Optimist Club of Erie

Optimist International (OI) is a worldwide, volunteer service organization established in 1919. There are 3,800 independent Optimist Clubs throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and abroad. These clubs contribute almost $80 million and countless volunteer hours in the communities they serve.

Optimist members are so much more than just those who see the glass half full instead of half empty. In the early days of Optimism, businessmen from all walks of life gathered together for fellowship and to volunteer in making a difference in the lives of delinquent boys.

Today, Optimist clubs include both men and women who support and encourage all children throughout the world. Optimists focus their volunteer work on educational, athletic, artistic and inspirational activities for over 6 million kids and teens, guiding these youth to become our future leaders. Learn more about the Optimist Youth Programs.

To help guide the 120,000 Optimist worldwide in “Bringing Out the Best in Kids,” members follow the tenets of The Optimist Creed. This pledge guides Optimists and non-members to live a happier and more fulfilling life.

Optimist leadership starts at the club level with the president, secretary-treasurer, vice presidents, board of directors and chairs. Click here to meet our club’s officers and members. Clubs are then grouped into Zones (about 5 – 7 clubs per Zone) that are then assembled into Districts. (On the average, there are about 70 clubs per district.) Throughout OI, there are 53 districts.

Optimist International is led by an elected president, regional vice presidents, and a Board of Directors. (Get a current list of OI leaders.) OI also has paid staff to provide the administration, support, resources and services to the clubs and members. The OI headquarters are located in St. Louis, Missouri and is supported by the dues that each member pays.

Visit the Optimist International website for more information.