Mission, Vision & Purposes

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.

Optimist Creed

Optimists provide service in their communities while living by the tenets of the Optimist Creed.

Optimist International Foundations

Helping Optimists Help Kids

Optimist International Foundation

Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation

Donate Now
To support Optimist International’s programs:

For Members and individuals who live in the United States, Caribbean and other nations.

For Members and individuals who live in Canada

Contributions are processed through the Optimist International Foundation and the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation.

Choose Optimism Podcast


Choose Optimism RSS Feed and past episodes.

Learn how the live an Optimistic life with Optimist International. Optimist International is an International Service club with the Mission of Bringing out the Best in Youth, Ourselves and our Communities


Optimists at a Glance

Optimist image of kids and club activites

Optimist Clubs participate in community service programs that are dedicated to bringing out the best in youth. Since each Club is autonomous and run by members in their community, Optimists have the unique flexibility to serve the youth of their area in any way they see fit. To learn more, click here.