International Association of Optimist Clubs - Code of By-laws and History of Optimist International - The International Association of Optimist Clubs

Sep 21, 2026

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International Association of Optimist Clubs bylaws and historical record outlining the organization’s purpose, governance structure, membership corporation status, and early development. The text describes how local Optimist Clubs formed in Buffalo, Indianapolis, and other cities, and how related meetings led to an international organization. It states incorporation under California law in 1925, governance by a Board of International Councillors and supporting councils, and the executive body’s control of financial and officers’ matters.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Code of By-laws and History

Restrictions on Use

Technical Microform Data

Code of By-law

History of Optimist International

History

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97-84111-3 Internationl association ofoptimist clubs Code of by-laws andhistory of Optimist.. [S.I.] # COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIESPRESERVATION DIVISIONBIBLIOGRAPHIC MICROFORM TARGET ORIGINAL MATERIAL AS FILMED-EXISTING BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD ## RESTRICTIONS ON USE: Reproductions may not be made without permisslon from Columbia University Lbraries. TECHNICAL MICROFORM DATA 5mREDUCTION RATIO: 9:/IA(IA) ## FILM SIZE: INITIALS: 报 DATE FILMED: 0、5、7 TRACKING\#: 23245 下 ## CODE OF BY-LAW4 AND ## HISTORY OF ## OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL Thinking,Intelligent People Are EverywhereDemanding A Better Understanding,ACloser Co-operation In The Elimina-tion Of All Things DetrimentalTo The Proper Develop-ment Of The FutureCitizen,namely “THE BOY”and“THE GIRL” And to this end is formed ## "THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONOF OPTIMIST CLUBS" A Membership Corporation,which exists tofavor,foster and further the development ofthe youth and citizenship everywhere in thelength and breadth of these United States ofAmerica,and throughout the entire World;andto secure the benefits,social,moral,commer-cial,industrial,material,educational,and per-sonal---in the progressand uplift of the peoplewhich are within access of easy intercommuni-cation and transit between the great centers ofpopulation and distribution,and the great ruralproductive areas of all the Nations;and to bindall people together in a common brotherhood,and thus perpetuate and preserve and glorifythe civilizations of all the World. HISTORY The exact date of the formation of the Optimist Club ofWashington,D.C.,is not available,but G.E.S.Wlliams,Secretary,advises that he has been a member ten yearsand Secretary for seven,and that the Club was an oldold,established organization when he joined. Early in 1911 E.L.Monser,a young insurance man,anewcomer in Buffalo,N.Y..,gathered around him a groupof enthusiastic men and on April 1,1911,formally organ-ized the Optimist Club of Buffalo.Consecutive recordsrunning back to 1912 are in the hands of the presentSecretary,Dr.Louis Gottleib. It rained in Indianapolis on April15th,1916.Severalbusiness men stood gazing out of the window into thedripping,sloppy,murky street. One of those presentexclaimed:"There is just one more organization necdedfor business men,and that is an Optimist Club.""Agreed,"shouted the others,and the idea at once became a reality.On May7th,1916,ffteen business men met for luncheonat the Claypool Hotel and formed the Optimist Club ofIndianapolis. Business men of Louisville,Ky.,caught the spirit andthe Optimist Club of Louisville was formed.As Optimistideals became known,other cities organized Clubs. Copyright,1925,by It is a remarkable coincidence that these Clubs,knowinglittle or nothing about each other,adopted conatitutionsand pledged themselves to Big Objectives so similar that,later,when they came together they were one in purposeand high enthusiasm.One can ask no further proof positive of the fundamental need for and spontaneous accept-ance of the principles and practieal program of Optimism. Cornelius Conway In March,1919,a meeting ef these various organizationswas held in Indianapolis,the outcome of which was theformation of the International Optimist Club.The namewas changed to Optimist International in 1923 at theInternational Convention held in Chattanooga,Tennessee. The frst Convention met at Louisville,Ky.,in June,1919,with a Roster of eleven Clubs.Since that timeover 100 Clubs have been completed,without maintainingan Extension Department,until 1923,in practically everylarge city in the country. The Association was Incorporated under the laws of theState_of California,April 14th,1925,under the name of"THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF OPTIMISTCLUBS"(but for brevity's sake and to facilitate_speechand writing

FAQs

What is the purpose of the International Association of Optimist Clubs?

The association exists to foster and further youth and citizenship, and to secure social, moral, commercial, industrial, material, educational, and personal benefits for people worldwide.

When and how were early Optimist Clubs formed?

The text notes the Optimist Club of Buffalo was formally organized on April 1, 1911, and the Optimist Club of Indianapolis was formed on May 7, 1916 after a meeting of business men.

How is Optimist International governed and what controls financial matters?

It is governed by a Board of International Councillors with supporting councils, and the International Trustees serve as the executive body. All financial matters and officers are under the control of this executive body.

Sep 21, 2026

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