Optimist Clubs are serious about "Bringing Out the Best in Kids" and do their part through community service programs.  Since each Club is autonomous and run by members in their community, Optimists have the unique flexibility to serve the youth of their community in any way they see fit.  Optimist Clubs see a need in their community and react to it.

CHILDHOOD CANCER CAMPAIGN

Optimists have become a champion for those dealing with childhood cancer! Through this new, unique program, Optimists are building awareness of the disease that kills more children than any other. In addition, Members provide support for children with cancer and their families, and support research to find a cure.  Find out how you can help today!

RESPECT FOR LAW WEEK/DAY OF NON-VIOLENCE

Encourage peace and harmony within your community!  Optimists accomplish this feat by honoring law enforcement officials, initiating block parent programs, sponsoring fingerprinting fairs, and starting neighborhood watches. Anything to keep children safe!

YOUTH APPRECIATION WEEK

Build local students’ self-esteem! Recognize their talents in the arts, athletics, academics and their contributions to the community. How? By celebrating Youth Appreciation Week!  To honor local youth, Optimists have successfully hosted swim parties, sponsored crazy bowls, planned youth lock-ins, chaperoned field trips, and provided funds for school supplies. This program encompasses anything that makes a difference in the life of a young person.

TRI-STAR SPORTS SKILLS CONTEST

Bring together the youth of your community in the spirit of fun competition! The Tri-Star program offers exciting opportunities to promote self-confidence and physical fitness, even if your Club has limited resources. Since this program does not involve physical contact or advanced skill, it is the ideal activity for every child including those with disabilities.

COMMUNICATION CONTEST FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING (CCDHH)

The CCDHH contest provides an opportunity for young people who are deaf and hard of hearing to communicate in a public forum while developing valuable skills and confidence. The Optimist International Foundations annually fund a $1,500 scholarship for each Optimist International District. Many Districts donate an additional $1,500 to the Foundations in order to provide a second scholarship.

JUNIOR OPTIMIST OCTAGON INTERNATIONAL

As a teen, did you have a venue to learn skills such as citizenship, teamwork, communication, self-esteem and leadership? Kids today do! Thanks to the Optimists’ JOOI program more than 17,000 young people each year learn the importance of volunteerism and giving of one’s self. As a result, teens report feeling an improved sense of kindness, increased awareness for those in need, and a better sense of coping with cultural diversity. Start a JOOI Club today!

ESSAY CONTEST

This contest presents young people the opportunity to write about their opinions regarding the world in which they live. Optimist International awards each District contest winner a $650 scholarship for advanced education. Essays are judged at the international level, and a first, second and third place scholarship is awarded.

YOUTH SAFETY

Keeping children safe in their leisure activities has been an important part of Optimist programs for many years.  The Optimist International Youth Safety Program encompasses all of the activities originally included in the Safety on Wheels and Always Buckle Children programs as well as new activities concerning Internet Safety. Help spread the word about safety!

ORATORICAL CONTEST

As Optimist International’s oldest program, this contest allows young adults to gain experience in public speaking, on a pre-assigned topic. Optimist Districts have the opportunity to provide two $1,500 college scholarships or a first place scholarship of $1,500, second place scholarship of $1,000 and a third place scholarship of $500.

KIDS SPEAK OUT

This program prepares elementary children for future Oratorical competitions. Although winners are normally selected, emphasis is placed on making all contestants feel like a winner just for participating!

OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR GOLF
CHAMPIONSHIPS (OIJGC)

As one of junior golf’s most prestigious events, the OIJGC provides a unique opportunity for junior golfers from around the globe. Every year thousands of young people compete in local Optimist qualifying tournaments. The top finishers advance to the OIJGC. Past Optimist junior golf participants include Tiger Woods, Michelle McGann, Phil Mickelson and Justin Leonard.