OI

Optimist Club of Grand Rapids, MI

About "Optimism"

The Optimist Creed
The Optimist Creed was written in 1912 by Christian D. Larson as "Promise Yourself" and was
published in "Your Forces and How to Use Them". In 1922 at the Optimist convention in
Kansas City, this inspirational work was adopted as the official Creed of the organization.
Optimists around the world recite this Creed at the close of every meeting.

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.
OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL

The Vision Statement of
Optimist International
Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as an organization of people committed
to optimism and self-development for the improvement of youth and community.

The Mission Statement of
Optimist International
Optimist International's mission is to foster an optimistic way of life, through a network of
optimists, dedicated to the full development of their potential in order to provide
ever-expanding service to youth, the community and the world.

The Purposes of an
Optimist Club
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 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.

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