In 1911, a civic organization called itself the “Optimist Club” formed in Buffalo, New York, to promote a positive outlook and mutuality among members and address community problems.   By 1914, the movement and concept caught on and spread to Rochester and Syracuse.

In 1916, Indianapolis business and professional leaders, unaware of what had happened in New York, started a national Organization entitled, “American Optimists’ Clubs.  Within a few months, this new club started clubs in Louisville, St. Louis, Kansas City, Missouri, Denver, Milwaukee, Washington D.C., and Springfield, Illinois.

In 1917, the “American Optimists’ Clubs” continued expanding when the Optimist Club of Los Angeles (OCOLA) was chartered.  Our purposes in 1918 were focused on raising funds for the war effort, supporting military families, and assisting families devastated by the FLU Pandemic.

 The 10-verse version of the Optimist Creed we quote and live by as an organization was submitted by Winifred Westervelt, wife of the Los Angeles Optimist President James Westervelt, to be published in the Los Angeles Club’s Yearbook.  The Los Angeles Optimist adopted it as their Creed and shared it with other clubs in California.

The Optimist Youth Home and Family Services’ existence resulted from the Los Angeles Optimist adopting the boys’ home, known as the Strickland Home for Boys, as one of its first projects in 1917.  In 1934, the Los Angeles Optimist helped the home obtain its 501 (C-3) status, and it became the Optimist Home for Boys in 1940.                                                                                                                                             In 1922, the 10-verse version of the Optimist Creed was adopted by Optimist International.  Will Rogers was a close friend of Reverend James Brougher, chaplain for the Los Angeles Optimist Club.  Rogers introduced Los Angeles Optimists to Christian D. Larson, author of the poem “Promise Yourself.”  At that time, Christian D. Larson permitted Optimist International to use the 10-verse version of his poem as the Optimist International Creed.

Living up to its Creed, the Optimist Club of Los Angeles has always been a generous financial contributor to causes that improve youth and community lives.  It has generously contributed to the Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services.  Its contributions have faithfully supported the purpose of the motto, “friend of youth.” 

As late as fiscal 2021-2022, OCOLA continued to contribute financially to the Optimist Homes and Family Services and the Braille Institute in Los Angeles.  Both campuses proudly display the Optimist Club of Los Angeles’ name as a significant contributor.

 However, due to the drastic reduction in membership, depleting funds, and extreme weariness of President Jim Ives, OCOLA submitted paperwork to Optimist International declaring their intent to disband.

 Governor M Joyce Bakersmith and her Commitment to the Optimist Purposes and Creed would not let this happen.  She contacted Club President Jim Ives, Optimist International President Patsy Garner, and Optimist International Vice President Cathy Hicks. She told them she planned to save this one-hundred-and-five (105) year old Club. 

 President Ives was thrilled to hear the news.  President Garner and Vice President Hicks agreed that this 105-year-old Oldest Existing Optimist Club and Reason for the Optimist International Creed could not disband.  From that point on, and with the help of new members as far away as Wisconsin, OCOLA was able to re-establish itself as a viable optimist club. 

 We are committed to continuing the work that was started in 1917.  We ask you to join us and help continue our pledge to be a “friend of youth.”

Why be an Optimist, You Ask?

·       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 youth development in the belief that giving one’s service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, the community, and the world.