Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
FUN FACTS ABOUT US…
There are over 2,900 autonomous Optimist Clubs worldwide. This includes Optimist Clubs in:
England, France, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and many other countries!
There are over 90,000 Optimist Members worldwide.
Optimists conduct 65,000 service projects per year, serving over 6 million children.
Optimists spend $78 million on their communities annually.
HOW EACH CLUB OPERATES
Each Optimist Club is autonomous, and operates independently.
Each Club elects their own Officers and Board of Directors to oversee Club Activities.
Each Club also picks and chooses the programs and activities that most benefit the children in the community.
Ask yourself what are the needs of the children in the community? What are the youth issues facing your city/town?
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH OPTIMIST CLUBS
501(c)(4)
Every Optimist Club is considered a 501(c)(4) charitable organization; therefore, Clubs are exempt from certain taxation.
Liability Insurance
Each Optimist Club is covered under an 11 million dollar umbrella liability insurance policy; therefore, members of your Club are covered in the unlikely event of litigations while you are conducting community service projects and sponsored activities.
This policy covers all active Optimist Members as well as their spouses at Optimist activities.
THE OPTIMIST CREED
Promise Yourself-
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 the 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.
STILL INTERESTED?…WELL LET’S GET STARTED!
You will need a minimum of 25* Charter Members in order to establish an Optimist Club in your community.
Optimist International has a full-time staff to assist you in getting your Club off the ground. We can help you assess opportunities in your area, market your Club activities, and recruit new members.
We can also pair you up with members of an existing Optimist Club in your area. They will work hand-in-hand with you throughout the process.
Remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
*A Pilot Club requires only 15 Members, but is not recognized as a Full Adult Club
TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED
1. Needs Assessment
Identify a purpose and focus for establishing an Optimist Club.
Start by researching the Internet or talking to other members of the community and identify youth-related opportunities.
Determine what your Optimist Club can do to help meet these community needs.
2. Recruitment
Develop a “hit list” of key people you think would make great Optimists.
Approach these people and talk to them about who we are and what we do. Be ready to answer the question “What is an Optimist Club?”
