The Tri-City Optimist Club is a local chapter of a large service organization with 29 current members focused on activities that benefit youth in the Tri-Cities area. The club provides a structured environment for participation through membership, fundraising, and activities while maintaining a historical connection to Optimist International since its chartering in 1974. Members engage in community projects, social events, and can contribute their passions towards making a difference.

1. TRI-CITY OPTIMIST CLUB Welcomes our members and guests!

2. What is the “Tri-City Optimist Club”? Twenty Nine Current members. We are the Local Chapter of the 4th largest Service Club in the World. We have Members from Throughout the Tri-Cities. We Create Activities for Youth in the area. We Provide fun and fellowship for members!

3. Your Tri-City Optimist Club “ Team Photo” following the preparation of Holiday Assistance Boxes for twenty area families in need.

4. Memories – What are yours? What will you help to create?

5. The History of Optimism 1911 - First Club is formed in Buffalo, NY 1919 - First Optimist Convention is held. They adopt the “Optimist Creed” 1924 - “Friend of the Boy” became slogan 1924 - First Canadian club formed in Toronto, Ontario 1928 - First Boys Oratorical Contest

6. The History of Optimism 1972 – Our slogan changed to “Friend of Youth” 1974 - Tri-City Optimist Club Chartered 1976 - First Year at the Benton Co. Fair 1980 - Optimist International opened its membership to women 2010 - The year you made Optimism a part of your life.

7. The History - and the Future - of Optimist Clubs

8. Relationship to Optimist International Optimist International has 32 districts throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. We are part of zone ten of the Pacific Northwest District. District meetings are held quarterly.

9. Relationship to Optimist International Optimist International provides assistance to local clubs - including insurance coverage It also provides a Foundation for funding of larger projects

10. Optimist International Sanctioned Programs Oratorical / Essay Contests Youth Appreciation Respect for Law Safety on Wheels Optimist Junior Golf Always Buckle Children in the Backseat Childhood Cancer Internet Safety

11. Structure of Your Local Optimist Club General Membership of the club. Board of Directors conducts business for the club. Made up of a President, 2 Vice-Presidents, Secretary/Treasurer, & Board Members. All members are eligible to serve.

12. Structure of Your Local Optimist Club FUNDING: Operational Funds are derived from two sources: Fund Raising and Member’s Dues Raised funds are held within a Youth Account to be spent on projects in the community. Dues are held within a general account for day to day club operations.

13. Structure of Your Local Optimist Club New members pay a one-time new member fee of $25. Yearly dues are $85. Spouse’s dues (if desired) are $65. Life Memberships are available.

14. Fundraising FUN Our County Fair Food Booth

15. When do We Meet? Regular Membership Meetings 1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 6:30 pm Board Meetings – Second Wednesday of the month. Whenever and wherever the youth of our community can benefit!

16. Optimist’s Privileges Serve your community through active participation in club projects Opportunities to attend meetings Serve your club through committee work Share your involvement with others Serve your club as a club officer Have fun adopting Optimism as a way of life!

17. Optimist Club Sponsorships Columbia River Young Marines Youth Athletic Teams We The People Contestants (River’s Edge HS) Junior Achievement Every Fifteen Minutes EACAP Assistance Royal Family Kid’s Camp for Foster Children Children’s Developmental Center

18. Optimist Club Projects Holiday Assistance Baskets College Scholarships Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Optimist Oratorical Contest Optimist Essay Contest Youth Appreciation What is Your Passion? - Bring it with you!

19. Optimist Club Projects Holiday Baskets

20. Optimist Club Projects Holiday Baskets Thank you received after last year’s delivery. A memory that you can be a part of.

21. Optimist Club Projects Tri-City Optimist Club provides college scholarships to worthy Tri-City Youth

22. Optimist Club Projects Tri-City Optimists at “Law Enforcement Appreciation Day” in Columbia Park. Partnerships with other organizations.

23. Optimist Club Projects Optimist Oratorical Contest

24. Optimist Club Projects Essay Contest

25. Optimist Club Projects Youth Appreciation Day

26. The Purpose of Optimist Clubs A Christmas Party, complete with Sam “Santa Claus” Hopwood

27. Optimist Social Events Not all events are work  Christmas Party Spring Campout/Picnic Installation Banquet Regular Meetings Our Projects ARE Social Events 

28. Optimist Social Events Christmas Party 

29. Optimist Social Events Campout / Potluck Picnic

30. Optimist Social Events Installation Banquet

31. Optimist Club Projects What can YOU bring to this Club? The sky is the limit -we have the club, you bring your ENTHUSIASM! WHAT A TEAM! Come Join us!

32. Why am I an Optimist?

33. TRI-CITY OPTIMIST CLUB WE INVITE YOU TO “Radiate Optimism” along with us. You can make a difference in this club. You can make a difference in this community. We invite you to become an Optimist TODAY! 

34. THE OPTIMIST CREED