The first Optimist Club was formed in 1911 by citizens in Buffalo, New York, who sought to address problems brought about by urbanization and industrialization. The movement grew In America, leading to a convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, of club members who founded Optimist International in 1917. More information is available at the Optimist International website: https://www.optimist.org/aboutoi.cfm
Mission
By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.
Vision
Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
Purposes
- 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.
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.