The document describes several existing Optimist Clubs in Idaho and the community projects they support, such as youth sports programs, food drives, and youth recognition awards. It also provides information about starting a new Optimist Club, including the projects, members, officers, and fees needed. Optimist Clubs focus on volunteering and community service projects that benefit and recognize children.

1. The Optimist Difference… …it’s all in our name! Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310

2. Optimist Clubs perform amazing projects that recognize, benefit or involve children. But it’s our positive, upbeat attitude that makes us stand out from the rest. Some of the clubs and their projects in Idaho are… Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310

3. Boise Noon Football Founded in 1949, they have developed the Optimist Youth Sports Complex and host more than 8,000 boys and girls as football players and cheerleaders. The fields are also used for soccer and they have added playgrounds and tennis courts to the park that is jointly operated with the City of Boise. Childhood Cancer Campaign The Boise Noon Optimist Club has also developed the Beads of Optimism and work closely with MSTI and St. Luke’s to assist pediatric patients. Meets weekly at Twin Dragon Restaurant and host a weekly speaker or program of local interest to their members and the community. Also provide Santa letters and Operation Bear Care. Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310

4. Nampa Football Started in 1996 with help from Boise Noon, the Nampa Optimist Club also focuses on football and cheerleading. Using urban renewal funds, they also built and maintain a sports complex in Nampa. Several thousand children play in this program each year. Beyond the Blue During the school year, coaches and athletes teach leadership and sportsmanship in the schools. The Nampa Optimist Club defies the norm and meets only as needed for project planning. Their focus is growing and maintaining their football program. Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310

5. Meridian International Programs The Meridian Optimist Club was founded in 1976. Meridian generally follows the Optimist International model programs, hosting oratorical and essay contests and hosting a Junior Golf Tournament in 2009. Junior Rifle Club Meridian Optimists sponsor Explorer Post 1 and maintain facilities for young shooters to hone their skills and earn scholarships. Food Baskets and Meridian Food Bank Collect and deliver food baskets during the holiday season and work with the Meridian Food Bank year-round. Volunteer Service The Meridian Optimist Club provides helping hands to other organizations throughout the year. The Meridian Optimist Club meets at 7:00 am every Wednesday at JB’s Restaurant. Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310

6. Caldwell International programs Caldwell began in 1979 and are very active with the oratorical and essay contest. PAL Boxing Built a championship boxing ring and produce the Caldwell Optimist Silver Belt Invitational. Youth Soccer Started and support the Caldwell Youth Soccer Program. Caldwell Rodeo and Canyon County Fair Primary vendors at this family and community event and the sponsors of the Buckaroo Breakfast. The Caldwell Optimist Club meets weekly, Wednesdays, noon at the Sunrise Restaurant. Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310

7. Football spinoffs The popularity of the Boise Noon Football program has led to other Optimist Clubs in Emmett, Horseshoe Bend and Elmore County. Although they are single purpose clubs, they do perform a valuable service in their community, funding athletic programs and working with the parks and recreation districts to build infrastructure. Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310

8. McCall Founded in 1981, the McCall Optimist Club is not a football club; however, the Optimist Football program is big in the community. According to their members, they often provide monetary support, but they do not provide coaching or maintenance to their fields. Senior Lock-in The McCall Optimist Club is the largest on-going supporter of the annual senior lock-in to keep kids safe on graduation night. They host games, provide food and supervision. Holiday Flags McCall decorates the streets with flags on all national holidays. The McCall Optimist Club meets Tuesdays, 7:00 am through the school year at the Pancake House. Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310

9. Jerome Founded in 1976, the Jerome Optimist Club is best known for the Coats for Kids program. They collect gently worn coats and refurbish them, clean them, and redistribute them to children in need. Youth Appreciation Jerome also conducts the largest youth appreciation program in the Pacific Northwest District. They recognize kids for doing the right thing or paying it forward. More than 80 children received recognition for being caught in an act of kindness last year. Holiday Programs Breakfast with Santa and the Easter Egg Hunt are annual activities that the community looks forward to. Special Needs Fishing Derby The picture says it all! The Jerome Optimist Club meets weekly, Wednesdays, 6:30 pm at the Senior Community Center. Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310

10. Twin Falls The Twin Falls Optimist Club was formed in 1970. They are known for their community and civic leaders and have at times been the largest Optimist Club in Optimist International. They share many projects with Jerome, like Coats for Kids and the Fishing Derby, but some of their biggest are: Fellowship This is what it takes to be the largest club in the nation. Spook Alley Twin Falls sponsors an annual Halloween event. Coats for Kids Twin Falls members collect, refurbish and redistribute coats to children who need them. Relay for Life An adult viewpoint on the Childhood Cancer Campaign – the Twin Falls Optimist Club is a major sponsor of the South Central Idaho Relay for Life campaign. The Twin Falls Optimist Club meets weekly on Thursday, Noon at the Mandarin House. Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310

11. Meadows Valley The Meadows Valley Optimist Club began in 2006. Due to high unemployment in the area, it is on hiatus, but hopes to get back to work soon on their favorite programs: Youth Basketball Supports the community for all recreation programs. The basketball program is for children under 10 years. School Supply Drive Provides supplies at the beginning of school year and maintains a locker of supplies for the teachers to give away as needed. Meadows Valley will meet bi-monthly at the Meadows Valley School, Wednesday, 7 pm. Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310

12. Eagle The newest Optimist Club in Idaho, the Eagle Optimist Club was chartered in November 2009. First year projects include: Coats for Kids Drive Collected enough coats to share with the Eagle community and donated to the Women and Children’s Alliance. Food Baskets Organized a food drive for a low income apartment complex. Safety Fair Collaborated with the Landing Community Center, YMCA, Ada County Sheriff and Eagle Fire Department Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310 The Eagle Optimist Club meets weekly, Tuesdays, Noon, at Willowcreek Grill.

13. You can Experience the Optimist Difference Projects that have been identified in your community to pursue are: Youth Safety & Sports Programs Youth Recognition Community Outreach Scholarship Programs Keeping Kids & Adults Safe Online Junior Golf Respect for Law What we need to get started today… Twenty-five members Club officers Project champions $425 Charter/insurance fee $1,875 to cover first year’s dues And we’re ready to soar! Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310

14. 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. Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310

15. The Optimist Difference… …it’s all in our name! Visit www.optimist.orgto learn more In the Pacific Northwest, please contact me to get started today. Linda Jackson, linda@newoptimistclub.com, 208.861.2310