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

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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 premier 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 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.

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.

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.

Fellow Optimists,

I have no doubt you have all heard of Michael Jordan and his extraordinary basketball career. While I'm not a huge sports fanatic, even I know Michael Jordan is one of the best basketball players of all time. So, I was stunned to learn that his high school team once cut him.

How could this legendary player have faced such a setback? Michael himself said, “I have missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I have missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

I love his attitude! Michael Jordan is an optimist. When facing obstacles or failures, he uses a positive explanatory style to move forward and achieve his goals. This style replaces failure with positive thinking: “It’s okay, that didn’t work. Let’s figure out an approach that will.”

As Optimists, let's embody the same optimistic thinking. Spring has arrived in our Optimist year, and just as the time changes for many regions,

let’s spring forward. Let’s focus our efforts, review our goals and develop a plan to achieve them by October 1, 2025. If you haven't made the progress you desire, be like Michael — use your optimistic thinking to revise your approach and achieve your goal.

Growth is essential for strengthening our Clubs, Districts, and Optimist International. We must focus on retaining current members, recruiting new ones, and building new clubs.

Here are some things you can do:

• Assess how engaged your members feel. Then, based on their feedback, revise your strategies to engage all members.

• Hold a recruitment event tailored to your club’s style. You might host a traditional gathering, inviting potential members to learn about your club, or invite guests to a club activity or social where they can experience the spirit of Optimism firsthand.

• Consider holding virtual meetings. A new clubbuilding approach I witnessed in Nepal had a significant impact on me. The Nepal Young Adult Optimist Club allows members to meet virtually to organize projects or socials. Districts or regions can organize similar young adult clubs the same way. I encourage you to virtually connect with past JOI members, their friends, and other young people from your community. Help them organize, then empower them to lead!

Optimist friends, let’s emulate Michael: use your optimistic thinking to achieve your goals. Let’s spring forward and carry this momentum into next year and beyond.

Yours in Optimism,

Jan Oord Graves International President 2024-25

Fellow Optimists,

State of Optimism 2025 Letter from the Editor

As we navigate this dynamic Optimist year, I am inspired by the remarkable resilience, unwavering dedication, and infectious passion shown by our members, volunteers, and staff around the world.

The profound commitment evident in our local Clubs reaffirms the positive impact Optimist International makes daily in the lives of young people and in our communities. It is a distinct privilege to witness this collective spirit.

I would like to share some insights into our shared progress and the exciting path that lies ahead.

Our organization is focused on advancing key priorities, ensuring that we not only honor and build upon our rich legacy but also innovate for the future. We are diligently working to enhance the support systems and resources available to every Club and member. For instance, we are refining our reporting mechanisms with the upcoming Club Project Impact Report and Annual Club Impact Report. These tools are designed to be more intuitive for Clubs and will better capture the impressive scope of your service, enabling us to more effectively tell our collective story of positive change.

We are also streamlining operational processes, such as the new District Allotment System, and developing clearer guidelines to ensure transparent and efficient operations at all levels of our organization.

Member development and engagement remain paramount. The Optimist Institute continues to be a valuable resource, with regularly updated training modules and new leadership development to support your personal and professional growth. The revamped Personal Growth and Involvement (PGI) program, now seamlessly integrated into the Optimist Institute, offers an accessible and rewarding path for every member to enhance their leadership capabilities and deepen their connection to the Optimist philosophy.

Furthermore, we have improved the onboarding experience for new members with automated New Member Packets, featuring customized certificates and essential resources to help them immediately feel part of our global family.

Our commitment to "Bringing Out the Best" is demonstrated through the continued success and thoughtful evolution of our signature programs.

The Optimist International Oratorical World Championships, Optimist Junior Golf tournament, and Junior Optimist International programs, including the impactful JOI Summit, continue to offer exceptional platforms for youth development.

We are also enthusiastic about newer initiatives like OWLS, currently in its national rollout phase, which promises to significantly enhance our support for elementary school students and their educational needs.

Looking further ahead, we are exploring innovative outreach methods, including the "Bee Attitudes" initiative and a potential subscriptionbased platform, to promote optimism and positive values to an even broader audience.

The upcoming 107th Optimist International Convention, scheduled for June 29 to July 3, 2025, at the historic St. Louis Union Station Hotel right here in St. Louis, Missouri, promises to be a highlight of the year. This gathering will be an invaluable opportunity for fellowship, learning, and celebrating our collective achievements. We are curating a program of inspiring speakers and practical workshops designed to offer valuable takeaways for both personal enrichment and Club development.

Our global Optimist community continues to grow. We are dedicated to supporting and expanding our presence in regions such as the Asia District (Nepal) and are carefully exploring new opportunities for sustainable growth in areas such as India. These international endeavors are always approached with meticulous planning to ensure that new Clubs are built on solid foundations and committed to Optimist International's mission and values.

As our membership changes and grows, we are also continuously refining our communications, with more frequent digital magazine issues and website enhancements, including a new translation widget to better serve our international members.

While we celebrate these positive strides, we also acknowledge the challenges that any large, dynamic organization faces. Insights from our ongoing State of Districts Review and strategic discussions around ASAE Foresightworks are crucial as we plan for a robust future. This helps us anticipate and proactively address the evolving needs of our members and the communities we are privileged to serve, ensuring Optimist International remains a leading force for good in the world for years to come.

The true measure of our success, however, lies not just in our operational strength but in the millions of young lives touched and the countless communities made stronger by your local efforts. Year after year, Optimist Clubs engage hundreds of thousands of youth in positive programs and invest millions of dollars in community-building activities.

This is the true "State of Optimism" – active, engaged, and making a profound difference.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment, your generous spirit, and your steadfast belief in the power of Optimism. Together, we are building a brighter future, one child, one community, one optimist at a time.

Yours in Optimism,

Cheryl L. Brenn Executive Director

Calendar

A look at what’s coming up for Optimist International

OCTOBER

• Optimist New Year

• Q1 Oct/Nov/Dec

NOVEMBER

• Optimist Junior Golf: Tournament of Champions

• World Kindness Day

• Giving Tuesday

• Optimist International Board of Director’s Meeting

DECEMBER

• Optimist Junior Golf: Hugh Cranford All Scholastic Scholarship Application opens

• Club of the Year submissions due

JANUARY

• Q2 Jan/Feb/March

• MLK Day of Service

• International Day of Education

• Optimist International Foundation Forum

FEBRUARY

• Optimist Day

• Black History Month

• IRS Annual Filing due for all U.S Optimist Clubs, the IRS annual 990 series returns are due

• Junior Optimist Reading Month

• Registration opens for the 2026 International Convention in Jacksonville, Florida

MARCH

• Optimist International Board of Director’s Meeting

• Read Across America Day

• International Day of Happiness

• OIF & CCOF Club Grant deadline

of Events

APRIL

• Q3 April/May/June

• Global Volunteer Month

• Hugh Cranford All- Scholastic Deadline

• School Library Month

• Deadline for Districts to submit winners for Essay Contest

• National Volunteer Week

• JOIful Weekend of Giving

MAY

• Annual Convention Early Bird Registration Deadline

• School Principals’ Day

• Anti-Bullying Day

• Teacher Appreciation Week

• OIF Club Grant Announcement

• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month

JUNE

• Flag Day

• Optimist International Convention

• Pride Month

JULY

• Q4 July/August/September

• Optimist International Convention

• Junior Optimist International Summit

• Oratorical World Championships

• Optimist International Junior Golf Championships

AUGUST

• National Nonprofit Day

• International Youth Day

SEPTEMBER

• Hispanic Heritage Month

• Celebrate Community

• International Literacy Day

• PDP (Personal Development Program) Revamped- Webinar

• National Day of Encouragement

• Positive Thinking Day

Welcome New Members

Since the beginning of the Optimist year in October, Optimist International has welcomed 3,155 new Members and created 21 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 40,000 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!

• 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 27-30, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida. Here are

Optimist International Signature Programs: Bringing Out The Best

by J. Ryne Danielson Communications Manager

Optimist International's signature programs are the cornerstones of its mission, translating the organization's positive philosophy into tangible actions that uplift young people and strengthen communities. These initiatives offer more than just activities; they provide crucial opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and academic advancement for youth participants.

Simultaneously, they offer adult volunteers deeply fulfilling avenues to connect with their communities, mentor the next generation, and witness firsthand the positive impact of their dedicated service. Through these programs, Optimist International not only brings out the best in youth but also enriches the lives of its members and fosters a more caring and capable society.

Signature Scholarship Programs

Oratorical World Championships

The Optimist International Oratorical Contest, established in 1928, holds the distinction of being the organization's longest-running program. It was initially created for Junior Optimist members but soon expanded to include all boys age 16 and younger. Recognizing the importance of equal opportunity, Optimist International added a separate contest for girls in the 1970s, eventually culminating in the genderneutral contest we know today.

Throughout its history, the Optimist International Foundation and, later, the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation have been instrumental in supporting the contest by awarding scholarships to District-level winners.

A significant evolution of the program occurred in 2016 with the inauguration of the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships. This global platform allows District winners from various countries to compete for substantial scholarships. The world champion receives an award of $15,000, while the second and third-place finishers earn $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. Furthermore, nine regional winners are each awarded a $5,000 scholarship.

Each year, the contest focuses on a specific theme, encouraging students to research, develop and articulate their perspectives, thereby honing valuable public speaking skills and building self-confidence.

Essay Contest

The Optimist International Essay Contest provides a wonderful opportunity for students under the age of 19 to develop their writing skills, explore their own views and gain confidence in their self-expression.

First held in the 1940s, this long-standing competition allows young people to tap into their creativity and articulate their thoughts on a specific theme. Each year, a new official topic is announced for the contest.

To be eligible, contestants must not have completed secondary school. The contest begins at the Club level, and winners advance to the District level to compete for a $2,500 scholarship. Essays must be between 700800 words and are judged on material organization, creativity, vocabulary and style, grammar, and adherence to the contest rules.

Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH)

Patterned after the Oratorical Contest, the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) offers a platform for young people with hearing loss to present their thoughts orally or through sign language.

Growing out of Optimist International’s “Help Them Hear” initiative and launched as a pilot project in 1990, this contest provides an opportunity to develop presentation skills and self-confidence in a supportive environment. The competition, available to students through grade 12, starts at the local Club level and progresses to the District level, where participants can win a $2,500 scholarship.

How to Get Involved

Optimist members are the driving force behind these valuable scholarship programs, and your support helps young people in our communities gain valuable skills and confidence. There are many ways to contribute.

Optimist clubs can organize local scholarship contests and Optimist members can volunteer as judges, mentor participants as they prepare their essays or speeches or contribute financially to their club’s scholarship efforts.

You can help with event logistics like registration or timekeeping, or provide refreshments for participants and their families, or sponsor students by covering travel costs.

Promoting the scholarships by sharing contest information with local schools, teachers and youth groups is also important, ensuring a wide range of students can participate. One great way to promote the scholarships and to boost a young writer's or orator’s confidence is to celebrate their achievement by publicizing their success in local media and on your Club's social media channels.

Optimist Junior Golf

The Optimist Junior Golf program is globally recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious initiatives of its kind for young golfers.

Optimist International's formal commitment to junior golf began in 1978 through a collaboration with the Junior World Golf Association. A major milestone was reached in 1995 when the organization launched its own Optimist International Junior Golf Championships.

Each year, this program attracts thousands of young golfers, ages 10-18, who participate in rigorous qualifying tournaments sponsored by Optimist Clubs and Districts across the globe. The top finishers from these qualifiers earn the privilege of advancing to The Optimist International Junior Golf Championship. This premier event not only showcases exceptional young talent but also serves as a significant scouting opportunity for college coaches and is ranked by major junior golf scoreboards.

Beyond the main championship, Optimist International further supports young golfers through the Tournament of Champions, an annual invitational event for topperforming junior golfers ages 11-18. Additionally, the organization sponsors various Optimist Tour Events in the United States and Canada.

A particularly esteemed part of the program is the Hugh Cranford All-Scholastic Team, established in 2007. This team annually recognizes five junior golfers for their exceptional academic records and dedicated community service, awarding each a $1,000 scholarship and an automatic exemption into The Optimist championship.

How to Get Involved

By hosting local qualifying tournaments, Optimist Clubs form the backbone of the Optimist Junior Golf program. Clubs and individual members can also make a significant difference by sponsoring junior golfers,

helping to cover expenses that allow talented youth to advance to higher levels of competition.

Volunteering time and expertise at local, district, or international golf events is another valuable way to contribute. Furthermore, financial support for the scholarship components of the program can be directed through the Optimist International Foundation or the Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation.

Comprehensive information on qualifying events and how young golfers can participate is regularly updated and available on the Optimist International website.

Junior Optimist International

Junior Optimist International has a distinguished history that began in 1920 when Optimist Henry Scarborough facilitated the formation of the first club for young people in Milwaukee. Recognizing the immense value of engaging youth in service and leadership early on, Optimist International started to officially charter Junior Optimist Clubs in 1924.

A more formalized international structure for these youth clubs emerged in 1988 with the establishment of Junior Optimist Octagon International, which consolidated various age levels of youth clubs. In a move to streamline its identity, the organization's name returned to Junior Optimist International in 2016.

As the dedicated youth arm of Optimist International, JOI plays a vital role in empowering students to become effective leaders and committed volunteers within their communities. JOI Clubs are typically sponsored by adult Optimist Clubs but operate with a significant degree of autonomy, electing their own officers and developing their own service projects. This hands-on approach allows members to gain valuable experience in leadership, collaborative teamwork, effective communication, and responsible money management. Currently, JOI is a vibrant global network with more than 8,000 members participating in about 400 clubs worldwide.

A highlight for the youth members is the annual JOI Summit. This event brings together young Optimists from diverse backgrounds, providing them with opportunities to participate in the governance of their organization, attend leadership training seminars, and build lasting friendships with peers who share their commitment to service.

How to Get Involved

Adult Optimist Clubs are strongly encouraged to foster the next generation of leaders by sponsoring new JOI Clubs in their local elementary, middle, or high schools, as well as in various community-based settings. Optimist members can make a profound impact by serving as adult advisors, offering mentorship, guidance, and support to JOI members as they plan and implement their diverse service projects.

Students who are eager to make a positive difference in their communities can find existing JOI Clubs in their vicinity by visiting the Optimist International website. Alternatively, they can collaborate with a local Optimist Club to explore the exciting possibility of chartering a new JOI Club.

OWLS (Optimists Working for Learning Success)

Optimists Working for Learning Success is Optimist International’s newest signature program, officially introduced by Past International President Bob McFadyen during the 2023 International Convention.

This initiative is tailored to support elementary schoolaged students by empowering Optimist Clubs to establish partnerships with local schools and individual classrooms. Through these collaborations, participating Optimist Clubs aim to provide students with a range of essential resources designed to create an environment conducive to their academic and personal success. Key areas of support within the OWLS framework include

providing for children's nutritional needs, supplying clothing and school essentials, ensuring access to hygiene products, and offering valuable tutoring assistance.

A voluntary pilot program concluded at the end of 2024, and a national rollout of OWLS to all Optimist Cubs across the United States and Canada is currently underway. An international rollout is planned for the 2025-2026 Optimist year, with the goal of extending the program's benefits to Optimist Clubs and the children they serve around the world.

This strategic, phased approach is designed to establish Optimist International as a premier community service organization dedicated to comprehensively supporting local educational institutions. The OWLS program offers tangible benefits to students by increasing their access to necessary resources, which in turn can lead to enhanced self-esteem, improved social skills, and better academic performance. For Optimist Clubs, participation in OWLS provides a meaningful pathway to deeper community engagement, helps to cultivate a more focused club identity, and offers a compelling opportunity to attract new members who are passionate about supporting youth education.

How to Get Involved

Optimist Clubs can participate in the OWLS program in several ways. The process often begins with thorough research into the specific needs and challenges faced by local elementary schools, which helps clubs identify potential volunteer opportunities and pinpoint areas where their support can be most impactful. Clubs can reach out to school principals, teachers, and other educational staff to build collaborative relationships and to discuss how the club can best assist the school community.

Projects might include establishing backpack programs to provide food for students over weekends, organizing student-of-the-month recognition programs to foster a positive and encouraging school culture, or integrating OWLS initiatives with established club programs such as anti-drug and anti-bullying campaigns. Maintaining consistent and open communication with school partners allows clubs to offer ongoing support and to adapt their efforts dynamically to the evolving needs of both the students and the school itself.

Clubs should collect data to measure their success and share their achievements through social media or email newsletters to inspire other clubs to follow their lead.

A Century of Optimism: A Legacy of Bringing Out the Best

by J. Ryne Danielson Communications Manager

Optimist International's history reflects a consistent dedication to positive vision and community service. For more than 100 years, Optimists have worked to improve the lives of youth and their communities, adapting to new challenges along the way.

The Genesis of a Movement (Early 1900s - 1919)

Edward L. Monser sowed the seeds of Optimism in Buffalo, New York, when he suggested forming The Optimist Club of Buffalo on Feb. 16, 1911. The club officially organized on April 1 of that year with 25 members. Its initial purpose was to foster business networking; however, a spirit of service soon emerged, with early efforts including Christmas parties for underprivileged children. The Buffalo club adopted the motto "Make Children Happy" by 1917.

The idea spread. In 1914, Buffalo Optimists helped establish new clubs in Rochester and Syracuse, New York. The Syracuse club, under John Henry Walters' leadership, pioneered work with boys facing delinquency through a mentorship program it started in 1915, influencing a long-standing focus of the organization.

The national organization formally began in Indianapolis, Indiana, when Edwin L. Quarles chartered an Optimist Club for the city on April 15, 1916. Optimists formally organized the Optimist Club

of Indianapolis, recognized as Club No. 1, on May 19, 1916. Simultaneously, organizers filed paperwork to incorporate the American Optimists' Clubs, the direct predecessor to Optimist International. This growing movement led to the first Optimist Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 19-20, 1919, where 11 clubs officially united. Delegates elected William Henry Harrison of Louisville their first president, and Dr. Harry G. Hill of Indianapolis became the first executive secretary. Indianapolis served as the inaugural headquarters.

These logos were used on the first International Convention program in 1919. Although never officially adopted, they were informally used for several years. The emblem on the left consisted of a man with a beaming countenance surrounded by the words “International Optimist Club.” On the right, the emblem had a sun in its center and the words “Friendship, Sociability, Loyalty, Reciprocity” around it as a border.

Defining Purpose and Expanding Horizons (1920s - 1940s)

The 1920s proved a formative period for what would become Optimist International. In 1922, the organization replaced its original objectives of Friendship, Sociability, Loyalty and Reciprocity with the enduring purposes that guide it today, including a commitment to "aid and encourage the development of youth." That same year, at the Kansas City Convention, the organization adopted "the cause of the delinquent boy" as its primary mission. Christian D. Larson's poem "Promise Yourself" became The Optimist Creed, a statement of philosophy for members.

The organization officially became Optimist International at the 1923 Chattanooga Convention. There, members adopted "Friend of the Delinquent Boy" as the official motto. Members chose St. Louis as the permanent headquarters, and Optimist International appointed Thomas B. Elliott its first full-time executive secretary. A year later, in 1924, the motto evolved to "Friend of the Boy."

International expansion began when Optimist International hired William M. Skilling as the first Canadian field director in November 1923. Skilling's

work led to the chartering of the Optimist Club of Toronto, Ontario, on Feb. 26, 1924, followed by the Optimist Club of Hamilton, Ontario, on June 9, 1924, marking the organization's first official club outside the United States.

Henry Scarborough formed the first Junior Optimist Club in Milwaukee in 1920, formalizing youth involvement. Optimist International began officially chartering these youth clubs in 1924, and in 1928, Optimist International established the Optimist International Oratorical Contest, its longest-running program, initially for Junior Optimists.

Optimist International further extended its outreach, chartering the Pan American Optimist Club of El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico, on May 11, 1940. Optimists established a club in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Dec. 13, 1941. And by 1944, affiliated clubs existed in Bristol, England, and Sydney, Australia. Optimists chartered The Optimist Club of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, on Dec. 3, 1945, and a club in Havana, Cuba, followed on Jan. 5, 1947.

First International Convention, Louisville, Kentucky, June 19 and 20, 1919

Breaking ground at the new Optimist International Headquarters, St. Louis, Missouri.

Christian D. Larson and the 12-verse "Promise Yourself" poem.

Core Values

Optimism

Respect

Integrity

Global Community

Post-War Growth and Evolving Focus

(1945 - 1989)

FollowingWorld War II, Optimist International experienced substantial growth. The organization focused on expanding its service to youth and communities. The motto saw a significant change in 1972, becoming "Friend of Youth" to reflect the organization's service to all young people.

The late 1970s and 1980s brought important developments regarding inclusion and international presence. In 1979, Sherman J. Jones and Roddy L. Couts became the first African American District Governors. Jones subsequently became the first African American International Vice President for the 1982-83 term.

Expansion into the Caribbean began with the chartering of the Optimist Club of Kingston, Jamaica, on Aug. 10, 1980, the first English-speaking club in the region. This marked the beginning of a strong Optimist presence throughout the Caribbean islands.

In 1987, after years of auxiliary involvement through Opti-Mrs.

Clubs (started in 1921), the Optimist International Board of Directors voted on May 11, 1987, to officially admit women as members. Delegates ratified this decision at the International Convention in Montreal that year. The Optimist Club of NewhallSanta Clarita Valley, California, chartered on June 24, 1987, as the first all-women club. This change significantly broadened the organization's membership and leadership potential.

The Junior Optimist program also saw a structural evolution with the establishment of Junior Optimist Octagon International in 1988, uniting various youth club levels.

Club de Optimistas de la Habana-Cuba in 1947

U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower greets Optimist Oratorical contest winner Daniel T. Yates in 1953.

In 2006, Ronnie Dunn of Frankfurt, Kentucky, becomes the first female President of Optimist International

In 2007, Theo

Renaissance, Inclusion and Global Reach (1990 - Present)

The 1990s heralded a Renaissance for Optimist International, characterized by further growth and a renewed commitment to its core values. Women began to ascend to higher leadership roles; Jewel Lorene Thompson became the first female District Governor on Oct. 1, 1991. The organization also saw continued international expansion, reaching into Hungary (1989-90), and then France, Russia and Germany in the early 1990s. By 1995, Optimists had established clubs in the Philippines, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

The new millennium brought further milestones. In 2001, Optimist International introduced the Childhood Cancer Campaign. This initiative included a $1 million commitment to Johns Hopkins for research, announced in 2004.

In 2006, Ronnie Dunn made history as the first female International President, serving the 2006-07 term. The following year, Theodore "Theo" Golding of Jamaica became the first International President from outside Canada or the United States, and the first person of color to hold this office, for the 2007-08 term.

Optimist International has continued its global expansion into the 21st century. New clubs were chartered in Thailand, Morocco and Senegal (2016); Nepal, Nigeria and Uganda (2017); the People's Republic of China and Togo (2018); and Uruguay (2019).

In 2016, Optimist International revised its Mission Statement to: "By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves." This updated mission reflects the organization's comprehensive approach to service. The Oratorical Contest also expanded, launching its World Championships in 2016. The youth arm, JOOI, returned to its original name, Junior Optimist International, the same year.

The focus on children's well-being broadened further with the expansion of the Childhood Cancer Campaign to Childhood Health and Wellness during the 2018-19 Optimist year.

Today, Optimist International includes more than 40,000 individual members in more than 2,000 autonomous Clubs across numerous countries. Annually, these clubs conduct more than 50,000 service projects, benefiting 6 million young people and investing approximately $78 million into their communities.

As Optimist International looks to its next century, its mission to foster optimism and serve youth and communities remains its guiding principle.

Golding of Kingston, Jamaica, becames the first International President from Outside the United States and Canada.

From Assembly Lines to Doorsteps: Meal Kits Bring Relief

by Blythe Dorrian Communications Coordinator

Across Michigan, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to fight hunger, both globally and locally. Partnering with Kids Coalition Against Hunger (KCAH), Optimists packed thousands of meal kits while also honoring Meals on Wheels drivers with gas cards.

KCAH is a humanitarian food relief organization which branched off from Feeding Children International.

“We’re not a food bank,” Executive Director, Michael Burwell said. “Though we do give to local food banks and shelters, our primary goal is to be a subsidizer. We were able to send about 500,000 meals to the disaster relief in North Carolina. We are around to give folks a hand up.”

The idea for KCAH began with Richard Proudfit after he witnessed the destruction of Hurricane Fifi in Honduras in 1974.

“After seeing the damage, Proudfit tried to get donors to donate foods that Americans eat, “Burwell said. “The kids there were getting sick because they weren’t used to the preservatives we have in our food. Scientists at Archer-Daniels, General Mills and Cargill, came up with a formula that would be widely accepted across the world without having any meat additives in them.”

Each KCAH meal packet contains four ingredients, long stem white rice, a dehydrated vegetable blend, vitamin-fortified crushed soy, and chicken-flavored vitamin powder. Each bag weighs 390 grams and can feed six adults or 12 children.

Paul Okoniewski of the Romeo Rotary Club delivered the food cases from the KCAH volunteer event to the food pantry in Gaylord, Michigan. This effort of the Optimist and Rotary Clubs followed the devastating ice storm in the northern lower peninsula of Michigan.

“Each bag only needs to be cooked with six cups of boiling water,” Burwell said. “The food banks love our food because they don’t have to store it in specific ways. Our packets have a shelf life of three years, and everything on the bag can be pronounced.”

Burwell has been with the organization for 18 years. After being in the construction industry for years, his father asked him to join in 2008.

“My dad and Richard Proudfit were actually friends,” Burwell said. “My dad worked for Michigan Bell then, which would probably be ATT now, for 30 years. He was a pastor at a church for about 35 years. After he retired, he got involved with the Promise Keepers who was organized by Coach McCartney of the University of Colorado. Proudfit presented in Colorado at a conference. My dad saw his organization, decided to retire from that group, and brought Feeding Children International to Michigan.”

Originally called the Kids Advancing Hope Coalition, the Michigan satellite became Kids Against Hunger in 1999 and was renamed KCAH in 2016. Word of mouth has kept them known throughout the Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana areas.

The Romeo Area Rotary Club was one of those groups who discovered KCAH through another volunteer event in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They wanted to do another event and combined efforts with the Romeo Optimist Club to pack meals.

Dave Putt founded the Romeo Optimist Club in June 2024. In his six and a half years, Putt also serves as an OI Foundation Representative, Immediate Past President of the Central Macomb Optimist Club, and he is the Governor-Elect of the Michigan District.

Each meal bag will be packed and put in boxes to send to a place of need. “Twenty years ago, there was a pastor who used to yell Bazinga when he didn’t have to add or take anything out of the bag [to get to 390 grams],” Burwell said. “Now, at every event when volunteers weigh a perfect bag, they yell Bazinga. There is always something quirky that make the experience fun.”

KCAH packs around 4.2 million meals per year. Burwell said that for the first six years, they packaged around 150,000 meals. Becoming mobile and not having to rely on being in only one location has helped production.

“We had a club in the Romeo area years ago, but it folded,” Putt said. “It was said that it was probably worth the effort to try to build a new club, and so we did. We have 17 members now.

Both clubs met at Grace Lutheran Church. KCAH came over with a large truck full of ingredients and equipment needed for the meals. The whole process was completed in less than three hours, from set up to tear down.

“We had about six assembly lines with 10-12 people on each line,” Putt said. “Everyone had a role, whether you were the person weighing the chicken or the rice. We all had measuring cups to dump the ingredients into the bags. Someone had to seal the bags and put them in the boxes. We had a really good time.”

The clubs packaged 47 cases of meals which came to around 2,700 meal packets. Twenty-seven cases went overseas, eight cases went to the St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church food pantry, and 12 cases went to a local disaster.

“On March 28, we had a terrible ice storm in northern Michigan,” Putt said. “It was one of those once- in-a-

century storms. It lasted over two days and destroyed almost a million acres of our national forests. In fact, there are still people just now getting their power back. They were out of power for almost a month.”

Putt said they had a number of children who volunteered, and that it was great to see the younger and older people working together. Around 100 people came together on a Saturday morning.

“We had a place for the food to go right away,” Putt said. “It was a devasting storm, but we had all these boxes of meals. We were able to respond and serve people in our state who really needed help. That’s something I will remember.”

Putt said he hopes that other Optimist clubs will partner with other service groups like the Lions Club, Kiwanis, or the Rotary Club like they did because they are great sources to find other service opportunities in the community.

“With the Romeo club being less than a year old, we might not be big givers yet, but we are big doers,” Putt said. “We are a foot on the ground with volunteering type of club. Our heart is in the right place.”

The Mecosta County Club stand with their goodie bags. Whyte said she is blessed with several people who are 100 or over who receive meals, and one lady who is 104 sticks out in her mind. She is very active in their center, and she comes over to their meal site three days a week. “When she is not here, we deliver her a meal,” Whyte said. “Two years ago, she broke her leg, and she was in rehab. When she came back, she was so down and depressed. The people from here started visiting her at home, and they started encouraging her to come back to play cards. She was like a different person.”

Across the state, the Mecosta County Optimist Club was setting up gift bags and gas gift cards for the volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers.

Beth Whyte has lived in the county for the past 37 years, and she currently serves as the Meals Coordinator Assistant Director at the Commission on Aging.

“Mecosta County is a very rural area,” Whyte said. “We have seven meals routes, four paid, and three volunteer meal routes. There are a lot of people where our meal is their main meal of the day, and we have some people who receive more than one meal a day.”

To qualify, the residents must live in the county lines, they must be homebound and able to be home to receive their meal, and they must be 60 or older.

“We have a fairly large retirement area close to where our site is located,” Whyte said. “We are serving a little more than 200 people daily. We also have a meal site where people come in and eat. We average around 4550 for that service daily.”

In 2024, their Meals on Wheels served over 370 homebound seniors during the year, drove around 80,000 miles, and served 63,718 meals to people in their homes. A total of 10,396 meals were served at their meal site.

“The numbers have gone up every year,” Whyte said. “Right now, we are fortunate we don’t have a waiting list, but we are almost reaching that point. Some of my drivers drive over 100 miles a day, and they spend four to four and a half hours a day delivering meals.”

There are approximately 15 to 20 total people who help in the kitchen, and around 20 people who help drive meals. The volunteers worked over 4,000 hours last year across working in the kitchen, driving, and greeting.

Michelle Kauffold is the President of the Mecosta County Optimist Club. She heard about Meals on Wheels through her exercise instructor at the Senior Center who is a volunteer driver.

“We wanted to honor the drivers for their efforts on Optimist Day,” Kauffold said. “It’s rural with a lot of spread-out land here. It isn’t a bunch of neighborhoods. We created little goodie bags with “you are my sunshine” cards and put in packaged snacks, some healthy and some chocolate.”

The club bought five $25 gift cards for the drivers, and they made 100 assorted gift bags.

Last year, the Mecosta County Optimist Club gave flowers and cards to retirement home residents at Royal View. “In 1992, I joined the Roseville Optimist Club. However, when I retired and moved up here, I needed a club to stay active,” Kauffold said. “My Mecosta County Optimist Club was new, so we started celebrating Optimist Day. I’ve had family members who have received it [Meals on Wheels] before. It’s a great program.”

“We couldn’t afford to service everyone, but we did pick one or two drivers to help us deliver the goodie bags. We as club members brought the bags to the Senior Center, and then Beth and her drivers took the bags for each of the routes.”

Five members of their club got together to make the bags.

“It was fun with the club members,” Kauffold said. “We made a little assembly line to fill the bags and put stickers on them. Of course, we bought too much chocolate. We all had to eat some of it because we were so worried about our seniors.”

Kauffold said their club volunteered at the retirement center for Optimist Day the previous year, and they wanted to keep a similar project.

“Seniors are like big kids,” Kauffold said. “They like a little something to brighten their day, too.”

Whyte said she couldn’t do anything without the help of her volunteers, and that they might be the only people the seniors see every day.

“They talk to them, ask how they are, and it is more than just a meal,” Whyte said. “They get to be friends, and they know when something is off. We have come upon emergencies where we’ve had to call 911 and our drivers stay right there with them until help arrives.

Whyte said it is always nice when people come from the outside to help, and sometimes people don’t realize what goes on in a Commission on Aging.

“One of the things that touched me was that the Optimist Club thought of our volunteer drivers,” Whyte said. “They each got a bag with a gift card for gas. I thought it was so sweet for them to think along those lines.”

Centerville Noon Builds Decades of Optimism

by Blythe Dorrian Communications Coordinator

Centerville Noon Optimist Club has served as a model of community service, spirit, and connection. With close to 350 members and a history of several “Club of the Year” awards, it is one of the largest Optimist International clubs in the world.

Club President Paul Boeckman has been part of the organization for almost 40 years and has seen how the club has grown, not only in size, but in impact.

“I started with the Salem Mall Optimist Club in 1982 when I was an Assistant Bank Manager,” Boeckman said. “The club eventually folded, and I moved around to different branches in the bank. I joined Centerville Noon in 1994.”

When Boeckman started with Centerville, the total membership was a little over 100. Today, it has nearly tripled. Boeckman said that while every member has a sponsor, recruitment happens organically.

“We have one member, Mike Bevis, who has sponsored 110 new members over the 22 years he has been a part of the club. Everyone has a sponsor, but we don’t have a sponsorship committee where it’s somebody’s job. It’s

like reaching out to your neighbor. If you know a person and they have an interest in the club, then you’re the de facto sponsor.”

Boeckman served as Club Secretary/Treasurer and later as President of the Salem Mall club. At Centerville, he led the Safety on Wheels program for two decades and served on the board before being asked to become president.

“I worked full-time until about four years ago,” Boeckman said. “Until then, I wasn’t able to make it to most of the meetings. My retirement created a lot of opportunity time wise. I was asked to consider being President. You start as a committee member doing activities, and then if you do well, you can get considered for a Board member position. You go through the VP role and then President-Elect. There is a process to move into leadership.”

Centerville Noon participates in around 60 different activities per year.

“My favorite thing about them [Centerville Noon] is that every time I walk in, I am greeted with a smile,” Feldmeyer said. “They greet everyone with a smile, which is one of my favorite lines from the Optimist Creed.”

The club hosts about 60 projects on average each year, from youth appreciation events to photography and talent contests. Their three main fundraisers include a golf outing, essay contests, and the widely recognized Avenue of Flags program where people in the community subscribe and receive a flag in their front yard for six national holidays.

“We put them out and they can display their flags for up to two weeks in some cases,” Boeckman said. “We have nearly 4,000 subscribers. We also do a golf outing every year where we have one of the local children’s hospitals as a beneficiary.”

Despite its size, the club holds a deep sense of closeness among all the members.

“I think my favorite thing is the closeness of the community and camaraderie of our members,” Boeckman said. “We meet every Tuesday at noon, and we have 110125 members who show up for weekly meetings. As the president, I try to make the meetings fun and something they want to go to.”

To reach even more people, the club launched an evening group called Centerville Optimist 2.0, which meets once a month in the evening for those who can’t attend daytime meetings. They also try to post sign-ups for events online and stay updated with social media.

“Since we meet at lunch for the regular meetings, we created an evening club from 5:30-7 p.m.,” Boeckman said. “The goal is to target the people who can’t meet during lunch. We have several dozen members who are a part of this group.”

Paul Stull, the club’s most tenured member, has witnessed decades of change and growth over his past 57 years with the club.

“There were originally 26 of us,” Stull said. “It was a highpowered group of physicians, educators, and businesspeople. It was quite the cross section of society. We continued to grow the club to get to where we are now.”

Originally from southeastern Ohio, Stull was completing a year-long internship as a veterinarian in Florida before he moved back home. While he was looking for something to do, he was told about a job opening in the Dayton area.

“I had a friend who was a podiatrist, and I was his dog’s veterinarian,” Stull said. “He kept after me for a long time to be a charter member of the club. Finally, he talked me into it, but I was a day late.”

Stull said the first project he started with was the Christmas tree lot, and he said some of his favorite early memories were from their softball team. Stull still thinks about the camaraderie the club developed from it.

“We had a few projects, but not nearly as many as today.” Stull said. “We put our heart, soul, and mind into them to help our kids. As we got more members, we were able to be more in our community. We didn’t do it just for recognition, but we have received awards for our projects.”

Even after 57 years, Stull is still energized by the people he meets each week.

“With a club our size, it’s kind of hard to get to know everyone,” Stull said. “If you work at it, it’s amazing how many new friends you can make. It’s common knowledge in the medical field that your social life is important to your happiness.”

He has also taught as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Dayton for the past 50 years. He said he has been able to give back and learn more about different perspectives from students.

The Christmas tree lot is a popular project for the members of Centerville Noon. Stull said the club has taught him how to endure and not give up. “Things happen, and most of the time they are good,” Stull said. “Occasionally, you lose a member from an untimely end or situation. We just try to be the best we can be while we are here.”

“We try to be inclusive, and we try to make sure our new visitors feel welcome,” Stull said. “We all have lunch together, and there is a lot of repartee. Some of these people are so witty, and it is funny as all get out.”

On the other end of the spectrum, Wes Feldmeyer, who joined around two months ago, represents the next wave of Optimists ready to carry the mission forward.

“I was born and raised in Centerville,” Feldmeyer said. “When I came in, I knew about 10 people who I didn’t know were already a part of the group.”

A 2024 graduate of Ohio University and a current employee of the American Heart Association, Feldmeyer says volunteering has been major part of his middle and high school life. He said his generosity was instilled by his parents, as they are also prominent volunteers in the community.

“Some of my friends are still in college, and some of them moved away,” Feldmeyer said. “I’ve been looking for ways to give back. I’m someone who can be friends with anyone. It doesn’t matter how old they are.”

Feldmeyer’s first memories with Optimist clubs took place in middle school.

“I first participated in the Oratorical Contest in middle school,” Feldmeyer said. “I ended up getting last place, which is funny because I ended up becoming a public speaking enthusiast in high school. I was on the speech/ debate team, and I went to state for four years. I also ended up judging the Oratorical Contest.”

One of the programs Feldmeyer has gotten involved in supporting is Wait Until 8th.

Each new honoree must have a minimum of ten years in the club, have held a leadership position, exhibited an optimistic attitude, and volunteered consistently over many years “Friend of youth,” Stull said. “That’s our motto. It goes back to the people you work with. The club grows and so do our individuals.”

during a club meeting. “We always do club announcements every week, and there are online sign-ups for all of the activities,” Boeckman said. “Committee chairs will request help for activities going on. The more people you have participating in the activities helps with camaraderie. You do things with people, and that’s how you make friends.

“This encourages parents to wait for kids to have an actual phone and get on social media until eighth grade,” Feldmeyer said. “I am a big believer in that. I had Facebook when I was in fifth grade. Who did I know on Facebook then?”

Feldmeyer says joining the club has given him not just a way to volunteer, but a sense of weekly joy.

“It’s so nice to have one day during the week where I spend my lunch with people who are all laughing and spreading joy,” Feldmeyer said. “My work is stressful. I tell people sad statistics every day.”

Feldmeyer said he met his sponsor through a Business International Networking group, and that he made a self-challenge to build new friendships one person at a time.

“I always try to sit at a new table every week,” Feldmeyer said. “I want to hear their story, background, and how they got involved in the club. I love it when people tell me about them. If I could tell the members of the club anything, it would be to save me a seat.”

Boeckman encourages all of his members to keep being involved. He challenges all new members to jump in headfirst, step up, and know that there is an activity for everyone.

“The most valuable thing is when I run into someone I know or met because of the club,” Boeckman said. “Those friendships are huge. The coolest thing is when you see a kid who has done something with the Optimist Club grow up. We’ve built our club from the ground up.”

Centerville Noon announced three Christian D. Larson Awards. From left, Mike Brubaker, Paul Stull, and Greg Griffin stand with their awards.

Centerville Noon President Paul Boeckman stands at the podium

The Value of Giving: Powering Optimism Through Our Foundations

by J. Ryne Danielson Communications Manager

At the heart of Optimist International's ability to serve youth and communities are two vital entities: the Optimist International Foundation and the Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation. These foundations channel the generosity of Optimists and supporters into impactful programs and scholarships, transforming hopeful visions into tangible realities.

Giving to these foundations is more than a donation; it is an investment in the future, empowering young people and enabling Optimist Clubs to expand their crucial work.

Optimist International

Foundation (OIF)

Optimist International established the Optimist International Foundation in 1971. Operating as a notfor-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the OIF supports Optimist Clubs across the United States and the Caribbean. Foundation-funded programs serve about 1.5 million children annually.

The Foundation’s history is one of steady growth and evolving support for Optimist International's mission. Prior to the establishment of the OIF, a significant early initiative, the Life Membership program provided crucial funds to keep Optimist International financially stable. Launched in 1936, during the Great Depression, it has since grown to include more than 21,000 Life Members. Later, in 1948, leaders created the Optimist International Boys’ Work Fund, viewed by many as a precursor to the OIF, to help fund scholarships and youth projects.

The OIF's role has expanded significantly over the decades. By the early 1980s, after reaching an initial goal of $1 million in assets, the Foundation began underwriting all Oratorical Contest scholarships and supported the development of the International Essay Contest. This commitment to funding key Optimist programs, including scholarships for the Oratorical Contest, Essay Contest and the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH), continues to be a cornerstone of its work.

In recent years, the OIF has focused on strategic planning to ensure long-term progress. Utilizing processes like SOAR (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results), the OIF Board aims to build on current successes, explore new opportunities and set measurable goals. This forward-thinking approach ensures the Foundation remains dedicated to empowering Optimists for years to come.

The OIF provides direct support to clubs through initiatives such as Club Grants and Childhood Health and Wellness Grants. In the 2023-2024 Optimist year, for example, the Foundation awarded $17,150 in Club Grants and $47,800 in Childhood Health and Wellness Grants, which includes support for the Childhood Cancer Campaign. These grants allow clubs to fund new and ongoing projects that improve the quality of life for children, focusing on areas such as healthy lifestyles, chronic diseases, disabilities and mental health.

The impact of these grants is evident in projects like the Dubuque Morning Optimist Club's Rooted Box Program, which provides nutritious meals to first-graders, and the Playa Vista Optimist Club's diverse initiatives addressing literacy, mental health, homelessness and childhood cancer.

Recognizing the significant contributions of its donors, the OIF established the William H. Harrison Society in 2001 to honor those who have demonstrated exceptional generosity. The Women's Philanthropy Council, celebrating 20 years in 2024-2025, has also played a crucial role, raising funds for scholarships for young women in the World Oratorical Championship Regional Contest from the U.S. and the Caribbean. In the past year, the WPC has raised more than $18,000.

As OIF President Ben DeRemer articulates, giving to the Foundation "is an investment in young people, in their futures, and in the communities they will shape. It is about ensuring every child's voice can be heard and their potential realized.”

Dubuque Morning Optimist Club, Rooted Box

Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation (CCOF)

The Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation was founded in March 1988, evolving from the Optimist International Foundation of Canada. As a registered Canadian charity based in Montreal, the CCOF is dedicated exclusively to serving the interests of Canadian Optimist members and the youth in their communities. All funds raised by the CCOF remain in Canada and support Optimist International scholarships, youth club programs, various Optimist activities and volunteer training initiatives across the nation.

Scholarships are a primary focus for the CCOF, representing more than 80 percent of its program expenditures. Since 1989, the CCOF has awarded more than $1.8 million in scholarships through its various programs, benefiting nearly 880 young Canadians. This underscores the CCOF's deep commitment to nurturing future leaders and enhancing access to higher education within Canada.

The CCOF also empowers local clubs through its Club Grant program. An example of this impact is the Hammond Optimist Club, which received a $1,000 grant to purchase new books for the Saint-Mathieu School library, thereby fostering a love for reading among students.

Additionally, the CCOF's Spread Relief program provides assistance to children and families dealing with serious health issues. Optimist Clubs in Canada can apply for Club Grants, with an annual deadline typically in March, and for Spread Relief funds, with a deadline usually at the end of May.

Sylvain Ménard, CCOF President for 2024-2025, emphasizes the crucial role of Foundation representatives at club and district levels in encouraging contributions. He highlights that "every contribution, no matter how small or large, is valuable and directly contributes to supporting the Foundation's various optimism programs. The objective is to ensure that young people in Canadian communities have the necessary resources and support to thrive and achieve their full potential.”

The Enduring Value of Giving

Both the Optimist International Foundation and the Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation amplify the impact of individual and club contributions. They provide the structure and resources to make generosity go further, reaching more children and creating a lasting, positive effect on a larger scale than individual efforts alone could achieve. As Optimist International President Jan Oord Graves notes, reflecting on Maya Angelou's words, "giving liberates the soul of the giver." This sentiment captures the essence of why Optimists give: it enriches both the giver and the receiver, fostering kindness, building stronger communities and instilling a profound sense of purpose.

The continued support of these Foundations by Optimist members and friends is vital for ensuring that the mission of "Bringing Out the Best" endures for generations to come.

The Hammond Club has made a big difference for students at Saint-Mathieu School by winning a $1,000 grant through a competition organized by the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation (CCOF). This funding allowed the club to purchase

school's library, giving children access to more

and encouraging a love for learning.

Justice Hill continued to enter oratorical contests after the Optimist International competition. “I still had this hunger,” Hill said. “I ended up competing in the Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Advocacy Contest, and I finished first in the region against five other speakers. I was invited to speak in the national contest in Toronto. I was the last speaker, and I ultimately won. It was even more than I could imagine.”

How Justice Hill Found his Voice Through the Oratorical Contest

by Blythe Dorrian Communications Coordinator

From the church pews to the national stage, Justice Hill’s journey has been shaped by a love for public speaking and a commitment to leadership.

“I grew up in a Black Baptist church,” Hill said. “Part of my experience was public speaking, even if I didn’t want to. I developed a passion for it over time, and it continued through middle, high school, and even grad school.”

Hill preached his first sermon when he was 16. Hearing family speak to a crowd was something that seemed routine to him.

“Both of my grandfathers were pastors,” Hill said. “My dad gave lectures across the country about things like civil rights and social justice. My mom is a public speaker as well.”

Eager to hone his skills, Hill started seeking out local oratorical contests at churches wherever he could find them.

In 2016, during his junior year of high school, Hill entered and placed third in the world at the Optimist International Oratorical contest, winning a scholarship from the Optimist International Foundation. The topic was “How My Best Brings Out the Best in Others.”

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” was the opening line I used,” Hill said. “My focus was to develop a

speech that was motivational and inspiring, but one that would have people thinking.”

Hill incorporated biblical scripture into his speach, but spoke in a way that was applicable to others. He strives to do the same today.

“That is something that Optimist was really able to give me,” Hill said. “They gave me a platform for my voice to be heard across the nation and the world.”

In the speech, Hill said he described an experience with his grandfather who was a drill sergeant with a nononsense personality. He also

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

– Winston Churchill

talked about the encouragement he received from his mother and grandmother.

“I like speaking from narratives because I know that so many people can find themselves in the story,” Hill said. “It also has an emphasis on how those listening can bring out the best in others, so they can leave the contest with something to apply in their own lives.”

The Oratorical Contest also connected Hill with Saint Louis University.

“I was originally sold on playing basketball in college,” Hill said. “I had never heard of SLU before. One of the people involved in the contest at the time [Jay Goff] was the school provost. He gave me a pin and told me to think about SLU.”

Hill went back to school for his senior year and was initially interested in becoming a lawyer. After holding a mock trial in middle school, people told him he was good at it, and Hill thought he could potentially make it a career.

“During my senior year of high school, my grandmother said she thought I was going to leave her house and come back as an attorney,” Hill said.

Hill’s first high school job was at the Fifth Traditional Circuit Solicitors Office in Columbia, South Carolina. He also completed a law fellowship at the University of Alabama and completed some programs at Penn State.

Hill graduated from high school in 2018 and spent time researching schools. SLU ultimately rose to the top.

“That would have never been the case if I hadn’t heard of the Oratorical Contest,” Hill said.

However, in 2020, Hill said he received a calling to switch paths and become a minister.

“One of my grandfathers, who was really instrumental in my development with public speaking, passed away,” Hill said. “During that time, I was in the middle of preparing for my LSAT. My name is Justice, and my middle name is Jeremiah. Jeremiah was one of the prophets in the Bible.”

Combined with his loss, Hill also recognized he wasn’t going to proceed with law after completing some arguments as a part of his internships.

“I was told I have too big of a heart to be in corporate law, so I decided to try something else.”

At SLU, Hill was recognized with the “Spirit of the Billiken Award”, which is reserved for the top 18 seniors dedicated to community service. On top of it all, he was chosen to be the commencement speaker at graduation.

“That was a Cinderella moment,” Hill said. “It was an amazing story of how speaking brought me to a school I had never heard of before. I was also inducted into the Student Hall of Fame.”

Even after placing third, Hill said he was still interested in entering in more contests. He ultimately won first place in the Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Advocacy Contest in 2017.

“In 2016, I was even more competitive because there was so much from the district to the regional conference to the world contest,” Hill said.

Hill said that if he could draw on one experience from his oratorical speech it would be the love from his friends and family. He said he was proud to be able to represent South Carolina.

“At the end of the day, I recognized that the speech wasn’t just for the scholarship, it was an opportunity to speak life to people,” Hill said. “Even looking back to what I was able to write as a high schooler, it still is very impactful today.”

During the summer of 2024, Optimist International invited Hill to come back and speak at the kickoff of the JOI Summit, which was funded by the OIF. Hill said he gave two speeches.

“I’m 25 now,” Hill said. “Even 10 years looking back, this is seriously what I am called to do. It brings me great joy to speak for anything, whether it’s a contest or another church. The preparation doesn’t feel taxing. It’s just something I love to do.”

Hill said he couldn’t imagine his life without public speaking. He said if he were to choose another occupation, he could make it work, but there would be an emptiness inside him.

“I’m forever grateful to Optimist International,” Hill said.

Hill currently attends Duke University for his master's degree in divinity. He hopes to become a senior pastor, speaking and advocating for people around the country.

“There is something transformative about using your voice,” Hill said. “I would encourage any person, young or old, to speak. You learn so much from the process.”

Hill said he discovered where his life would lead from one speech.

“One speech can inspire a generation and open an opportunity you never could imagine,” Hill said. “That was my experience with Optimist International. I figured out where I was going to college. If I hadn’t gone to SLU, I probably wouldn’t be at Duke right now.”

After Hill graduates in May, he said he will be serving on a church staff somewhere in America. His goal is to continue to use his voice to inspire people.

“From there, I’ll see what happens next,” Hill said.

Justice Hill, fourth from left, stood next to the other competitors in the Optimist International World Oratorical Contest in 2016. “I would say to my younger self that you have no idea about all the places you will speak, and the people who will be transformed and inspired by your voice,” Hill said. “Be encouraged to stand boldly.”

Rewind

A look at more than 100 years of Optimist International memories

17thAnnual Convention – St. Louis, Missouri

A portion of those attending one of the general sessions of the 1935 St. Louis International Convention. Standing on the extreme left of speakers' rostrum, Branch Rickey, Vice-President and Business Manager, St. Louis National Baseball Club, one of the guest speakers who addressed the Convention. President Henry Schaffert presiding.

Photo: Optimist International Archives

Countries of Optimist International Optimism knows no borders

Anguilla and British West Indies

Antigua and Barbuda

The Bahamas Bangladesh

Barbados Belize

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