Optimist International will promote an annual Essay Contest under guidelines approved by the Board of Directors. Optimist International will provide scholarships in an amount approved annually by the Board, contingent upon funding by the Optimist International Foundations. Scholarships paid by the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation will be paid in Canadian funds for winners in Canada. The contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1 of the current Optimist contest year who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent, including CEGEP students in Québec, Canada. There is no minimum age.
Oratorical Contest
Optimist International will promote an annual oratorical contest under guidelines approved by the Board of Directors. Optimist International will provide scholarships in an amount approved annually by the Board, contingent upon funding by the Optimist International Foundations. Scholarships paid by the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation of Canada will be paid in Canadian funds for winners in Canada. The contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1 of the current Optimist contest year who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent, including CEGEP students in Québec, Canada. There is no minimum age.
District Oratorical Contests
The costs of all District oratorical contests above Club level shall be budgeted by the District administration. Contestant registration and/or entry fees and allocation from the District's general fund, or combination thereof, are the only allowable means of defraying costs of District contests. The expense and elaborateness of Zone or other District elimination contests should be held to an absolute minimum, because such contests are merely preliminary steps in the District contest.
Optimist International Regional Oratorical Contests
The costs of the Optimist International Regional Oratorical Contests held at Saint Louis University shall be budgeted by Optimist International. Contestant scholarships will be provide by Optimist International’s general fund and/or the Optimist International Foundation or the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation and may be supplemented with donor or corporate donations or sponsorships. The travel, housing, and meal expenses incurred by contestants and chaperones will be the responsibility of the District, Club, or individual.
Saint Louis University Global Region Contest
The scholarships of the Saint Louis University Global Region Contest held at Saint Louis University shall be budgeted by Optimist International and the
Optimist International Foundation and may be supplemented with donor or corporate donations or sponsorships. The travel, housing, and meal expenses incurred by contestants and chaperones will be the responsibility of the District, Club, or individual. The administrative costs for the Regional Contest will be shared by Optimist International and Saint Louis University.
Optimist International Oratorical World Championships Contest
The Oratorical World Championships is a permanent component to the Oratorical program. All District winners are strongly encouraged compete at the World Oratorical Championships in person at the designated locations. The scholarships of the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships Contest held at Saint Louis University shall be budgeted by Optimist
International, the Optimist International Foundation, and the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation (for Canadian winners). The travel, housing, and meal expenses incurred by contestants and chaperones will be the responsibility of the District, Club, or individual. The administrative costs for the World Championships Contest will be shared by Optimist International and Saint Louis University.
Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Optimist International will promote an annual Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Contest under guidelines approved by the Board of Directors. Optimist International will provide scholarships in an amount approved annually by the Board, contingent upon funding by the Optimist International Foundation and Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation (for Canadian winners). The contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1 of the current Optimist contest year who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent, including CEGEP students in Québec, Canada. There is no minimum age.
Paintings and Drawings – A Celebration of the Arts
Optimist International will promote the Painting and Drawing – A Celebration of the Arts program under the guidelines approved by the Board of Directors. Optimist International will provide prizes in amounts approved annually by the Board. The contest is open to young people up to and including age 11.
Optimist International Community Projects include:
Respect for Law/Promotion of Non-Violence Youth Appreciation
Youth Safety
Tri-Star Sports Skills Contests Kids Speak Out!
Paintings and Drawings – A Celebration of the Arts iMagine – A Kaleidoscope of the Performing Arts Spark In The Park
Optimist Photography Contest - iMagine Highlighting ‘The Optimist Creed’
The Childhood Cancer Campaign will be supported by the Optimist International Foundation and the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation. As of October 1, 2018, The Childhood Cancer Campaign will be broadened to include Childhood Health and Wellness.
International Programs Evaluation Scale
If the number of Clubs participating in an International Program falls below 30% on a two-year average, the program could be discontinued as an International program and will lose its funding. The Program will then become a non-funded Community Activity.
This applies only to International scholarship programs. The Junior Optimist International and the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships are exempt as they are self-sustaining.
Community Activities Scale
If the number of Clubs participating in a Community Activity falls below 20% Club participation on a two-year average, it could be removed from the list.
This applies only to Community activities, which include the Tri-Star Sports Skills Contests, Youth Appreciation, Youth Safety, Respect for Law/Promotion of Non- Violence, Kids Speak Out!, Paintings and Drawings – A Celebration of the Arts, iMagine – A Kaleidoscope of the Performing Arts, Spark In The Park, Optimist Photography Contest - iMagine Highlighting ‘The Optimist Creed’. Childhood Health & Wellness is administered by the Optimist International Foundation. The Spread Relief Program is administered by the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation.