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.
Christian D. Larson
Welcome Visitors
Do you volunteer for any civic activity, if not? Please review the opportunities available with the Optimist Club of Los Angeles. We hope you will be interested in joining our volunteer team so that you can help us “Bring Out the Best in Youth?” Optimists conduct 65,000 community service projects annually, spending $78 million in their communities. Annually, six million kids are positively affected by Optimist programs. For more information, could you view our entire website?
Introduction to Optimist
Optimist Clubs participate in community service programs dedicated to bringing out the best in youth. Since each Club is autonomous and run by members in their community, Optimists have the unique flexibility to serve the youth of their area in any way they see fit.
Vision: Optimist International is 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.
Welcome to the Optimist Club of Los Angeles
What Optimist
Clubs Do!
Optimist Clubs are dedicated to "Bringing Out the Best in Kids" and do their part through community service programs. Since each Club is autonomous and run by members of their community. Optimists have the unique flexibility to serve the youth of their community which is most beneficial. When Optimist Club members see a need in their community, they react to the need.
Message From the President
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations are awarded annually from this program.
First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winners at the Club level receive medallions, and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts can provide a first-place scholarship of $2,500, a second-place scholarship of $1,500, and a third-place scholarship of $1,000.
Optimist International sponsors the Essay Contest to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country, or a more historical perspective. In addition to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship!
It is my privilage to welcome you to our website, Optimist Club of Los Angeles (OCOLA) and introduce you to our international volunteer organization with a mission to “Bring out the best youth, Bring out the best in our communities and the bring out the best in ourselves.”
Optimist provide hope and positive vision and allows us to lead a happier, healthier, more successful life. Optimist repsond to the individual needs of their communities, and they provide life-changing events through scholarship contest, sports leagues and charitable assistance.
Experience the power of optmism with positive people creating positive change in their communites. You will find happiness, purpose and accomplishment in a way no other organization can equal.
Whether you are looking for a means and path to help your community, for personal development or a rewarding experience, you will find it in the Optimist Club of Los Angeles. You will become more understanding and compassionate about the necessities of the youth and the community.
Thank you for viewing our website and take a look around. Please join our club and bring out the BEST in Youth, the BEST in your Community and the BEST in Yourself. BECOME AN OPTIMIST!
Vernon Price
President, Optimist Club of Los Angeles
Serving Youth and Communities since 1917.
Optimist Club of Los Angeles
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Optimist Club of Los Angeles 〰️
Meet the Executive Board
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M. Joyce Bakersmith
Secretary
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Vernon Price
President
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Desmond Thompson
Treasurer
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Mike Maynard
Board Member
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Gerry Mitchell
Board Member