What is an Optimist?

 Times were good. World War I had been fought and won and spirits were high in    America. It was an ideal time for the birth of Optimism. The association of    clubs that is known today as Optimist International was formed on June 19, 1919,    when representatives of 11 clubs held a convention in Louisville, Kentucky,    and adopted the name International Optimist Club. 

 There are currently about 87,000 individual members who belong to more  than 2,900 autonomous Clubs. Optimists conduct 65,000 service projects  each year, serving six million young people. Optimists also spend $78  million on their communities annually. 

Mission: By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.

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.

"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.

Our club was chartered on May 23, 1989, sponsored by the Kettering Dor-Wood Optimist Club. Kettering Noon Optimist Club is an all female club.  Our membership is 100 members +/-.  We are one of 70+ clubs in Ohio and 1000 in the world.  We ARE a Friend of Youth!