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2026 Summer Highlights

A Summer of Bringing Out The Best

2026 Visual Arts Contest Notecards Now available for purchase We are thrilled to announce that notecards featuring winning artwork from the 2026 Optimist International Visual Arts Contest are available for purchase. This year, we received a breathtaking array of imaginative entries, and these notecards perfectly showcase the incredible talent of our young artists and their inspiring interpretations of this year’s theme, "Be the Change.” Support Our Young Artists 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, or 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!

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

Features

2026, Vol. 106, No. 5 Summer Highlights Issue

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.

Words of Wisdom

Calendar of Events

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.

2026 Optimist Golf Recap

2026 JOI Summit recap

Junior Optimists host Dance for a Cure

Welcome New Members

2026 Oratorical World Championships

108th Optimist International Convention

Rewind

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.

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

On the Cover Junior Optimist International Immediate Past President Carter Sinclair (center) accepts a $15,000 check from Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation President Denise Nacev (left) and Optimist International Foundation President Fatima Plater (right) to support the JOI Summit. 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:

Words of Wisdom ot; ings I cann th o d n a c u not, yo Teresa gs you can in th o d — Mother n a ." c s g "I in th t a e can do gre together w ed at the e experienc w ent. y rg e n e this sentim s redible ie c d in o e b h m T e : perfectly se was this quote ified purpo acksonville Why I like n J u in a n h o it ti w n r e ether the th al Conv e come tog e globe ga w th r, s a 108 Annu s e ro y c a ry find ngth. Eve timists from llowship we llective stre o fe Seeing Op c e r h u T o r. f e o r reminde ith each oth Kendo a powerful our skills w d n a m g. — Tom o n d lo is r a w e r y u ll o to share mentum a and our mo e p o h r u o fuels

"History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of ch ildren." — Nelson M andela Why I like this quot e: This summer was a vibrant showcase how we make that of exactly difference. Whether it w as watching talented golfers from all over junior the world, hearing the profound words Oratorical contesta of ou r nts, or feeling the un stoppable enthusia young leaders at th sm of our e JOI Summit, our impact was undeni These programs ar able. e the living embodi m ent of our promise out the best in yout to bring h. — Cheryl Bren n

3 • Optimist

Calendar of Events

A look at what’s coming up for Optimist International

SEPTEMBER • Hispanic Heritage Month • Celebrate Community Week • International Literacy Day • National Day of Encouragement • Positive Thinking Day

OCTOBER • Optimist New Year • Q1 Oct/Nov/Dec

NOVEMBER • Optimist Junior Golf: Tournament of Champions • World Kindness Day • Giving Tuesday • Optimist International Board of Directors meeting

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

Conversations that inspire ED

: BY

From tips on building new clubs and engaging current members to manifesting your optimistic “superpowers,” you don’t want to miss Shane Neuman and Theresa Jarratt’s thought-provoking podcast, Choose Optimism.

Choose Optimism Podcast Find The Choose Optimism Podcast Here: Choose Optimism Podcast (RSS)

Choose Optimism Podcast (Apple Podcasts)

Download it and listen anywhere!

SHANE NEUMAN

Summer Highlights 2026 • 4

Optimist Golf

Where Champions Begin: The Legacy of the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship Look through the history of the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship, and one thing becomes clear: some of the world’s best young golfers have passed through the event on their way to bigger stages.

or more than four decades, the Optimist Championship has brought together talented junior golfers from across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and around the world. Long before many of them became professional golfers, college stars, or household names, they were competing alongside some of the best young players in the game at the Optimist. The championship has become much more than a junior golf tournament. It is an international gathering of young golfers, families, coaches, and volunteers who come together for an experience that combines competition, friendship and the opportunity to represent their country. Each summer, the championship welcomes hundreds of junior golfers from dozens of countries to South Florida for an experience unlike any other in junior golf. The numbers tell part of the story. In 2026, the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship welcomed 650 golfers representing 32 countries, totaling more than 1,700 players, family members, and guests. Golfers earned their way into the championship through 53 Optimist qualifiers across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, while the program also worked with 22 international golf federations.

5 • Optimist

Optimist Golf

But the real story is about what happens on the golf course. For many players, the Optimist Championship is their first opportunity to compete in a truly international field. They meet players from different countries, experience tournament golf at a high level and discover that the game they love can connect them with people from around the world. It is also an event where generations come together. Parents who once played junior golf themselves now bring their children to the Optimist Championship. Families return year after year, creating memories that last long after the final putt drops.

That is part of what makes the championship so special. Every year, new names are added to the history of Optimist Junior Golf. Some may eventually become the next star of the game. Others may simply remember the tournament as the place where they made lifelong friends, played alongside international competitors, and discovered just how far their game could take them. The championship’s unique format also creates an experience that goes beyond 54 holes in tournament golf. Players and families spend days together at the host resort, sharing meals, practicing, competing, and experiencing the excitement of a major junior

And for some players, the Optimist becomes an early chapter in a much bigger golf story. The championship has welcomed countless junior golfers who have gone on to compete at the collegiate, professional and international levels. Some have become PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players. Others have represented their countries, competed in major championships or built successful careers in golf. At the time they played the Optimist, however, they were simply junior golfers chasing the next shot. Summer Highlights 2026 • 6

Optimist Golf

7 • Optimist

Optimist Golf

Summer Highlights 2026 • 8

Optimist Golf

championship. Golfers are not simply arriving for a tournament and leaving after the final round. They become part of an international golf community. That sense of community is at the heart of Optimist Junior Golf. The championship is made possible by volunteers, rules officials, tournament staff, district leaders, and supporters who work behind the scenes to create an exceptional experience for the players. For the golfers, the goal may be to win. For the families, it may be watching their child compete on an international stage. For the volunteers, it may be seeing a young golfer accomplish something they never thought possible.

And for Optimist Junior Golf, the goal is bigger than any trophy. It is about building champions — on the golf course and in life. Some players will go on to professional golf. Some will play college golf. Some will continue the game simply because they love it. But every player who competes in the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship becomes part of its history. Because somewhere among the hundreds of golfers who arrive each summer is a future champion whose name we may all know someday. And long before that happens, they were an Optimist.

Optimist International Junior Golf Championship

Building Champions. Creating Memories. Connecting the World Through Golf. 9 • Optimist

Optimist Golf

Phase 1 Boys 10-11 winners

Phase 2 Boys 14-15 and Girls 13-14 winners

Phase 2 BOYS 14-15 1st Samuel Trucco (Chile) 2nd Wyatt Rue (USA) 3rd Benjamin Gates (USA)

75-73-68-216 75-71-70-216 72-76-70-218

GIRLS 13-14 1st Regina Castillo Cravioto (Mexico) 2nd Maria Ignacia Galeas (Ecuador) 3rd Teerin Tantimuratha (Thailand)

Phase 1 Boys 12-13 winners

74-70-73-217 75-71-71-217 73-73-78–224

Phase 3 Boys 16-18 winners

Phase 1 Girls 10-12 winners

2026 Championship Results Phase 1 BOYS 10–11 1st Tawin Sae-ung (Thailand) 2nd Lanhao Pang (USA) 3rd Victor Monssoh (USA)

73-79-73-225 75-77-76-228 79-75-77-231

BOYS 12–13 1st Erik Oppegaard (USA) 2nd Mateo Hernandez (Colombia) 3rd Pichapat Siripadungtham (Thailand)

67-75-80-222 72-69-84-225 74-79-74-227

GIRLS 10–12 1st Sofia Mendoza (Paraguay) 2nd Madison Pyatt (USA) 3rd Carmen Angulo (Colombia)

Phase 3 Girls 15-18 winners

Phase 3 Boys 16-18 1st Federico Montaner (USA) 2nd Brooks Blanchard (USA) 3rd Armaan Osterman (USA)

67-74-75-216 70-71-75-216 77-68-74-219

GIRLS 15-18 72-76-75-223 80-75-78-233 78-77-79-234

1st Nazaret Nunez (Mexico) 2nd Romina Palmeros (Mexico) 3rd Maria Tablante (Venezuela)

71-73-68-212 69-73-75-217 73-77-72-222

Summer Highlights 2026 • 10

Junior Optimist International

2026 JOI Summit Recap The 2026 Junior Optimist International Summit brought JOI members, advisors, volunteers, and Optimist leaders together at Saint Louis University for several days of leadership development, fellowship, service, and fun.

he Summit began on Thursday, July 16, as participants arrived on campus and had the opportunity to meet JOI members from across the organization. The opening activities welcomed attendees to St. Louis, introduced the JOI Board, and gave members an opportunity to begin building friendships that would continue throughout the weekend.

Saturday focused heavily on JOI leadership and involvement. Members heard from the candidates for the 2026–2027 JOI International Board and participated in the candidate forum and election process. Later that day, participants traveled off campus to the St. Louis Science Center, where they enjoyed an afternoon of exploration and an OMNIMAX experience. The evening concluded with JOI’s Got

Friday began with a special opportunity for Summit participants to attend the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships and hear some of the organization’s outstanding young speakers. The day continued with an interactive team game show experience, where participants were divided into teams and worked together through a variety of fast-paced challenges, trivia, and activities. The experience encouraged teamwork, communication, friendly competition, and plenty of fun while giving JOI members another opportunity to connect with one another.

Ohio District

11 • Optimist

Junior Optimist International

Jayna Wagner and Dani Jones

2025-26 JOI Board

Talent, giving members a chance to showcase their talents and support their fellow JOI members.

raised in St. Louis, Nia shared a powerful message shaped by resilience, perseverance, and overcoming challenges. Drawing from her experiences in military service, coaching, and continued studies in psychology, she encouraged JOI members to recognize their potential, face challenges with confidence, and stay determined in pursuing their goals.

Sunday highlighted many of the qualities that make JOI special — creativity, leadership, service, and fellowship. The morning began with the JOI Shark Tank Club Project Showcase, where members shared creative project ideas and demonstrated how JOI clubs can make a meaningful difference in their communities. Participants also heard from guest speaker Coach Nia Cross, an author, entrepreneur, life coach, and U.S. Navy service member. Born in Gary, Indiana, and

The Summit’s breakout sessions gave JOI members the opportunity to explore a variety of topics focused on leadership, confidence, technology, service, and continued involvement in Optimism. Summer Highlights 2026 • 12

JOIful Giving Service Project One of the most meaningful experiences of the entire Summit took place Friday afternoon through JOI’s partnership with St. Louis BWorks. Summit participants worked side-by-side to assemble 24 bicycles that will benefit children in the St. Louis community. Through the BWorks program, young people not only receive bicycles, but also develop important skills related to bicycle safety, riding, and bike care. After completing the program, the children can keep the bicycles they have earned.

2025-26 JOI Board

13 • Optimist

For JOI members, the project was an opportunity to see the impact of service firsthand. What began as boxes of bicycle parts became 24 completed bikes through teamwork, cooperation, and a shared commitment to helping others. The project was made possible through support from the Optimist International Foundation and the JOIful Giving fundraiser. A special thankyou goes to everyone who contributed to JOIful Giving. Every donation helped make this hands-on service experience possible and gave JOI members

the opportunity to create something that will continue making a difference long after the Summit ended. The generosity of JOIful Giving donors demonstrates what can happen when Optimists and JOI supporters come together behind young people and service. Their support not only helped provide bicycles and project materials — it helped provide a meaningful service-learning experience for the JOI members who built them and an opportunity for local children to experience greater independence, recreation, and confidence. Banquet and Ball The Summit concluded on Sunday evening with the JOI Ball, featuring this year’s Starry Night theme. During the banquet, the 2026–2027 JOI Board of Directors was officially announced and installed, marking the beginning of a new year of youth leadership and service. The evening offered a special opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the Summit, recognize the incoming Board, and reflect on the friendships, experiences, and memories shared throughout the weekend. Following the banquet, participants wrapped up the Summit with the JOI Ball dance, enjoying music, dancing, and one final evening of fun and fellowship together.

2026-2027 JOI Board of Directors

Vaibhav Dhiman President Michigan

Sydney Mafong Immediate Past President California South

Ben Johnson Board Member Ohio

Olivia Blair Board Member East Missouri

Glenn Osterhout Board Member North Carolina West

Jayna Wagner Board Member Ohio

Past JOI President Carter Sinclair

Summer Highlights 2026 • 14

Junior Optimist International

Thank You! Thank you to the JOI members, advisors, volunteers, presenters, Optimist leaders, Saint Louis University, St. Louis BWorks, the Optimist International Foundation, and especially everyone who supported the JOIful Giving fundraiser for helping make the 2026 JOI Summit a memorable and meaningful experience.

15 • Optimist

Junior Optimists host

Dance for a Cure O n March 21, 2026, Minhtu Nguyen, Jerline Cait Yance, and Madeline Grapilon hosted Dance for a Cure, a charity event that raised more than $6,500 to be donated to Johns Hopkins Pediatric Oncology. With more than 500 individual dancers, 21 dance teams from all around the greater San Diego County, 11 food and crafts vendors, 27 adult and student volunteers, and over 900 attendees, the Junior Optimist International Board comprised of only three high school juniors organized this fully non-profit event to unite the youth of the community of Southern California to raise funds to support pediatric oncology. Dance For a Cure is a major dance and street fair showcase hosted by the Junior Optimist International Club at Eastlake High located in Chula Vista, San Diego. Since its inception, the event has blossomed into a beautiful testament to how a community can unite to achieve goals greater than ourselves, attracting attendees from myriad locations, including New York, Nevada, Alabama, Texas, Denver, and even as far as Australia.

Eastlake JOI Club extends their love and gratitude to the following: • The members of the adult Bonita Optimist Club for their generosity in venue finances and funding Eastlake JOI Club Members to attend the 2026 international summit. • Club advisor Ms. Bayley, for her endless support and faith in the success of DFAC. • Eastlake High VAPA director Ms. GreenwayAugust for valuable assistance in venue reservations and full support of the Eastlake JOI Club activities. • And our amazing student and adult volunteers, who stayed for as long as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The JOI Club at Eastlake High not only wishes to inspire Junior Optimist Clubs around the world to chase unique ways to give back to our community, but hopes this story reminds people of all walks of life that we are always better united. To always remember an act of charity and kindness never goes unappreciated. Summer Highlights 2026 • 16

Welcome

New Members Since the beginning of the Optimist year in October, Optimist International has welcomed 4,028 new members and created 7 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!

17 • 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 July 6-9, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana!

Summer Highlights 2026 • 18

Oratorical 2026

OI President Tom Kendo, OWC Chair Diana Carlin, Jordyn Velitchkov - Great Plains Regional Winner ($5,000) & World Champion ($15,000); Avishai Deshpande - Mid-Atlantic Regional Winner ($5,000) & 2nd Place at the World Championship ($10,000); Eliza Philip - West Coast Regional Winner ($5,000) & 3rd Place at the World Championship ($5,000); Shanique Brown - Southeast Regional Winner ($5,000); Noah Prince - Northeast and Great Lakes Regional Winner ($5,000); Macaelle Vasquez - Southwest Regional Winner ($5,000); CCOF President-Elect Brent Card; OIF President Fatima Plater; OI Past President Dave Bruns.

2026 Oratorical World Championships T

he 2026 Optimist International Oratorical World Championships (OWC) once again demonstrated the power of young voices to inspire, encourage optimism, and build connections across communities and countries. Supported by the generous donors of the Optimist International Foundation and the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation, this year’s competition provided students with a meaningful platform to share their perspectives on the theme, “The Moment I Realized I Belonged — My Definition of Community.” The journey to the World Championships began at the local level, where thousands of students participated in Oratorical contests sponsored by Optimist Clubs around the world. Winners advanced through successive levels of competition, including 42 District contests, six French sector contests, and the Global Region, before earning the opportunity to compete on the international stage. 19 • Optimist

The 2026 World Championships brought together finalists representing nine World Regions and five countries — the United States, Canada, Jamaica, Haiti, and South Korea. The Oratorical program stands alongside other youth scholarship programs, including the Essay Contest (42 district and 6 French sector competitions) and the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH), which held 14 district competitions this year. Together, these programs provide a rich array of opportunities for students to sharpen their skills and express their voices.

Optimist International’s scholarship programs leave a legacy of inspiration and empowerment.With continued support from the Optimist International Foundation, the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation, and dedicated volunteers, these opportunities are poised to reach even more students worldwide.

Oratorical 2026

Congratulations to our World Champions! First Place ($15,000): Jordyn Velitchkov Great Plains Regional Winner ($5,000) 2

Second Place ($10,000): Avishai Deshpande Mid-Atlantic Regional Winner ($5,000)

Third Place ($5,000):

Eliza Philip West Coast Regional Winner ($5,000)

1. 2026 1st World Oratorical Champion and Great Plains Regional Winner Jordyn Velitchkov 2. 2026 2nd place World Oratorical Champion and Mid-Atlantic Regional Winner Avishai Deshpande 3. 2026 3rd place World Oratorical Champion and West Coast Regional Winner Eliza Philip

Summer Highlights 2026 • 20

Oratorical 2026

Congratulations to our Regional Champions! Noah Prince NE & Great Lakes Region Winner ($5,000)

Shanique Brown Southeast Regional Winner ($5,000)

Macaelle Vasquez

Southwest Regional Winner ($5,000)

Breahna Randall Middle America Regional Winner ($5,000)

Eloïse Poirier St. Lawrence Regional Winner ($5,000)

Byanca Delacruz Global Regional Winner ($5,000) 5

4: Macaelle Vasquez, Southwest Regional Winner. 5: Shanique Brown, Southeast Regional Winner . 6: Breahna Randall, Middle America Regional Winner. 7: Byanca Delacruz, Global Regional Winner, Haiti. 8: Eloïse Poirier, St. Lawrence Regional Winner.

21 • Optimist

Oratorical 2026

9: 2026 World Oratorical Championship Contestants in St. Louis Missouri. 10: Regionals winners cheer as Jordyn Velitchkov is announced as first-place winner. 11: Noah Prince, NE & Great Lakes Region Winner. 12: Oratorical contestants share a moment of reflection and camaraderie between rounds. 13: Contestant Emma Manion shows off her certificate of participation after the announcement of the regional oratorical winners.

All scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundation and the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation. Their support allows Optimist International to continue this great program since its start in 1928.

Summer Highlights 2026 • 22

Convention 2026

23 • Optimist

Convention 2026

Sunshine, Service, and Smiles at the 108 Optimist International Convention th

efore Optimist International President Tom Kendo even took the stage to issue his challenge to “Be the Change,” the Hyatt Regency in Jacksonville hummed with anticipation. The 108th Annual Convention, held June 28 through July 2 along the banks of the St. Johns River, brought together Optimists from across the globe to chart the organization’s future. The pulse of the week became tangible during Sunday evening's Opening Ceremony. Rather than a standard welcome, the crowd was brought to their feet by the thundering routine of the Duval Starz Cheer & Dance team, followed by a soaring trumpet rendition of the National Anthem by Douglas Anderson Performing Arts High School student Erik Links.

An Honorary Procession of Past International Presidents and a Parade of Flags featuring the Helping Hands 4-H Club of Gilcrest County anchored the evening in the organization's rich history before shifting the focus to the work ahead.

On Monday morning, the ballroom quieted as Matt and Chrissy Stewart took the microphones during the General Session. They spoke about resilience and outlined their lived reality of facing dual, aggressive cancer diagnoses. After Chrissy was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Matt became her caregiver, only to later face his own diagnosis of Stage IV colorectal cancer. Their narrative, "Choosing Hope: Finding Purpose Through Life's Greatest Challenges," left the room reflecting on the tangible power of faith, family, and choosing hope when it matters most. In the meeting rooms, the focus shifted toward equipping clubs with practical tools. Members packed into sessions geared toward modernizing outreach, learning how to leverage artificial intelligence, digital design platforms like Canva, and the Zeffy fundraising

Summer Highlights 2026 • 24

Convention 2026

Watch Now

platform to amplify their local efforts. Other groups tackled the foundational work of the organization, diving deep into updated youth safeguarding protocols and exploring the new Optimist DREAM program, which provides districts with resources to boost member engagement and achievement. Data drove the conversation during a dedicated feedback session led by Executive Director Cheryl Brenn, who facilitated an open dialogue analyzing recent member surveys to pinpoint exactly what volunteers need to thrive. Another major focal point was the upcoming Club Health Awards Program (C.H.A.P.). Launching as a two-year pilot in October 2026, the program shifts the focus toward measuring and celebrating the direct impact clubs of all sizes have on local youth.

The convention schedule balanced this intensive planning with the fellowship that defines the organization. During the Optimist Club Project Showcase, groups like the Barge Canal and Huron Valley clubs shared proven community initiatives with circulating attendees. Between sessions, members gathered at the Foundation Kiosk to purchase commemorative Jacksonville pins, while the evenings allowed members to connect over a lively Trivia Night and a late-night Cornhole Tournament. The week in Jacksonville culminated Wednesday evening at the President’s Gala. After celebrating the year's accomplishments, honoring Legacy Members for their decades of service, and sharing a final meal 25 • Optimist

together, the ballroom transformed as attendees crowded the dance floor to the sounds of the live band Scratch 2020.

Jacksonville served as just one pillar of an incredibly active season for Optimist International. As you will read elsewhere in this recap magazine, this summer's momentum extended well beyond the convention floor. Our youth leaders gathered at the Junior Optimist International ( JOI) Summit to sharpen their leadership skills, while the Optimist Junior Golf Tournament once again hosted thousands of young athletes from more than 40 countries on a world-class stage.

Together, these summer programs highlight the enduring strength of our mission. The ideas exchanged, partnerships forged, and young lives impacted over these past few months will fuel countless local club projects throughout the year. With a renewed focus on action and connection, Optimists are already laying the groundwork to bring that same energy to the 109th Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Convention 2026

Thank You First Timers!

Summer Highlights 2026 • 26

Convention 2026

Thank you to Optimist International Foundation for their continued support.

27 • Optimist

Rewind

A look at more than 100 years of Optimist International memories

Photo: Optimist International Archives

How Women Joined Ranks of Optimism For more than a decade, Optimist International wrestled with whether women should be allowed to join. At the 1986 International Convention in Charlotte, delegates voted on a motion to open membership to women. Although it received 61 percent of the vote, it fell short of the two-thirds majority required to pass. As other service organizations faced similar challenges, pressure continued to build. In 1987, following a U.S. Supreme Court decision involving Rotary International, the Optimist International Board of Directors unanimously voted on May 11 to open membership to women. By the organization’s 68th anniversary on June 19, women were officially welcome in Optimist Clubs, with at least 20 women already joining existing Clubs.

The change quickly became part of Optimist history. On June 24, 1987, the Optimist Club of Newhall-Santa Clarita Valley became the first all-women Optimist Club in the world, chartering with 35 members. Growing out of the Opti-Mrs. Organization, the Club spent more than three decades serving children and communities through projects supporting childhood cancer, the Blind Olympics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Santa’s Magic. Charter President Dee Gadbury later reflected on the Club’s place in history: “The Optimist Club of Newhall-SCV helped pave the way for women to join, not only the Optimist organization, but other service Clubs as well.”

Optimist International 4494 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108 (314) 371-6000 • (800) 500-8130 • Fax: (314) 371-6006 headquarters@optimist.org