Optimist Magazine – February 2025

February 2025

20 25 SAINT LOUIS 107th ANNUAL CONVENTION

June 29-July 3

2025 107th Optimist International Convention

St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, 1820 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP NOW!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, MAKE A HOTEL RESERVATION, AND MORE!

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE SUNDAY, JUNE 29

TUESDAY, JULY 1

• Vice President-Elect and Governor-Elect Training • Vice President and Governor Training • Registration • House of Optimism (Expo) • First Timers Program • Taste of St. Louis Reception • Opening Ceremony

Bringing Out the Best in Community • House of Optimism (EXPO) • General Session • Organization and Life Skills Training • Foundations Harrison Reception by invitation • District Dinners

MONDAY, JUNE 30

Bringing Out the Best in Ourselves • Foundations Past Presidents Breakfast by invitation • House of Optimism (EXPO) • General Session • Annual Business Meeting & Closing • Presidents Gala & Dance

Bringing Out the Best in Youth • House of Optimism (EXPO) • General Session • Heritage of Optimism Brunch • Organization and Life Skills Training • Foundations Donor Appreciation Reception by invitation • Trivia Night

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2

THURSDAY, JULY 3 • Club President-Elect & Lt. Governor-Elect Breakfast • Local Attraction Tour

MISSION STATEMENT By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.

VISION STATEMENT Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the first volunteer organization that values ​​all children and helps them develop to their full potential.

CORE VALUES Optimism Optimism is at the heart of everything we do.

We foster a shared sense of hope and resilience.

We encourage positive action within ourselves and our communities and persist through difficulties with the belief we can create meaningful change, ensuring that we and those we serve can reach our fullest potential.

Respect Through respectful interactions we value the unique contributions and inherent worth of every individual.

We honor all people with dignity, compassion and care by embracing diversity and fostering a culture of inclusion.

Integrity We uphold the highest standards of honesty, ethics and transparency in everything we do. We are accountable for our actions and follow through on our commitments.

We conduct ourselves in all actions by doing what is right, even when it is difficult. We set a positive example and inspire others to follow.

Global Community We embrace diversity, interconnectedness and shared humanity across all cultures, beliefs and borders. Our commitment to the global community encourages us to think beyond local solutions and consider the broader impact of our actions. By nurturing a spirit of cooperation and empathy, we work towards a better world together.

PURPOSES OF OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL 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 agreement 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.

THE OPTIMIST CREED Promise YourselfTo 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.

Features

February 2025, Vol. 105, No. 5

2

Spreading Optimism Tour

3

Words of Wisdom

4

Calendar of Events

4

Webinars

5

Board Report

6

Celebrating the Optimist Values this February

8

Welcome New Members

10

Generations of Love for Valentine’s Day

14

Optimist International Youth Contests

13

SS Optimism

Optimist The Official Publication of Optimist International Managing Editor Cheryl Brenn Editor J. Ryne Danielson Designer Jason Cook Editorial Office 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108 Office (314) 371-6000 Fax (314) 371-6006 Email magazine@optimist.org Generous support from the Optimist International Foundation made this publication possible.

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.

Optimist (ISSN 1085-5017) (CPN 40032242) (USPS 808-320) is published quarterly in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer by Optimist International, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108, a non-profit and incorporated association of Optimist Clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. Periodicals posted at St. Louis, MO, and at additional mailing offices. Digital periodicals posted online at Optimist.org.

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to The Optimist, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. © Copyright 2025

Invite President Jan Oord Graves to your Club, District, or Regional Project or Gathering during the 2024-2025 Op mist Year APPLY HERE

2nd Quarter Winner to be drawn in April!

2 • Optimist

Words of Wisdom t we have no h ic h w s e c pla us tickets to gelou “Life offers — Maya An ” r. fo d e k s knowingly a e all live our lives? W in is th d e c rien f our e course o not all expe th e d w n e a v a ts n H e : ns we have this quote ntrol the ev Why I like all of the pla t we can co a rs th e tt g d a in h v s lie d s, be ns an stration an ands in fru cted happe by schedule h e r p u x o e n p u u te a e row nticip d Then, th lead us to th brings una n t a a daily lives. c th s y g e in rn n ese happe us on a jou to keep an in place. Th d can take d reminder te o c o e g p x a e is n u u bring us ngelo et, the eanor could

by Maya A disbelief. Y m e te d o u is q th is g h tin r lives. T our lives. ange. Adop value to ou lessings to ptive to ch b e c n e re e e s b re d an livering unfo open mind voyage, de e v ti a rm fo s on a tran Graves - Jan Oord

"I believe it's our resp onsibility to show ou r communities the value of all peop le, to celebrate diffe rent, and to take a stand for acceptan ce and inclusion." – Julie Foudy Why I like this quot e: I firmly believe th at as a global com stronger when we munity, we are unite rather than wh en we stand apart. we recognize and ap As Optimists, preciate the unique value that every indi contributes to our vidual communities and ou r lives. By celebratin backgrounds and ex g our diverse periences, we can truly acknowledge we bring to one an the richness other. - Cheryl Bren n

February 2025 • 3

Calendar of Events

A look at what’s coming up for Optimist International

F E B R U A RY

MARCH

• Optimist Day • Random Acts of Kindness Day • Leadership Development Webinar • IRS Annual Filing due for all U.S. Optimist Clubs, the IRS annual 990 series returns are due • Junior Optimist Reading Month • Registration open for the 2025 International Convention

• Optimist International Board of Director’s Meeting • Regional Vice Presidents and Governors-Elect Conferences • International Day of Happiness • OIF & CCOF Club Grant deadline • Leadership Development Webinar

APRIL • Q3 Apr/May/June • Deadline for Districts to submit Winners for Essay Contest • National Volunteer Week • Global Youth Service Day • Leadership Development Webinar(s)

CLICK HERE to see the calendar of upcoming events on the website

Upcoming Webinars  Monday, March 10, 7:00-8:00 p.m. CDT Leadership Skills to Inspire & Motivate Teams Click here to register  Monday, April 14, 7:00-8:00 p.m. CDT Creating an Optimistic Mindset Click here to register  Monday, June 9, 7:00-8:00 p.m. CDT Everything You Need to Know About Convention Click here to register  Monday, Sept. 8, 7:00-8:00 p.m. CDT PDP (Personal Development Program) Revamped!

Click here to register

4 • Optimist

T

he Optimist International Board of Directors convened via Zoom last month for their first meeting of 2025. During the meeting, the Board approved an extension of the pilot program with the Optimistes Francophones Canadiens for an additional two months. The Board also approved the continuance of two Junior Optimist International scholarships – the Outstanding JOI Member and JOI Achievement Award – for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

The Board discussed the importance of identifying Governor-Elects for the upcoming fiscal year.

Regional trainings for this purpose are scheduled to take place March 14-16 in St. Louis, Missouri; March 21-23 in Dallas, Texas; and March 28-30 in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.

The Board set the 2025 registration and meal rates for the upcoming convention in St. Louis.

The Canadian exchange rate applied to membership dues was used to calculate the exchange rate for this purpose.

2025 Convention Registration Rates:

• Early Bird Registration (until May 1): $299 USD/$407 CDN

• Regular Registration (May 2-June 20): $349 USD/$475 CDN • On-site Registration (after June 20): $389 USD/$529 CDN

2025 Meal Rates:

• Heritage Brunch: $61 USD/$83 CDN

• President’s Gala: $91 USD/$124 CDN • Taste of St. Louis: $40 USD/$54 CDN The Board also executed an additional contingency period for the sale of the Optimist International Headquarters building and is working on extending its partnership with Grouper, a company that helps cover membership dues for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement enrollees.

The next Optimist International Board meeting is scheduled for March 7-8, 2025, in St. Louis.

February 2025 • 5

Optimism, Respect, Integrity and Global Community: Celebrating the Optimist Values This February

by J. Ryne Danielson Communications Manager

I

ce, wind, winter doldrums – February may not seem like the most Optimistic month. The holidays are long behind us and spring is still weeks away. But, it’s precisely in such times that optimism matters most.

It’s fitting then that February features one of the most optimistic days of the year – Valentine’s Day. February is also Black History Month, a perfect time to reflect on how optimism has carried us through dark times in the past and continues to propel us toward a brighter future – no matter how bleak the days still seem at times.

Valentine's Day and the Optimist Spirit Why is Valentine’s Day such an optimistic holiday? It’s a day dedicated to the most optimistic emotions we can express: love, kindness, and appreciation.

6 • Optimist

Valentine’s Day transcends boundaries and is celebrated worldwide as a chance to express affection for those we care about. The near universal appeal of this day speaks to the inherent optimism of the human spirit, our desire to connect with others, and our belief in the power of love to bridge the gaps between us.

Optimist clubs have fostered countless friendships and even marriages over the years, demonstrating our organization's power to bring people together. One such story is that of Jan Oord Graves, the current President of Optimist International. She was initially hesitant to join her local Optimist club, but a friend convinced her to give it a try. At one of the meetings, she met her future husband, Ron Graves. They bonded over their shared passion for community service and have been happily married for 12 years.

The concept of love also extends beyond the bonds of family and friends to encompass a broader love for one's community. This sense of communal love fosters a spirit of belonging, acceptance, and inclusivity, creating a space where every individual feels valued and respected. It is this spirit of love for one's community, and by extension a love for all communities, that fuels Optimist International's mission to bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.

Black History Month and the Optimist Values Black History Month embodies the same spirit. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans to our society, and for Optimists, it's also a time to reflect on the importance of diversity and inclusion within our organization.

Throughout our history, Black optimists have sought to bring out the best in our society – "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope," Martin Luther King Jr. once said – and, likewise, Black Optimists have sought to bring out the best in Optimist International, playing a vital role in upholding our organization's core values and mission. Their dedicated service to youth and their communities has made a lasting impact and inspired others to follow in their footsteps.

The contributions of Black Optimists have been instrumental in the growth and expansion of Optimist International, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean.

In 1980, the first Optimist Club in the Anglophone Caribbean was chartered in Kingston, Jamaica, with 48 members. The club's charter president was Andy Morgan, a prominent Jamaican businessman, and among the charter members was Theodore "Theo" Golding, who later became the first Jamaican to serve as Optimist International President in 2007-08.

Our newest club was chartered just this month in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Optimist Club of Kinshasa is a testament to the continued growth of Optimism around the world. The club is sponsored by the Jackson County Florida Optimist Club and has already identified projects to address food insecurity, medical needs, and educational needs for young people in the area.

Building Stronger Optimist Clubs and Stronger Communities By recognizing and honoring the unique contributions of every individual, regardless of their background, Optimist International embodies our core values of optimism, respect, integrity, and global community and strengthens the foundations of our organization for years to come. But creating a more inclusive Optimist community requires intentional effort and commitment from all members.

Some proactive steps that Optimist clubs can take to foster

a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds include organizing events and activities that celebrate diversity, creating mentorship programs to support members from underrepresented groups, or providing trainings or events customized for a club’s members.

For example, the Optimist Club of Riverside, Ontario, hosts an annual "sensory-friendly" Easter egg hunt for children with special needs. The event allows children to participate in a fun and inclusive event tailored to their needs. Or, as you can read about in this magazine’s next article, The SALT JOI Club in Des Moines, Iowa, brings together English-as-a-second-language elementary school students with the residents of a local senior center to spread cheer and foster positive role models.

A 2015 McKinsey & Company study found that companies with more diverse workforces perform better financially. A diversity of knowledge and experience leads to better decision-making, increased creativity, and more effective problem-solving. Likewise, a more diverse and inclusive Optimist community means a stronger and more effective Optimist community – and, because of the role Optimists play in their cities and towns round the world, that means a stronger community in general.

Diversity can often seem like a challenge, but at its most fundamental level, diversity is just opportunity, and Optimists are all about turning challenges into opportunities. By reaching out to more people from more backgrounds and undertaking service projects that address the needs of a wider range of individuals, Optimist Clubs can create ripple effects of positive change throughout their communities and continue to grow their clubs well into the future.

By recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of every individual, Optimist clubs can foster a sense of belonging and connection among all members.

Collaboration and partnership with diverse community organizations are also essential. These partnerships can lead to more effective and impactful community service projects that address the needs of a wider range of individuals. By embracing inclusivity, Optimist clubs can create a ripple effect of positive change that extends throughout their communities.

Though February can seem like a bleak month, it’s also an opportunity disguised as a challenge – an opportunity for optimism to shine out like a beacon in the darkness.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate love and community and to let those things bring us closer together. And it’s an opportunity to celebrate our core values – optimism, respect, integrity and global community – and to reflect on how each of those can guide our clubs, our communities, and ourselves toward a better future.

February 2025 • 7

Welcome

New Members Since the beginning of the Optimist year in October, Optimist International has welcomed 1,710 new Members and created 10 new Clubs around the world. If you’re one of those new Members, or part of a new Club, welcome! Each of you brings valuable skills and fresh ideas to our organization, and we’re grateful for your desire to bring out the best in youth, communities, and yourselves.

Welcome to Optimist International, a community-service nonprofit committed to creating a more optimistic future through our many innovative programs. You are joining a global network of more than 50,000 Optimists who share your passion for making a difference.

We hope you enjoy your Membership! And remember, you’re not alone in your journey. Our international staff is here to answer your questions, provide marketing and communications support, and help with any issues you encounter.

Thank you for being an Optimist!

8 • Optimist

Here are some highlights of what Optimist International has to offer: • Scholarship Programs: Optimist International sponsors several scholarship contests for students, such as the Essay Contest, Oratorical Contest, and Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. These contests provide opportunities for young people to showcase their talents and win educational scholarships. You can help organize and promote these contests in your local community and support the winners as they advance in their academic and professional careers.

• Junior Optimist International: Junior Optimist International ( JOI) is the youth branch of Optimist International, which empowers students to become leaders and volunteers in their communities. JOI Clubs are typically sponsored by Optimist Clubs but operate independently, with their own officers and projects. As an Optimist Member, you can mentor and guide JOI Members and help them develop their skills and potential.

• Optimist Junior Golf: Optimist Junior Golf is one of the largest and most prestigious junior golf events in the world, attracting thousands of participants from more than 40 countries. Optimist Clubs host

qualifying tournaments for junior golfers, who can advance to the annual Optimist International Junior Golf Championship in Miami, Florida. You can get involved in this program by volunteering at local tournaments, sponsoring golfers, or playing in our parent-child tournament.

• Leadership Development: Optimist International provides various resources and opportunities for personal and leadership development. Through the Optimist Institute, you can access online courses, webinars and workshops on topics such as communication, teamwork and project management. You can also take on leadership roles at the Club, District, or international level and gain valuable experience and recognition.

These are just some of the programs that Optimist International offers. We hope you also participate in our other community activities, and we look forward to seeing you at our next International Convention, scheduled for June 29-July 3, 2025 in St. Louis, Missouri!

February 2025 • 9

Generations of Love for Valentine’s Day

by Blythe Dorrian Communications Coordinator

S

enior citizens of Temple, Georgia, were greeted on Optimist Day with 50 goodie bags, fresh pound cake, and banana pudding baked with love by Donna Johnson and her Optimist Club to show them that love is in every bite.

“I’ve been a part of OI for six years,” Johnson said. “I was invited to one of the club meetings by one of my former high school teachers. I always tried to be an Optimist throughout my life, so I decided to go to the meeting because he was a friend. Now, the history has been made, and I am probably a full-time Optimist from now on.”

Temple is a growing community of about 6,000 people. Johnson said she has known most of her 24 club members for some time.

The Temple Optimist Club assembled 50 bags for the senior citizens.

“I was one of the ones who provided the banana pudding,” Johnson said. “I had a gentleman come up to me and tell me that was one of the best banana puddings he has ever had.”

“We don’t have any retirement homes in Temple, but we have a really good senior center,” Johnson said.

“They provide lunch every day for the seniors. They do activities and games inside, or they will go out to go somewhere. It’s a very active center. We try to do a little bit to show our love for them.”

Johnson said her club’s main initiatives are usually with the youth, however, they also have a strong interest in helping the seniors in their community through events like Christmas parties and giveaways.

“On the last day of the month, we do a birthday celebration,” Johnson said. “We go to the senior center, and we give away five 20-dollar bills. We normally have anywhere from 50-60 seniors come.”

10 • Optimist

Johnson said she received positive feedback from the event. “Our seniors need socialization just like people in other age groups,” Johnson said. “I truly believe that their socialization allows them to live a longer life because they have opportunity to be around other people, and they are not just stuck at home.”

Johnson said that each senior gets a ticket before five are randomly chosen. Each person who gets picked receives the money.

“We actually have seniors who come from other areas of our town to go to our senior center, Johnson said.”

The Optimists of Temple provided everyone with something to make sure they felt loved and cared for.

“I made myself do it the first time,” Ogletree said. “The director told me that I don’t have to join if I don’t want to, but I said I was just going to bite the bullet and be a part of this. I’ve been so happy that I did.”

Ogletree says she either goes to have lunch, or she goes to participate in some form of activity every day.

“It costs a dollar for a meal,” Ogletree said. “It includes a dessert and everything. Where do you get a meal anymore for a dollar?”

“One of our club members found some inspirational cards with positive statements to put on the bags,” Johnson said. “We provided little goodies inside. We Ogletree said she was excited to receive a goodie bag at had some toiletries, little pieces of candy, ChapStick, the event. She said the Optimists had the senior center hand sanitizers, and other things we thought would be decorated just for them. useful for them to have in their purse.”

“They brought us desserts and came around to serve us Two Club members packed the bags and brought them like we were kings and queens,” Ogletree said. “They to the senior center the day of the event. are so good to us. Temple really is a special town, and I think we have the best Optimist Club.”

“I recognize what some of their strengths are,” Johnson said. “I’ve never had anyone turn me down if I ask them Valentine’s Day has different meanings for every to do something, whether it be to judge a contest, or person, and Johnson said this has been a good time give awards out. We have club members who are on to bring new people into the Club to enjoy fellowship board and are very willing to serve the public.” with each other.

Linda Ogletree, originally from Conyers, Georgia, moved to Temple with her daughter after her husband passed away. Her realtor first introduced her to the events at the senior center.

“It is a time where you can show love to the ones who are closest to you, and also to the ones around you,” Johnson said. “Showing the kindness that is in your heart and smiling with those you come in contact with can go a long way to let them know that you are happy to see and be around them.”

February 2025 • 11

after they graduated, the Club has continued to do community service on a weekly basis.

“One of my current SALT members is currently the Governor of the Iowa District JOI as well,” Butler Mona said. “We’ve had students from that club serve as Lt. Governor, Governor, and even on the International Board of Directors.”

The other JOI Club is made up of a group of fourth grade students at Hillside Elementary, which officially started three years ago.

The Optimist Club set up the event in the senior center. “One of the most memorable times of Valentine’s was when my husband wrote me a special card,” Johnson said. “It reminded me of how blessed I am to have connected with him. I don’t really like flowers that much because they eventually die. I just like a good meal out with him, and that’s sufficient for me. The card, at that particular time, was very special because of what it said.”

Youth in JOI Clubs also found ways to share love with others this season.

Past Optimist International President Rebecca Butler Mona is the President of the Noon Optimist Club of Western Des Moines, as well as an Advisor for two JOI Clubs.

Butler Mona started the SALT (Serving and Leading Together) JOI Club in 2018 at Des Moines Christian School while her children were attending. Even

“We’ve been partnering with Hillside for 10 years,” Butler Mona said. “We have three classes of fourth graders, and we work with five to six students in each class. We typically have between 15 and 20 students every year. We come in once a month, bring them lunch, and then we do some kind of community service activity. In the holiday season, we made ornaments that we took to Ronald McDonald House.”

This year, Hillside has 15 students with about six to eight adult Optimists who assist.

“We are primarily there to mentor these young students,” Butler Mona said. “It is a very diverse, English-as-a-second-language community. Providing positive, adult role models is really important.”

As a way to connect the high school students with Hillside, Butler Mona tries to combine both JOI

From left, Justine Waje (senior), Lily Philipsen (senior), and Kyra Philipsen (freshman), made Valentines with the MorningStar Assisted Living residents.

“I like to help people because of the joy it can bring, and the love I can pour on others in those moments,” Philipsen said. “It is truly special to be able to help others and the warmth you feel afterwards makes it all worth it.”

12 • Optimist

Pictures clockwise from left: Students at Hillside Elementary took pictures with the heart crafts made at the event. “SALT JOI has a varying number of volunteers for each event,” Butler Mona said. “Up to 20 students have shown up to each of the various service events. “We are a very active club. “Last year, we contributed about 800 service hours through the events the kids did. We aren’t a huge group, but we do a lot.”

MorningStar residents make crafts with the SALT JOI students. “Sometimes the memories that are most real to them are the ones farther in the past,” Butler Mona said. “When they can start talking about how they enjoy music, it’s like they are re-living that time. It’s pretty magical.”

The SALT JOI Club made 60 Valentine’s Day hearts. “I like to think of Valentine’s Day as a way to show love and kindness to others,” Butler Mona said. “Sometimes people think of that as only for a spouse or significant other, but this is an opportunity to share love with people of all ages. They can be friends from school, members of your family, senior citizens, or neighbors.”

groups, while supporting mentorship and leadership for the elementary students.

Recently, the SALT JOI Club helped residents at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan Creek make 60 Valentine’s Day hearts. After they were done, they were presented at Hillside and for families at the Ronald McDonald House in Des Moines.

“The first time we went to MorningStar was back in December,” Butler Mona said. “The kids were so patient and encouraging. The seniors were so appreciative, and they kept asking where these cute crafts were going to go. You could tell by their smiles on their faces that the kids and the seniors were really enjoying the interaction.”

Lily Philipsen is the Vice President of SALT JOI, and she was one of the high school students who helped make Valentines hearts at MorningStar.

“One person who I talked to that stood out to me was a resident who had been a professional clown when she was younger,” Philipsen said. “She seemed very happy.

Even though she struggled the most with the craft, she never gave up.”

Philipsen first got involved in JOI two years ago through her older sister. With her own involvement, she has also inspired her younger sister, Kyra, to join the Club as a freshman.

Butler Mona said she was really proud of all her students for the work they did.

“There were some really good conversations between the students and the older residents,” Butler Mona said. “They were asking about where they went to school, and it went back and forth. Some of them found a common interest, and they instantly lit up.”

February 2025 • 13

O P T I M I S T I N T E R N AT I ON A L YO U T H C O N T E S T S 2 0 2 4 -2 0 2 5 ORATORICAL CONTEST Beginning in 1928, the Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program of Optimist International.

The contest is designed for young people to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with an opportunity to compete for multiple college scholarships with a pre-assigned topic.

Topic "How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times"

District Scholarships: First Place: $2,500 • Second Place: $1,500 • Third Place: $1,000

with a chance to win up to $22,500 at the World Championships level

ESSAY CONTEST The Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live.

The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In addition to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship!

One District Scholarship of $2,500

Topic “How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success”

COMMUNICATION CONTEST FOR THE DEAF & HARD OF HEARING

Topic "How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times"

This contest offers an opportunity for students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing to present their thoughts in the community, gaining skills, which can only come from signing or speaking to a large audience. Patterned after the Optimist Oratorical Contest, the contest offers youth the chance to compete in speech or sign language with the chance to win a college scholarship.

One District Scholarship of $2,500

KIDS SPEAK OUT! SPEECH CONTEST All young people can compete in the Optimist Oratorical Contest. The “Kids Speak Out” contest is a “pre-Oratorical” program that provides a more equitable competition for younger speakers.

Follow complete Official Rules posted on www.optimist.org 14 • Optimist

SS Optimism 2024–2025 Cruise Special

Get ready to embark on an exciting journey aboard the S.S. Optimism! This 365-day (metaphorical) cruise, captained

by President Jan, promises a year of fun, growth, and rewards. As we “travel” to various ports, all Clubs will have the chance to win big – every new member a Club gains will earn them an entry into a $250 quarterly drawing!

Terms and Conditions • Clubs must “Opt-in” to participate. Clubs remain enrolled in the incentive for the full Optimist year once they have opted in. The Club can opt in to join the incentive cruise at any time.

• There will be a drawing at the end of each quarter.

• Club’s name is entered into drawing for every member past their NET Oct. 1, 2024, roster. Example: Club starts Oct. 1 with 50 members. On December 31, the Club has 57 members. Club will have seven entries into the drawing for this quarter.

• Clubs’ names can be drawn more than once. If Clubs are working hard to retain members and bring in new members, they should have more chances to win.

• Each Quarter starts new. The Club baseline remains at their Oct. 1, 2024, roster. This should encourage Clubs to retain members.

• The following, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarter ports of call will be at the end of each quarter. Example: Same Club Oct. 1 Roster was 50, March 31 roster is 53. Three entries into drawing.

• 1st Quarter: One drawing for $250.00

• 2nd Quarter: Two drawings for $250.00 each

• 3rd Quarter: Three drawings for $250.00 each • 4th Quarter: Four drawings for $250.00 each

CLICK HERE for terms and conditions and to opt-in to the “cruise.”

Visual Arts Contest Notecards We're thrilled to announce that beautiful notecards featuring artwork from the Optimist International Visual Arts Contest are now available for purchase!

These notecards showcase the incredible talent of young artists and their inspiring interpretations of the theme "Bringing Out the Best." Each pack includes 12 cards with unique designs and envelopes, all for just $12.

These notecards are perfect for personal use or as a thoughtful gift for fellow Optimists, friends, and family. By purchasing a set, you'll not only be supporting the artistic development of young people but also spreading the message of Optimism throughout your community!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER your notecards today!

January 2025 • 15

HOPE LIVES

HERE! Optimist International 4494 Lindell Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63108 (314) 371-6000 • (800) 500-8130 • Fax: (314) 371-6006 headquarters@optimist.org