About Us
Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization made up of more than 2,500 local clubs whose members work each day to make the future brighter by bringing out the best in children, in their communities, and in themselves.
Mission, Vision & Purposes
Mission: By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids.
Vision: Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
Purposes: 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 accord 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.
Junior Optimist International (JOI) is an active youth service organization that was created in 1988 and is affiliated with Optimist International, its sponsor. The current Junior Optimist International President is Julia Cooper with the 2019-2020 JOI theme being "Singing in the Key of Optimism". There are more than 18,500 members in over 675 communities around the world.
There are three types of JOI clubs that are separated by age groups: Alpha Clubs (6–9 years), Junior Optimist Clubs (10–18), and previously Octagon Clubs (14-18). Due to the various age groups, each type of JOI club serves their community in different ways. While different approaches are undertaken, the main goal of JOI members is "to promote positive change in their communities."
Like Optimist International, JOI is "a community-based organization with a hierarchy that can take a member from a club to office at zone, district, national and international levels." Typically, each club plans their own fund raisers and service projects. The money raised is then donated to (projects and organizations that will improve the well-being of others, such as the Childhood Cancer Campaign (CCC).
JOI’s motto is "Kids Serving Kids." Since JOI keeps leadership local, it is able to "empower young people to make positive decisions to serve fellow youths and their community."
Optimist International Foundation (OIF) was established in 1971 exclusively for the charitable, literary and educational purposes of Optimist International, a community service-based organization committed to creating a more optimistic future for young people through innovative programs.
OIF works with Optimist Clubs located in over 2,100 communities in the United States and the Caribbean.The Foundation has grown steadily since 1971 and is recognized as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
The Foundation’s Board of Directors grants funds to Optimist International each year for the development and improvement of International programs. Programs funded by the Foundation serve 1.5 million children annually. Optimist International Foundation depends on the support from Optimist Clubs and individual Members, the general public, businesses and corporations.