essays are judged at the international level, and a first, second and third place scholarship is awarded.
Encourage peace and harmony within your community! Optimists accomplish this feat by honoring law enforcement officials, initiating block parent programs, sponsoring fingerprinting fairs, and starting neighborhood watches. Anything to keep children safe!
Bring together the youth of your community in the spirit of fun competition! The Tri-Star program offers exciting opportunities to promote self-confidence and physical fitness, even if your Club has limited resources. Since this program does not involve physical contact or advanced skill, it is the ideal activity for every child including those with disabilities.
As a teen, did you have a venue to learn skills such as citizenship, teamwork, communication, self-esteem and leadership? Kids today do! Thanks to the Optimists’ JOOI program more than 17,000 young people each year learn the importance of volunteerism and giving of one’s self. As a result, teens report feeling an improved sense of kindness, increased awareness for those in need, and a better sense of coping with cultural diversity. Start a JOOI Club today!
Keeping children safe in their leisure activities has been an important part of Optimist programs for many years. The Optimist International Youth Safety Program encompasses all of the activities originally included in the Safety on Wheels and Always Buckle Children programs as well as new activities concerning Internet Safety. Help spread the word about safety!
As one of junior golf’s most prestigious events, the OIJGC provides a unique opportunity for junior golfers from around the globe. Every year thousands of young people compete in local Optimist qualifying tournaments. The top finishers advance to the OIJGC. Past Optimist junior golf participants include Tiger Woods, Michelle McGann, Phil Mickelson and Justin Leonard.