Our Optimist 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.

We are proud to be celebrating 100 Years of Optimism in Canada in 2024! 

Contact your local club and learn more about the good work we do.

October Video Address from our 

International President - Jan Oord Graves


Our Optimist New Year begins October 1st and we are excited to welcome our new Governor - Maidy Keir!

Watch below to see the official passing of the gavel.

2024 MWO Passing of the Gavel.mp4

The Optimist Creed

Promise Yourself

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.