Hyatt Regency Jacksonville, June 28 to July 2, 2026
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN MARCH 1, 2026
Get ready to connect, celebrate, and be inspired at the 2026 Optimist International Convention, happening June 28 to July 2, 2026, at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront in Jacksonville, Florida
This premier event brings together Optimists from around the world for an unforgettable week of learning, leadership, and fellowship. Attendees will enjoy engaging general sessions, valuable training workshops, and opportunities to share ideas and best practices that strengthen clubs and districts. The convention also offers time to reconnect with fellow Optimists, celebrate achievements, and help shape the future of Optimist International.
Located along the scenic St. Johns River, the Hyatt Regency provides a vibrant downtown setting close to restaurants, attractions, and the Jacksonville Riverwalk — perfect for networking and relaxation after a full day of convention activities.
Whether you are a longtime member or a new Optimist, the 2026 Convention is your opportunity to grow as a leader, be inspired by Optimism in action, and return home energized and ready to make an even greater impact in your community.
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 first volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
VALUES STATEMENT
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.
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
online at
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to The Optimist, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108.
"Individual commitment to a group effort — that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." — Vince Lombardi
Why I like this quote: While every Optimist brings unique talents, it is our shared commitment to the group effort that allows our organization to thrive. I selected this quote because it underscores the vital importance of new club building and adding new members to our existing rosters. Each new person who joins brings their fresh commitment as an individual and adds to the group effort required to build a more optimistic future for the next generation. This Optimist Day, let’s inspire others to join our cause by showing them the strength of our individual commitments and the power of our group effort! — Tom Kendo
“The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us.”
— Anonymous
Why I like this quote: I chose this quote because it speaks to the heart of what it means to be an Optimist. Our greatness lies in the compassionate actions our members take on Optimist Day and every day, from organizing food drives to sponsoring scholarship contests. By working together on projects like these, we prove that our collective compassion is the most powerful tool we have for changing the world. — Cheryl Brenn
This year, we are asked to do more than just hope for a better future; President Tom Kendo is calling on Optimists to build it. "Be The Change" is our 2025-2026 theme, a challenge to each of us to bring new energy, embrace change, and take personal responsibility for the future of our organization.
Calendar of Events
A look at what’s coming up for Optimist International JANUARY MARCH
• Q2 Jan/Feb/March
• MLK Day of Service
• International Day of Education
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
• Deadline for Clubs to submit their winning
• Optimist International Board of Director’s Meeting
• Read Across America Day
• International Day of Happiness
• OIF & CCOF Club Grant deadline
• Registration opens for the 2026 International Convention in Jacksonville, Florida
Optimist Day is Coming
Optimist Day is Thursday, February 5, 2026. This is a great chance to celebrate your Club’s impact in your community and to showcase the power of optimism to a broad audience.
We encourage you to wear Optimist T-shirts and hats on Optimist Day. Wearing optimist apparel will help you stand out and invite questions from potential new members.
But our Optimist Day efforts should go well beyond merchandise! We also urge you to plan a high-profile public service project for Optimist Day and let people know about it. Whether planting trees, cleaning parks, tutoring children, or donating blood, your actions will make a difference and inspire others to join our cause. And by sending a news release to your local media outlets and posting photos of your project to social media with the hashtags #OptimistDay and #OptimistDay2026, you will generate good publicity for your Club and attract new members and supporters.
Remember: The bigger the project, the more likely it is the media will come.
Finally, reach out to your local officials and ask them to issue a proclamation declaring the first Thursday in February Optimist Day. This will raise awareness and recognition of our organization and our mission. You can download a sample proclamation here.
We hope you are as excited as we are for Optimist Day 2026. Let’s make it a memorable and meaningful one for ourselves and our communities!
The Power of Connection: Why Optimist Day Matters More Than Ever
by J. Ryne Danielson Communications Manager
In 2000, sociologist Robert Putnam released a book that changed how we look at community. In Bowling Alone, he used a simple metaphor to describe a complex problem: while more people were bowling than in previous decades, they weren’t joining leagues anymore. They were playing by themselves in the next lane over.
Putnam’s research wasn’t really about sports. It was about the "sociological superglue" that holds a neighborhood together, the trust and cooperation built
up when people join clubs and work toward a common goal. Today, with digital convenience often replacing physical presence, that glue isn’t holding like it used to. Far too many people feel like they are "bowling alone" in their own lives.
By providing hope and positive vision, Optimist International can bridge that gap. Our mission isn’t just a slogan; Optimist Clubs can create the social capital our communities are currently missing.
The Roadmap of the Creed Optimism is often misunderstood as a passive feeling, but it is actually a skill. Studies show that a positive outlook can be learned through deliberate practice. For Optimists, that practice is rooted in the Optimist Creed.
Written by Christian D. Larson in 1912 and adopted by the organization a decade later, the Creed was never meant to be a wall decoration. It was designed as a personal contract. When we promise to "talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person,” we are performing a service. We are choosing to be a catalyst for positive change in our communities.
Optimist Day: A Message in Action
The first Thursday in February, Optimist Day is the time to move that philosophy from the meeting room into the street. It’s an opportunity to show the world that optimism is a verb. It is a day to be visible, active, and vocal about why Optimism and Optimist International matter.
If your club is looking for ways to get involved, consider these service-driven projects:
• Mentorship through OWLS: The "Optimists Working for Learning Success" program focuses on educational support. You can start by calling a local elementary school to see if they need "Reading Buddies." It’s a low-cost, high-impact way to show that Optimists invest in the future.
• Youth Competitions: Use the day to announce the topics for your Oratorical or Visual Arts contests. These programs give young people a platform to find their voice. Handing out flyers at a local library is a simple way to get the word out.
• Community Recognition: Simple "Youth Appreciation" events can change a student’s trajectory. Whether it’s a small ceremony for "Student of the Month" or a pizza party for a local sports team, recognizing effort builds community ties.
• Presence in Public: Sometimes, visibility is the project. Setting up a booth at a local market or community event area reminds your neighbors that there is a group dedicated to bringing out the best in everyone.
An Evolving Tradition
For our impact to last another century, we have to address a difficult reality: the world has changed, and our clubs must change with it. This isn't about discarding our history, but about evolving our methods.
We strengthen our ranks when we stop waiting for people to find us and start bringing the story to them. Recruiting isn't a "membership drive," it’s an invitation to a better life. When you tell a colleague why you serve, you aren't just asking for dues, you're offering them a sense of purpose.
Clubs thrive when they focus on making meetings engaging and valuable. When a new member joins, they should feel like they’ve gained a team, not just a to-do item on a calendar. By mentoring new faces and being open to fresh ideas, we ensure the organization remains as relevant today as it was in 1919.
A Lasting Legacy
Optimist Day is a reminder that the health of our communities is in our hands. We aren't just a collection of individuals who happen to meet once a week; we are a global network of volunteers working to prove that positivity is more contagious than pessimism.
As we look toward the upcoming year, let’s move beyond the lanes of isolation. Let’s prove that when we work together, we are too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble. The work we do today is the foundation for the community we want to live in tomorrow.
Join our new online community
Classes and inspiration included with your membership at no additional cost!
Aswe begin the New Year, we’re excited to officially welcome all members to Hello by Grouper, * our new online clubhouse!
Hello by Grouper is a national healthy-living platform designed to help members boost their well-being by staying active, engaged, and inspired. It’s a place where we can stay connected between events, spark conversations, take classes, and keep building a strong, healthy, thriving Optimist community.
And because Hello by Grouper brings many associations together, you’ll also be able to explore new interests and connect with a wider world of supportive peers –all included with your Optimist membership at no additional cost.**
By joining Hello by Grouper (currently available to U.S.-based members only***), you’re investing in your own wellness and the overall well-being of our Optimist community, with access to:
• Your Optimist space: Connect with fellow members, share what makes our organization shine, and stay up to date with club-related discussions and news.
• Hundreds of live and on-demand classes and experiences: From fitness and strength & balance to arts & crafts and daily puzzles, Hello by Grouper offers endless opportunities to stay healthy and engaged.
• Communities that inspire and uplift: Connect with like-minded people – from walkers and gardeners to crafters, music lovers, and lifelong learners - who’ll motivate you to build healthy habits.
• Inspiring content and events: Book clubs, webinars, monthly challenges, and talks on healthy aging - all designed to spark joy and boost well-being.
Partnering with Hello by Grouper is about investing in ourselves and the future of our organization – just visit join.hellogrouper.com/optimist and follow the steps to get started. We hope you’ll join us!
*You may remember our friends at Grouper. They’ve launched an expanded platform built around the same mission: building stronger, healthier communities through meaningful connection.
**Hello by Grouper is included as part of your member dues and available as a free benefit for all dues-paying Optimist International members.
***Hello by Grouper currently supports membership for dues-paying members within the US and US territories (e.g. Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands).
Optimist International Brings Comfort to Families at Ronald McDonald House
by Blythe Dorrian Communications Coordinator
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis continues to support families traveling for pediatric medical care, providing a “home away from home” during difficult moments in their lives.
The organization’s newest house in the Grove opened in the summer of 2024. It serves as the second campus in St. Louis along with the house located on the Mercy Hospital campus in West County.
Meredith Siegfried, Corporate Foundations Coordinator, has been with Ronald McDonald House Charities St. Louis for the past four and a half years.
“When I was in college, I studied nonprofit organizations,” Siegfried said. “I knew that I wanted to work for an organization that supported children and families.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities provides housing for families of seriously injured or ill children who are traveling for medical treatment. Families who live 50 miles or more away from the hospital are eligible to stay.
“They are provided with all of the comfort of a house,” Siegfried said. “Their meals, showers, and toiletries are covered, and they have laundry services as well.”
Earlier this fall, the organization expanded its services further by adding transportation assistance.
“Families who came by train might not have a car,” Siegfried said. “We provide them with transportation to the hospital that is adapted to any type of treatment the patient might be receiving.”
In addition to the two houses, Ronald McDonald House Charities St. Louis operates four family rooms located within the area hospitals.
“They have everything the houses have, but they can’t stay there overnight,” Siegfried said. “We want to make sure that they are provided with everything they need so they can really focus on the health of their child.”
Globally, there are over 350 Ronald McDonald House chapters. Locally, the St. Louis chapter expects to serve more than 60,000 visitors through its family rooms this year, and the two houses are projected to serve over 1,000 families.
“Since we have opened our new house and consolidated the two other city houses, this has doubled the number of families we have been able to serve,” Siegfried said.
With the new expansion, the organization has grown from 59 rooms per night to 92 rooms, increasing capacity from approximately 550 families annually to more than 1,000 families projected for 2025. While there is no waitlist, both houses remain at full capacity.
“We have a really simple mission,” Siegfried said. “We have a really strong support of donors, staff, and volunteers here in St. Louis.”
Siegfried said that one of the most rewarding parts of her role is seeing families and patients come back after they leave.
“It is really special to see families who come back and visit, especially if they are coming back for orthopedic treatment annually,” Siegfried said. “It is special to see them grow up, get older, and improve on walking.”
The St. Louis chapter also places strong emphasis on creating a welcoming environment, particularly during the holidays.
“Christmas and the holidays are always a really fun time here at the house,” Siegfried said. “For Thanksgiving, we had a family who was a part of bringing Ronald McDonald House to St. Louis and opening our chapter. They provide dinner for our families every year.”
Every December, the house opens the ‘McGift Shoppe’ where families can Christmas shop for each other for a small charge.
“It can be stressful trying to find presents for people during the holiday,” Siegfried said. “It is nice to be able to lift that off their shoulders so they can just focus on their kids and their family. It is a very special time of the year.”
Ronald McDonald House was recently supported by Optimist International members during the International Convention. Members donated 50 BuildA-Bears for families staying in the houses.
“Donations like those bears are really important,” Siegfried said. “We have a general store set up through the rest of the year where kids can pick a toy out if they are celebrating a milestone or a birthday. We also include things like the bears in our welcome bags when families are checking in. It can help make them feel safer and more comfortable during a time that is probably really scary.”
Optimist members donated bears to the Ronald McDonald House as one of the service projects for the Convention. Members were able to place a stuffed heart in each of the bears before they were distributed. Photo by Blythe Dorrian.
In addition to toy donations, volunteer groups can support the house in a variety of ways. Items such as handmade blankets, dolls, and crocheted items can be donated based on the organization’s wish list.
“We have groups who will make and donate blankets,” Siegfried said. “We have other groups who make dolls. Our in-kind donations are how we provide families with toiletries, soap, and laundry. They are all needed for families.”
Groups that are unable to donate items or funds are encouraged to volunteer at the house. Volunteer opportunities can vary depending on the age of the participants and the activity.
“For our cooking groups, we require volunteers to be at least 16 and have an adult with them,” Siegfried said. “For our other service groups where people make beds, garden or do any projects on or around the house, we have the age limit be at least 18.”
For younger volunteers or people who are located farther away from the houses, the organization has a fundraiser where they collect aluminum tab tops.
“We accept aluminum can tops,” Siegfried said. “They are weighed, and the weight is turned into a monetary donation for us. It is easy because almost everyone drinks something out of a can, whether it is a soda or energy drink.”
While there are no specific volunteer events posted, the house regularly welcomes volunteers, including those who serve weekly or bi-weekly in the hospital's family rooms. The St. Louis chapter has around 1,200 volunteers throughout the year. They serve families who often travel from rural Missouri and Illinois, as well as from across the country.
“I was most surprised to see how large the pediatric network in St. Louis is and how many people travel here internationally because the services they need are only available here,” Siegfried said.
Optimist Club of Birmingham
Brings Moments of Joy
Optimist International’s support of Ronald McDonald House Charities extends beyond St. Louis. Members of the Optimist Club of Birmingham have been actively involved with their local Ronald McDonald House for more than a decade.
Jon and Nancy Ryan began their involvement with Optimist International in 2003 and 2005. Jon serves as the Club’s secretary, while Nancy is the social media chair and Club Foundation Representative.
with the families at the Ronald McDonald House. “Our Club President, Sharon Wilson, is very supportive of RMH, and other similar organizations,” Ryan said. “We have already scheduled another bingo night for March.”
“Jon was the chair for the Childhood Cancer Campaign before it became Childhood Health and Wellness,” Nancy Ryan said. “We were going to Camp SMILE, but they were getting so many requests that we weren’t able to come. We then contacted Ronald McDonald House and got our club started there.”
The Club first started working with Ronald McDonald House in 2011. Initially, they were volunteering by serving meals for families staying at the house.
“When the house expanded, the house hired a chef to cook since there was a variety of dietary needs,” Ryan said. “We started doing activities for them instead.”
Today, the group focuses on providing fun, familycentered events to give children a break from the stress of medical treatment.
“Now we do either bingo and hot chocolate or bingo and ice cream sundaes,” Ryan said. “We did ice cream this last time because the weather was warmer.”
In addition to activities inside the Ronald McDonald House, the Club tries to do some projects that are outside of the house where there isn’t a limit on the number of volunteers who can attend.
“Last year, we put laundry kits together,” Ryan said. “We put one or two packs of detergent and dryer lint sheets. We also included a card with it, and we made about 100 packs.”
The Club, which has approximately 75 members, takes turns volunteering at the events since there is often a
From left, Club President Sharon Wilson, Jon Ryan, and Adrienne Pearson play bingo
Photo provided by Nancy Ryan.
limit for participation. They bring a variety of items for children to choose from for the games they host.
“We get to meet both the families and the children at the events,” Ryan said. “We had about 30 people come last time. We make sure to have items that they can use like coloring books or stickers.”
Members also brought some practical items as prizes to help families while they are traveling back and forth to the hospital.
“We started getting the nice, plastic-coated bags at Dollar Tree,” Ryan said. “We found that they really enjoyed those. We also pack blankets that we get from Walmart. They can use the bags to put their things in when they go to the hospital.”
Ensuring that every child feels included is a priority for the group.
“Even if they don’t get a bingo, we make sure everyone gets a prize,” Ryan said. “This last time, several of them were so excited to holler bingo when they won. At the end, we let them come back up and pick a few more items out.”
Ryan said she has had several memorable interactions over the years, but one stood out in particular.
“There was a 10- or 11-year-old boy who kept winning during one of our games,” Ryan said. “He kept getting up and was giving out his prizes to make sure they had something as well. They all seem to care for each other, too.”
Looking ahead, the club is launching a new holidayfocused project. The Club is also working to plan another bingo game in the spring.
“We are doing letters from Santa as a new project this year,” Ryan said. “Our members are making them for $10
each to help cover the supplies and mailing costs. Each child will receive a letter from our club and a certificate. We are hoping to deliver them to the house.”
Ultimately, Ryan said the goal is to provide families with moments of relief and joy during a stressful time.
“We love that we can go and provide a break for them,” Ryan said. “We try to go in the evenings for an hour or so to do something fun for them. It can maybe take something off the children’s minds of what they are going through.”
Ryan said Ronald McDonald House Charities is a meaningful organization to support and that they serve as an excellent model of the mission of Optimist International.
“It is a very worthwhile organization to help, and it is really heartwarming to see the children with big smiles on their faces,” Ryan said.
Ronald McDonald House children had the opportunity to read with Miss Trussville, Chandler Champion, during one of the Club’s first volunteer events. “Chandler’s Miss America platform was “Reading is Believing, Don’t Stop Believing,” so we took advantage of the opportunity for her to read to the children after supper,” Ryan said. Her younger sister, Zoé Champion, who was crowned Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen in 2019, now also volunteers with the Optimist Club. Photo provided by Nancy Ryan.
The Optimist Club of Birmingham partnered with their local Girl Scout troop to put blankets together for donation. “In addition to giving them the joy of helping others, this also gave them an opportunity to earn one of their Girl Scout badges,” Ryan said. Photo provided by Nancy Ryan.
2025-2026 First Quarter Growth and Retention Recognition –
The Story Behind the Numbers
Congratulations to all recognized clubs and districts. Retention and growth are not just numbers — they reflect people choosing to belong, serve, and bring out the best in youth, communities, and ourselves.
During the first quarter of the 2025–2026 Optimist year, clubs and districts across Optimist International demonstrated that commitment through membership growth and retention.
We are pleased to recognize the following clubs and districts whose efforts reflect engagement and growth in action — welcoming new members while keeping existing members connected and involved.
Each of the Optimist Clubs and Districts listed below will receive a certificate of recognition and a digital badge that can be used in their marketing efforts.
TOP 10 DISTRICTS IN GROWTH
TOP 10 CLUBS IN GROWTH
Welcome New Members
Since the beginning of this Optimist year in October, Optimist International has welcomed 1,248 new Members and created 1 new Club. If you’re one of those new Members, or part of the 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 28 to July 2, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida.
OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONTESTS 2025-2026
Topic
“The Moment I Realized I Belonged
—My Definition of Community”
ORATORICAL CONTEST
Beginning in 1928, the Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program of Optimist International. The contest is designed for young people to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with an opportunity to compete for multiple college scholarships with a pre-assigned topic.
District Scholarships:
First Place: $2,500 • Second Place: $1,500 • Third Place: $1,000 with a chance to win up to $22,500 at the World Championships level
ESSAY CONTEST
The Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In addition to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship!
One District Scholarship of $2,500
Topic
“The Moment I Realized I Belonged
—My Definition of Community”
Topic
“How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me”
COMMUNICATION CONTEST FOR THE DEAF & HARD OF HEARING
This contest offers an opportunity for students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing to present their thoughts in the community, gaining skills which can only come from signing or speaking to a large audience. Patterned after the Optimist Oratorical Contest, the contest offers youth the chance to compete in speech or sign language with the chance to win a college scholarship.
One District Scholarship of $2,500
KIDS SPEAK OUT! SPEECH CONTEST
All young people can compete in the Optimist Oratorical Contest. The “Kids Speak Out” contest is a “pre-Oratorical” program that provides a more equitable competition for younger speakers.
Club Grant Program
What is the Club
Grant Program?
Any Adult Club served by OIF is eligible to apply for a grant for a NEW project of the Club. The requested amount can range between $250 - $1,000.
The Details:
The project must start and finish between April 2026 and March 2027.
Grants to Clubs will be matching grants, with Clubs expected to show plans for matching the money and reporting the results.
Grants are for one year only.
Club dues must be current.
Clubs might consider using the Pass Through Program to obtain donations from local businesses and Foundations.
January 9, 2026
Applications available at oifoundation.org
March 20, 2026
Applications must have been RECEIVED in the St. Louis office. Do NOT send to PO Box!
May 15, 2026 Winners will be notified.
Contact the Foundation office at 800.500.8130 or visit oifoundation.org for more information.
The Optimist International Board of Directors recently convened to address key initiatives focused on member support, financial responsibility, and governance updates. The Board met in Jacksonville, Florida, on November 8, 2025, and held a subsequent online meeting on January 21, 2026.
During these sessions, the Board took significant steps to support clubs impacted by natural disasters, plan for the upcoming convention, and refine pilot programs.
Highlights and Key Actions:
• Disaster Relief: In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Board approved a one-year dues waiver for 12 Optimist Clubs in the Caribbean District, ensuring these clubs can focus on recovery while continuing to serve their communities.
• Leadership Appointment: Declared the St. Lawrence Region VP-Elect position vacant and appointed Marc Roy to fill the role.
• Convention Planning: Approved maintaining convention registration rate at $299 for a third consecutive year for the 2026 Optimist International Convention in Jacksonville, Florida. Additionally, the Board approved transitioning the event registration system to Cvent to enhance data security and operational efficiency.
• Program Pilots: Approved implementing the CHAP program as a pilot in six districts (Michigan, Gateway, East Missouri, New York/New England, Texhoma, and Pacific Southwest) from October 2026 to September 2028, with remaining districts reverting to the suspended ICD-135 program during this period. The Young Adult Optimist Club (YAOC) Pilot Project was also extended through November 2026.
• District Support: The Board approved district dues assessments to support reestablished districts, specifically District 53 (Québec West) at $25 CAD per club and District 50 (Québec Central) at $50 CAD per club.
• Club Reinstatement: Club 44240 (Kings Mountain) was reinstated.
• Bylaw Updates: Approved several bylaw updates regarding election procedures, officer qualifications, and financial processes to be presented to delegates at the 2026 Convention.
• Future Planning: Referred items for further study, including the feasibility of moving the 2027 World Oratorical Contest and JOI Summit to New Orleans to coincide with the International Convention, and establishing an ad hoc committee to study the feasibility of allowing clubs to opt out of district affiliation.
Countries of Optimist International Optimism knows no borders
