WHAT WE DO ORIGINAL

CLUB PROGRAMS

Our purpose is to develop optimism as a philosophy of life while aiding and encouraging the development
of our communities’ youth. We accomplish this by implementing the following programs that bring recognition and support.

Oratorical ContesT

Started 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 allow them to compete for multiple college scholarships with a pre-assigned topic.

Youth AppreciatioN

Optimist Clubs recognize local youth for their efforts in the arts, athletics, academics, and community service work. Youth Appreciation is the perfect opportunity for Optimists to make a difference in their community and demonstrate their commitment to young people.

Youth Appreciation projects are intended to make children feel important and highlight their positive contributions to society. Since 1956, this program has given Optimist Clubs the occasion to work with youth toward the common goals of education, career development, physical well-being, and community service.

Youth Appreciation encourages a greater exchange of ideas between young people and adults. Youth Appreciation offers Optimist Clubs the opportunity to impact the community by holding one or more worthwhile, fun events involving adults and children.

Respect For Law

In July 1965, a discussion between Past International President Carl Bowen and former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover resulted in the birth of the Respect for Law community activity. Respect For Law is the fourth most popular Optimist activity, with more than 1,500 clubs participating each year. Our club honors a Davenport Police officer, nominated by their peers each year, and previous award recipients return each year to help honor the new honoree.

Tri-Star Sports

Tri-Star Sports Skills Contests are the perfect way to bring community youth together in a spirit of fun competition. Each skill offers exciting opportunities to promote self-confidence and physical fitness. Because this program does not involve physical contact or advanced skills, it is an ideal activity for every child, even those who may be physically challenged.

Tri-Star Sports Skills Contests are designed for youth ages 8-13 and test skills in the following sports:
Baseball: Base-running, Hitting and Throwing
Basketball: Dribbling, Passing and Shooting
Football: Passing, Place Kicking and Punting
Soccer: Dribbling, Shooting and Throwing
Golf: Driving, Chipping and Putting
Volleyball: Serving, Passing and Hitting

Junior Optimist International

Junior Optimist International is an all-inclusive youth organization sponsored by Optimist International. The Juniors share a common goal to make communities a better place through volunteering. Junior Optimist is a service-learning organization that connects all of the Clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and worldwide.

Junior Golf

The Optimist Junior Golf Program is one of the world's most prestigious junior golf events. Each year boys and girls, ages 10-18, compete in Optimist district tournaments, Junior Tour events, and International Federations to advance to the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship. The championship is ranked with Golfweek and Junior Golf Scoreboard and receives AJGA performance-based stars. In the fall, the Optimist Tournament of Champions is an invitational known for its strength of field and is highly ranked.

Essay Contest

Optimist International sponsors the essay contest to give young people the opportunity to write about their 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 can also win a college scholarship.

Childhood WellnesS

Since the program's inception, Optimist clubs have participated in various activities focused on raising awareness of cancer, aiding children and their families, and supporting research to find a cure. Optimist International, through donations collected by Optimist Clubs, fulfilled a research grant commitment of $1 million to Johns Hopkins, the leading pediatric oncology research institute in North America. In addition, Optimist Clubs continue to provide funding to the United States and Canadian research hospitals every year.

Clubs can apply for up to $1,000 through the Childhood Wellness Matching Grant Program to help with a local project supporting childhood cancer efforts.