Optimist Youth Program Resources
Has your Club been looking for a new activity to work with the youth in your community? Program resource packages are designed to make running a new program simple and enjoyable for your Club and the youth involved.
Program resource packages include all the materials your Club will need to run a program. You will get access to all the materials that OI has compiled for their international programs. Keep in mind that the responsibility breakdowns and timelines are only suggested and should be modified to fit your Club.
Oratorical Competition | Kids Speak Out | CCDHH | Respect for Law | Tri-Star Sports
Youth Safety | Youth Appreciation
Internet Safety
Statistics show that 99% of all teens have access to the internet and 94% of students admitted to being cyber bullied and did not tell an adult. The importance of protecting the children in your community is a major undertaking and Optimist Clubs can play a vital role. Optimist International's website has a page dediated to providing resources for clubs to offer an Internet Safety education program in their local community.
Childhood Cancer Campaign
Through this unique program, Optimists are building awareness of the disease that kills more youth than any other cause. In addition, Members provide support for children with cancer and their families, and support research to find a cure. Optimist Clubs are encouraged to participate in this program by building awareness of the disease, providing assistance to childhood cancer patients and their families and supporting research to find a cure.
The Childhood Cancer Campaign program model is built to accentuate four areas of service on which Members can focus:
- Support to children diagnosed and receiving treatment for cancer;
- Support to families and care partners of children with cancer;
- Support to health care and service providers; and
- Support for cancer research.
CCC Resources
Junior Optimist & Octagon International (JOOI) Clubs
Thanks to the Optimists' JOOI program, more than 16,000 young people each year learn the importance of volunteerism and giving of one's self. As a result, teens report feeling an improved sense of kindness, increased awareness for those in need, and a better sense of coping with cultural diversity. Start a JOOI Club today!. See JOOI Resources for online resources.
Junior Golf
As one of junior golf's most prestigious events, the OIJGC provides a uinque opportunity for junior golfers from around the globe. Every year thousands of young people compete in local Optimist qualifying tournamets. The top finishers advance to the OIJGC. Past Optimist junior golf participants include Tiger Woods, Michelle McGann, Phil Mickelson and Justin Leonard. Contact our District Junior Golf Chair for additional information or resources.
Essay Competition
This contest presents young people the opportunity to write about their opinions regarding the world in which they live. Optimist International awards each District contest winner a $2500 scholarship for advanced education. Winning essays are judged at the international level, and a first, second and third place scholarship is awarded. The club Essay contest project will take approximately 12 weeks to run from start to finish and will need at least 3-5 Club members working on it.
Essay Competition Resources
2011-12 Essay Topic: "How my Positive Outlook Benefits my Community"
District Essay Page give this link to participants
OI Essay Program Page full of info for this year's competition
Essay Contest Application & Rule Pad
Club Planning Guide
District Planning Guide
Program Packages this page has additional documents for running Essay contests at the club level
Oratorical Competition
As Optimist International's oldest program, this contest allows young adults to gain experience in public speaking on a pre-assigned topic. Optimist Districts have the opportunity to provide two $2,500 scholarships or a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000. The club Oratorical contest project will take approximately 12 weeks to run from start to finish and will need at least 3-5 club members working on it.
Oratorical Competition Resources
2011-12 Oratorical Topic: "How my Optimism Helps me Overcome Obstacles"
District Oratorical Page give this link to participants
OI Oratorical Program Page full of info for this year's competition
Oratorical Contest Application & Rule Pad
Club Planning Guide
District Planning Guide
Program Packages this page has additional documents for running Oratorical contests at the club level
Kids Speak Out
This program prepares elementary school children for future Oratorical competitions. Although winners are normally selected, emphasis is placed on making all contestants feel like a winner for just participating!
Kids Speak Out Resources
Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH)
The CCDHH contest provides the opportunity for young people who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate in a public forum while developing valuable skills and confidence. The Optimist International Foundations annually fund a $2,500 scholarship for each OI District.
CCDHH Resources
2011-12 CCDHH Topic: "How my Optimism Helps me Overcome Obstacles"
District CCDHH Page give this link to participants
OI CCDHH Program Page full of info for this year's competition
Please note that the 2011-12 documentation for CCDHH has not been made available yet.
CCDHH Contest Application & Rule Pad
Club Planning Guide
District Planning Guide
Respect for Law & Day of Non-Violence
Encourage peace and harmony within your community! Optimists accomplish this feat by honoring law enforcement officials, initiating black parent programs, sponsoring fingerprinting fairs, and starting neighborhood watches. Anything to keep children safe in their neighborhoods!
Respect for Law & Day of Non-Violence Resources
Respect for Law/Promotion of Non-Violence Planning Guide
Press Release - Respect for Law/Promotion of Non-Violence - (.doc)
Press Release - Respect for Law/Promotion of Non-Violence - (.pdf)
Respect for Law Evaluation Form
OI Page for Respect for Lay & Day of Non Violence
Tri-Star Sports
Bring together the youth of your community in the spirit of fun competition! The tri-Star program offers exciting opportunities to promote self-confidence and physical-fitness, even if your Club has limited resources. Since this program does not involve physical contact or advanced skill, it is the ideal activity for every child including those with special needs.
Tri-Star Sports Resources
Youth Safety
Keeping children safe in their leisure activities has been an important part of Optimist programs for many years. The Optimist International Youth Safety Program encompasses all of the activities originally included in the Safety on Wheels and Always Buckle Children programs as well as new activities concerning internet Safety. Help spread the word about safety!
Youth Safety Resources
Youth Safety Poster Competition Resources
-
Youth Safety Poster Contest
Poster Contest Job Responsibilities
Job Responsibilities by Position
Project Timeline
Sample Location Request Letter
Sample Principal Permission Letter
Sample Sponsor Prize Donation Request Letter
Sample Sponsor Donation Request Letter
Poster Contest News Release
Contest Judging Sheet
Sample Judges Thank You Letter
Sample Sponsor Donation Thank You Letter
Sample Main Contact Thank You Letter
Youth Appreciation Week
Build local students' self-esteem! Recognize their talents in the arts, athletics, academics and their contribution to the community. How? By celebrating Youth Appreciation Week! To honour local youth, Optimists have successfully hosted swim parties, sponsored crazy bowls, planned youth lock-ins, chaperoned field trips, and provided funds for school supplies. This program encompasses anything that makes a difference in the life of a young person.