FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why would I want to join an Optimist Club?
A: To work to better the lives of kids and participate in projects serving them, to give back to your community, to grow your personal skills and leadership capabilities, to share in a personally rewarding experience, to enjoy the camaraderie of other positive-minded Optimists, and much more.
Q: As a member, do I have to attend meetings?
A: There is no attendance requirement, nor one for participation in our projects. Our members enjoy speakers, program updates, helping kids and camaraderie in meeting and sharing with others.
Q: Who are Optimist leaders?
A: Members who enjoy the organization and club projects find themselves stepping up into a leadership role. Optimism has training programs to guide aspiring leaders, reinforced by district conferences.
Q: When do Optimist clubs meet?
A: With 50 clubs in the districts, there are multiple opportunities to find a club that meets at a time convenient to you. Clubs commonly meet weekly or twice a month in the morning, for lunch, or in the evening. All clubs and their meeting schedules are listed under the PROGRAMS or DISTRICT CLUBS tabs on the homepage of this website or found here: https://www.optimist.org/member/clubdirectory/club.cfm?district=25
Q: Is it expensive to be an Optimist?
A: Not at all. Annual dues vary by club but generally are about $100. Most clubs accept dues payments on a quarterly basis. The dues include your membership in the club, the Colorado/Wyoming District and Optimist International.
Q: Can I belong to multiple clubs?
A: Yes, many of our member belong to two or three different clubs in the district.
Q: How do I locate a club in my area?
Q: How do I learn more about Optimist International?
A: The Optimist International website is at www.optimist.org. Optimist leaders can find training materials and other valuable guides as well as club rosters at www.optimistleaders.org.
Q: Are my donations to Optimism tax deductible?
A: No, Optimism International is a 501( c )4, which is a not-for-profit. Tax deductible donations can be made to the Optimist International Foundation (www.oifoundation.org), which is a 501( c )3. Donations earmarked for a specific club will be “passed back” from the Foundation to that club.
Q: When was Optimist International formed and how many countries participate?
A: The first official Optimist club was formed in Buffalo, N.Y. in 1911, although the international organization itself was created in 1919. Today, it consists of more than 2,500 clubs in 16 countries.
Q: When was the first Optimist Club formed in Colorado?
A: The Mile High Denver club was chartered in 1916 and still meets today.
Q: Should I attend a regular district conference?
A: You will benefit personally by attending conferences by learning more about Optimism & leadership and how better to serve the development of kids. You and will meet and share ideas, learning and interaction with other Optimists.
Q: Can I participate in projects and activities in clubs other than my own club?
A: Yes, Optimism is much bigger than any individual club. Members are encouraged to participate in projects and fund-raisers of other clubs.
