A positive attitude as a philosophy of life, with an emphasis on passing on that creed to young people, is the goal for all Optimist Club members.
B.C.’s newest Optimist Club, and the only one outside the Lower Mainland, was chartered in September with Jan Mori as president. Optimist International, which was founded in New York in 1911, has the motto Bringing Out the Best in Kids, and now has clubs around the world.
“I heard about the Optimist Club through a longtime curling friend. He suggested getting a club going here and the more we talked about it, the more I thought it would be a good thing for the community,” said Mori. “We have a great group of people from all backgrounds and all ages, men and women. People like the idea of the camaraderie of a service club, doing some good in the community and helping all children.”
Each club can decide to do Optimist programs, which include a junior golf program, youth curling, speaking and essay contests, building youth self esteem, and youth safety for the Internet and in recreational activities.
“We want to look at where there are gaps in community services for kids and see what we can do. This is a great opportunity to support existing youth organizations or to meet other needs. I have never been in a group that has such a varied membership and that makes it interesting for all of us, to have the different points of view and ideas,” said member Phyllis Dyck.
One of the first projects for the new club is an essay contest for youth. Entrants must be under age 18 by Dec. 31, 2011 and can submit original essays of 700-800 words until Feb. 15. The essays are judged locally and then go on to district and international levels and are eligible for scholarships. For more information contact Dyck at 250-545-0191 or e-mail phyllisd@shaw.ca.
“As a new club, we need to get involved in the community, let people know we are here and get started on some more projects,” said Mori.
The Optimist Club meets the second Monday evening of each month at The People Place in Vernon.
For more information about the local Optimist Club or becoming a member, see www.northokanaganoptimistscanada.ca or e-mail CLUB32034.2012@optimistmail.ca.
