Different Memberships for Individuals and Communities
Optimist International offers several membership options, making it easy for anyone interested in supporting our mission to help youth select the membership that's right for them. Most will join as a club member intially, and often upgrade into a Life Member later. Professional who don't have a local club, or less time to participate at the club level, often join as a Friend of Optimists. Younger members are often introduced as either a JOI Member, or a College Member. OI also recently added a Social, Service, and Young Professionals group - which expands club to with new members who work together for a common project or purpose.
For more complete information, brochures, and application form, see the summaries below or visit OI Membership Types directly.
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Club Member
As a member of an Optimist Club, individuals have the opportunity to ‘Bring Out the Best in Kids’ and ‘Everyone’ along with other like-minded individuals. Each member can help youth in their local community by supporting local service projects. Club members pay Optimist International and SWIS District dues. See the Member Brochure for more information. For a membership application, click here.
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Life Member
An honor bestowed by a Club on an Optimist who has shown years of dedication to the club and organization. Optimists can also enroll themselves in Life Membership. A one-time fee is paid and the Optimist pays lower dues for life. See the Life Member Application for additional information.
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College Member
Optimists who are enrolled as a full-time college student (minimum of 12 credits) is eligible to have their annual dues reduced. For a membership application, indicate a college student, click here.
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Friend of Optimists
Individuals can show their support by becoming a Friends of Optimists. This business or person may be someone who does not have an Optimist Club in their area or they may not have time to dedicate to a local Optimist Club. Optimists Clubs can also bestow a Friend of Optimists membership on a community member who has shown great support for the club. To learn more information and/or apply, see the Friend of Optimists Brochure. To apply on-line, click here.
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Social, Service &
Young Professionals GroupThe Social, Service and Young Professionals Group is a way for your Club to expand their outreach and strength in their community. A Social, Service and Young Professionals Group could provide a traditional Club with an increased volunteer work force to tackle more complex projects and provide a platform for younger professionals to join an Optimist Club. This concept would help younger individuals with networking skills and social activity with the availability of volunteering for specific projects or targeted activities. Learn More
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Members are the foundation on which we can build our programs and expand our horizon of services for the youth we serve.
M embership is everbody's responsibility.
E ducate your members on your Club's Membership drive plans.
M otivate every member to take an active part in recruiting new members.
B uild membership by inviting prospect to join your club.
E arnestly recruit candidates, tell them they've been selected.
R adiate enthusiasm about club, its built on service and success for all winners.
S incerely welcome new members into the club, induct them properly.
H elp new members feel a part of the club, put them on a committee.
I dentify your Club's talent and potential, use strengthes to make a difference.
P rovide frequent opportunities for current and new members for new ideas.
Promise Yourself...
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet..
