Package Programs

Has your Club been looking for a new activity to work with the youth in your community? Package programs are designed to make running a new program simple and enjoyable for your Club and the youth involved.

Package programs include all the materials your Club will need to run a program. You will find job responsibilities broken down by position and a project timeline. You will also find some sample letters and press releases to send before and after the event. Keep in mind that the responsibility breakdowns and timelines are only suggested and should be modified to fit your Club.

Please remember the package programs are not substitutes for the program planning guides. Clubs should download the new program planning guide for the scholarship contests each year to learn about any new rule changes.


Essay Contest (International Program)
The Optimist Essay contest is the 3rd most popular Optimist activity. Please see the program planning guide for the theme and contest rules. The project will take approximately 12 weeks to run from start to finish and will need at least 3-5 Club members working on it.

Job Responsibilities by Position

Project Timeline

Essay Contest News Release - Prior to event (.doc)

Follow-up Letter to Parents

Sample Judges Thank You Letter

Essay Contest News Release - After event (.doc)

Club Project Evaluation Form


Oratorical Contest (International Program)
Since its start in 1928, the Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program sponsored by Optimist International. Please see the program planning guide for the theme and contest rules. The project will take approximately 12 weeks to run from start to finish and will need at least 3-5 Club Members working on it.

Job Responsibilities by Position

Project Timeline

Oratorical Contest News Release - Prior to event (.doc)

Follow-up Letter to Parents

Sample Judges Thank You Letter

Oratorical Contest News Release - After event (.doc)

Club Project Evaluation Form


Poster Contest – Youth Safety
These materials can be modified to fit a poster contest on any topic or theme. The project will take approximately 8 weeks to run from start to finish and will need at least 2-5 Club Members working on it.

Youth Safety Program

Poster Contest Job Responsibilities

Job Responsibilities by Position

Project Timeline

Sample Location Request Letter

Sample Principal Permission Letter

Sample Sponsor Prize Donation Request Letter

Sample Sponsor Donation Request Letter

Poster Contest News Release

Contest Judging Sheet

Sample Judges Thank You Letter

Sample Sponsor Donation Thank You Letter

Sample Main Contact Thank You Letter


Raffle Fundraiser
This is to hold a cash raffle to raise money for the Optimist Club. This project is relatively easy but does require participation from Club Members in order to be successful.

Program Introduction

Raffle Job Responsibilities

Job Responsibilities by Position

Project Timeline

Text for Raffle Ticket

Fundraiser News Release (.docx)

Fundraiser News Release (.pdf)

Community Calendar

Dollar Thermometer

Ticket Sales Tracking Chart

Raffle Evaluation Form





If you have questions about the package programs, please contact the Programs Department at (800) 500-8130 or via e-mail at programs@optimist.org.