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Optimist International Leadership Development

A Brief History Of

Optimist International

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Brief History of Optimist International

First official Optimist Club was formed in Buffalo, N.Y. in 1911.

The Optimist Club of Indianapolis, Ind. Was formed in May 1916.

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Brief History of Optimist International

Optimist International was formed on July 19, 1919, when representatives of 11 clubs held a convention in Louisville, Ky.,

and adopted the name International Optimist Club.

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Brief History of Optimist International

During the 1919 convention, William Henry Harrison, a descendent of the ninth President of the United States bearing the same name, was elected the first International President of

Optimist International.

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Brief History of Optimist International

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.

In 1922, the Optimist Creed was adopted as the official creed of the organization. Written by Christian Larson, the creed was originally published under the title “Promise Yourself” in 1912.

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Brief History of Optimist International

In August 1922, the first official emblem of Optimist International was developed and adopted. The emblem

consisted of a youngster with a beaming countenance and the words “International Optimist Club.”

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Brief History of Optimist International

In 1923, the motto, “Friend of the Delinquent Boy” was adopted by Optimist International. Then in 1924, the motto

was changed to “Friend of the Boy.”

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Brief History of Optimist International

In 1924, the first organization wide youth service project was established with the chartering of Junior Optimist Clubs.

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Brief History of Optimist International

In 1928, an organization-wide Oratorical Contest was started for the Junior Optimist Clubs.

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Brief History of Optimist International

During World War II, the first scrap metal drive by the 250 participating Optimist clubs collected over 3100 tons of vital

material.

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Brief History of Optimist International

In 1953, the first international Bike Safety Week took place.

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Brief History of Optimist International

In the 1950’s, many optimist-sponsored boys homes were started, including the Optimist Home for Boys in Los Angeles

and Boystown in San Antonio.

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Brief History of Optimist International

In 1957, the first international observance of Youth Appreciation Week.

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Brief History of Optimist International

In 1965, the Respect for Law was initiated with the cooperation of the FBI and the RCMP.

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Brief History of Optimist International

In 1967, the Optimist Junior World Golf Program was formed.

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Brief History of Optimist International

In 1971, Optimist International Foundation was created. The purpose of the Foundation is that it operate exclusively for the

charitable, literary, or educational purposes of Optimist International.

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Brief History of Optimist International

In 1973, the Optimist motto was changed to “Friend of Youth.”

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Brief History of Optimist International

In 1985, the first International Essay Contest was held.

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Brief History of Optimist International

In 1987, Optimist International extended membership to women.

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Brief History of Optimist International

In 1996, Optimist International picked up the Always Buckle Children in the Backseat (ABC) program.

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Brief History of Optimist International

In 1997, ESPN covers the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships (OIJGC), making Optimist International the

first service organization to ever have a worldwide event televised.

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Brief History of Optimist International

In 1998, the Optimist International’s float wins the “National Trophy” in the Tournament of Roses Parade for best overall

theme of “Hav’n’ Fun.”

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Brief History of Optimist International

In July of 2001, Optimist found themselves seated in the Whitehouse, pledging to support U.S. President George W.

Bush’s goal to mentor one million children.

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Brief History of Optimist International

THE FUTURE

Going forward, there are high hopes and expectations for the future of Optimism. Growth and maturation will occur as this organization moves into another 80 years of service to youth.

From the beginnings of our youth service, this organization has held onto its Optimistic philosophy – to think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

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Brief History of Optimist International

For a more detailed history of Optimist International, please order the book “Of Dreams and Deed” from Shumsky

Enterprises at (877) 678-2582 or from the Canadian Service Centre at (800) 363-7151.

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Optimist International Leadership Development

A Brief History Of

Optimist International