Choose Optimism Podcast: Tell Your Story!

As a valued member of an Optimist International Club, you are making a meaningful difference in your community and helping bring out the best in youth every day. We would be honored to feature you as a guest on our Choose Optimism podcast, where you would be interviewed by our host about your club’s impact, your personal journey as an Optimist, and the ways you are choosing optimism in action.

The interview would be conducted virtually at your convenience and would last approximately 30 minutes (edited to a 20–25 minute episode). Our goal is to highlight the incredible work of our Clubs and inspire fellow Members and communities around the world.

If you are interested, please let us know by March 20, 2026, and we will follow up with scheduling details. We hope you will consider sharing your story and helping us continue to spread optimism worldwide.

Warm regards,

Optimist International Marketing Committee



• Loring Richter, Chair
• Tammy Koehler
• Theresa Jarratt
• Shane Neuman
• Jean Naeger
• OI Board Liaison: Michael Boles
• Contributor: Abigail Stidham, Junior Optimist Club Member

Call for Young Artists

Time is running out to submit to the Visual Arts Competition. This year, we are asking students to create artwork based on the inspiring theme: "Be Bold - Be The Change."

This exciting competition is designed to encourage and celebrate youth visual art skills and gives the youth we serve another outlet for their creativity. The winning projects will be used to create a set of twelve note cards and envelopes to be sold at the International Convention.

Key Details:

• Eligibility: Artists must be age 11 or younger (as of October 1, 2025).
• Deadline: Physical artwork must be mailed to Optimist International no later than March 1, 2026.

Click on the image below to download the application and view the full submission guidelines. Please share this with anyone in the appropriate age range and encourage them to submit their masterpiece!