International Optimist Day History

What is Optimist Day:

Optimist Day is celebrated throughout the world annually on the First Thursday of February. This is a day where the world can be an Optimist themselves in action, plus join us in honoring Optimist Clubs and Members in their communities and worldwide for all they do year-round to promote efforts in bringing out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.

Optimist International Clubs and Members celebrate Optimist Day to promote their efforts and bring awareness to their community on how they are making a difference in the youth. They do this by wearing something with the Optimist logo and/or hosting events to celebrate the annual day. Optimist Clubs may choose a location and distribute copies of the Optimist Creed so others may choose optimism for themselves.

How Communities Celebrate Optimist Day:

In addition to our Clubs and Members celebrating Optimist day, many local governments routinely issue Proclamations in honor of Optimist Day so that their communities can look to the future with hope. On Optimist Day, they can celebrate the volunteers who share their enthusiasm, skills, and talent to make that tomorrow a vibrant and peaceful one.

How can you honor and celebrate Optimsit day:

Anyone can celebrate Optimist Day by volunteering in the community, teaming up with their local Optimist Club, doing something that brings out optimism in themselves or others, and by awareness about Optimist Day and the Optimist International Organization to friends and loved ones on Optimist Day.

How can you support Optimist Day and Optimist International's efforts:

This year Optimist International will have Optimist Day gear, apparel, and memorabilia for you to display to help us spread awareness of Optimist International. Please only buy Optimist Day merchandise through us and our online licensed merchant store

Optimist International Official Suppliers:

United States and the Caribbean: Shumsky - www.OptimistStuff.com

Canada: Ansell's Awards and Specialties: www.optimistsupply.ca


The History of Optimist Day

Early in 2013, Sylvain Levesque, a member of the National Assembly of Quebec and of the Optimist Club of Lorretteville, introduced the resolution to recognize Optimist Day in Quebec. Later that year at the Optimist International Convention, delegates in Cincinnati passed a resolution adopting the first Thursday of every February as Optimist Day. The date corresponded with Optimist Day in Quebec. At the time, Levesque was a member of the Optimist Club of Duberger and was asked by fellow Optimist Michel Lamothe to consider introducing the resolution. Levesque agreed, and the resolution unanimously passed.
When asked why the first Thursday in February was selected, Levesque said that it was because we normally start our work at the National Assembly in the 1st week of February and we could pass the resolution at that moment.
Regardless of the reason, Optimists throughout the world are thankful to him for taking the initiative to present the resolution, and they continue to celebrate Optimist Day on the first Thursday of February each year.

Optimist Day 2024