The Optimist Club is a world-wide service volunteer organization whose purpose is to develop optimism as a philosophy of life, particularly 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. Our local club started as a vision of a small group of individuals who met in the lower level of Pio’s Restaurant discussing their goal of improving their community. Before long, their numbers and interest grew. The Optimist Club of St. Charles was formally established, with 45 members, on April 27, 1971. Since those early years, many dedicated members have led and/or served the club in its mission to bring out the best in our youth, our community, and ourselves. This club still meets every Tuesday at noon at Pio’s Restaurant where the vision began.

The Optimist Creed was adopted by Optimist International, a world-wide organization whose  goal is to build a future filled with hope and positive vision for all, and became the way of living for each Club member.

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 adopted this creed in 1922. It was originally published in 1912 by Christian D. Larson, a prolific writer. Larsen believed that people have tremendous latent powers, which could be harnessed for success with the proper attitude.)

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