Optimist International Leadership Development

1. Optimist International Leadership Development A Brief History Of Optimist International Optimist International

2. Brief History of Optimist International • First official Optimist Club was formed in Buffalo, N.Y. in 1911. • The Optimist Club of Indianapolis, Ind. Was formed in May 1916. Optimist International

3. Brief History of Optimist International • Optimist International was formed on July 19, 1919, when representatives of 11 clubs held a convention in Louisville, Ky., and adopted the name International Optimist Club. Optimist International

4. Brief History of Optimist International During the 1919 convention, William Henry Harrison, a descendent of the ninth President of the United States bearing the same name, was elected the first International President of Optimist International. Optimist International

5. Brief History of Optimist International In 1922, the Optimist Creed was adopted as the official creed of the organization. Written by Christian Larson, the creed was originally published under the title “Promise Yourself” in 1912. Optimist International

6. Brief History of Optimist International • In August 1922, the first official emblem of Optimist International was developed and adopted. The emblem consisted of a youngster with a beaming countenance and the words “International Optimist Club.” Optimist International

7. Brief History of Optimist International In 1923, the motto, “Friend of the Delinquent Boy” was adopted by Optimist International. Then in 1924, the motto was changed to “Friend of the Boy.” . Optimist International

8. Brief History of Optimist International In 1924, the first organization wide youth service project was established with the chartering of Junior Optimist Clubs. Optimist International

9. Brief History of Optimist International In 1928, an organization-wide Oratorical Contest was started for the Junior Optimist Clubs. Optimist International

10. Brief History of Optimist International During World War II, the first scrap metal drive by the 250 participating Optimist clubs collected over 3100 tons of vital material. Optimist International

11. Brief History of Optimist International In 1953, the first international Bike Safety Week took place. Optimist International

12. Brief History of Optimist International In the 1950’s, many optimist-sponsored boys homes were started, including the Optimist Home for Boys in Los Angeles and Boystown in San Antonio. Optimist International

13. Brief History of Optimist International In 1957, the first international observance of Youth Appreciation Week. Optimist International

14. Brief History of Optimist International In 1965, the Respect for Law was initiated with the cooperation of the FBI and the RCMP. Optimist International

15. Brief History of Optimist International In 1967, the Optimist Junior World Golf Program was formed. Optimist International

16. Brief History of Optimist International In 1971, Optimist International Foundation was created. The purpose of the Foundation is that it operate exclusively for the charitable, literary, or educational purposes of Optimist International. Optimist International

17. Brief History of Optimist International In 1973, the Optimist motto was changed to “Friend of Youth.” Optimist International

18. Brief History of Optimist International In 1985, the first International Essay Contest was held. Optimist International

19. Brief History of Optimist International In 1987, Optimist International extended membership to women. Optimist International

20. Brief History of Optimist International In 1996, Optimist International picked up the Always Buckle Children in the Backseat (ABC) program. Optimist International

21. Brief History of Optimist International In 1997, ESPN covers the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships (OIJGC), making Optimist International the first service organization to ever have a worldwide event televised. Optimist International

22. Brief History of Optimist International In 1998, the Optimist International’s float wins the “National Trophy” in the Tournament of Roses Parade for best overall theme of “Hav’n’ Fun.” Optimist International

23. Brief History of Optimist International In July of 2001, Optimist found themselves seated in the Whitehouse, pledging to support U.S. President George W. Bush’s goal to mentor one million children. Optimist International

24. Brief History of Optimist International THE FUTURE Going forward, there are high hopes and expectations for the future of Optimism. Growth and maturation will occur as this organization moves into another 80 years of service to youth. From the beginnings of our youth service, this organization has held onto its Optimistic philosophy – to think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best. Optimist International

25. Brief History of Optimist International For a more detailed history of Optimist International, please order the book “Of Dreams and Deed” from Shumsky Enterprises at (877) 678-2582 or from the Canadian Service Centre at (800) 363-7151. Optimist International

26. Optimist International Leadership Development A Brief History Of Optimist International Optimist International