Being an Optimist

About Optimist International

Since 1919, Optimist volunteers have been the ultimate "Friend of Youth". Through service projects aimed at "Bringing Out the Best in Kids," Optimists spread their positive message to young people, community by community. By believing in young people and empowering them to be the best they can, Optimists make this world a better place to live.

There are 114,000 individual volunteers who belong to 3,500 autonomous Clubs. These Optimists serve 6 million young people in their local communities each year. The volunteers conduct 65,000 service projects, run many of the Optimist International youth programs like Childhood Cancer Campaign, Oratorical Competitions, Youth Safety, and Junior Optimists.

There are seven Optimist Clubs that comprise Zone 5 (Alberta Capital Region Optimists), which is part of the Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan & Northern Wyoming (AMS&NW) District 13. Our Clubs deliver community service projects, run Optimist International youth programs, raise funds for partner youth activities and organizations that we sponsor, in Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, and Leduc.

Optimist Club Members Receive as Much as They Give

Being an Optimist has its own rewards:

The fellowship of people who get things done -- and the example they set for embracing a similar optimistic mindset
New social and working relationships with individuals from a cross section of our communities
The opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership skills locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally
And the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of children as well as our communities

Whether you are searching for an outlet to help your community, personal development, or rewarding comaraderie, you'll find what you're looking forward in your local Optimist Club.