Show your Optimist pride on February 4

On February 4, Optimist International encourages all Optimist Clubs and Optimist Club members to tell the world that they are proud to be an Optimist. 

Take a photo of yourself in Optimist-branded attire and post it on your Facebook page for all to see. Use the hashtag #OptimistDay and join the movement. 

I'm proud to be an Optimist and you should be, too. 

While you are at it, please share the Optimist Creed because, now, more than ever, we must Choose Optimism. 

The Optimist Creed will keep us strong through the pandemic

Positive psychology tells us that optimists are more resilient than pessimists. They look at the bright side and that allows them to see what lies ahead in a positive light. Optimism is so important right now as we work and live through the pandemic. We must trust that we will press on to the greater achievements of the future. 

The Optimist Creed reminds us of our resilience. 

We invite you to enjoy the Optimist Creed with this video. The Optimist Creed is a staple in the Optimist Club member's library and you can #beanoptimist by joining an Optimist Club today. Click on the link in the right-hand column to find an Optimist Club near you.

We are not being our best

Yesterday, May 30, 2020, in major cities around the United States, riots, and mayhem broke out from peaceful protests that were designed to recognize George Floyd, a black man who was brutally restrained by a police officer in Minneapolis, MN, and died. The officer has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter; and the occurrence brings questions to mind about what it means to be black in America.

I'm not going to espouse my beliefs any more than to say it hurts my heart when I see and hear of such brutality and racism. When Trayvon Martin was murdered eight years ago, I wrote about how we can no longer tolerate intolerance. We have to speak out for and expect only the best behaviors from ourselves, our friends and families, and even those we don't know.

The sorrow that comes from the egregious tragedies that befall my fellow human beings is only deepened by the terrible chaos that followed yesterday's peaceful ceremonies. The world is not acting at its best. 

My message today is so simplistic, I am almost embarrassed to share it, but please know I am not making light of the horrific state of affairs. I absolutely believe that in order to change the world, we have to share a message of hope and influence a climate of goodness. That starts by being our best selves and always putting our best selves forward. Most importantly, we have to expect others to do the same and when they do not, we must hold them accountable for their actions.

Accountability begins with speaking out when someone is acting against what is good for society. Not every issue is about life and death; however, small decisions shape one's world view. If someone begins making sketchy decisions at any stage in their life, those decisions left unchecked may lead to a worsening of behavior in the future. 

We are not all ethicists, but we can all live by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 

Now I will return to my original words, spoken first by Christian D. Larson: Promise yourself to think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. 

Remember to always be on the best behavior as dictated by the society in which you live. Thank you.


*The charges were increased to second-degree murder and manslaughter on June 3, 2020. Three additional officers were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter.

Promise yourself in 2018-2019

And with a blink of the eye, a new Optimist Club administrative year has begun.

Sometimes I wonder if the days are getting shorter because September 30 seems to arrive before we've had the chance as an Optimist Club to do all that we want to do. However, the good news is that on October 1, we wake up and do it all over again. Why do we do that? Why do we start our calendar of projects all over again? Because:

• We make a difference in our communities as we do projects that are needed to make our neighborhoods welcoming places to call home. 
• We make a difference with youth as we coordinate activities with a special emphasis on those that impact children in a positive way. 
• We make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us as we live the way the Optimist Creed inspires us to do. 

Being an Optimist Club member is a way to share optimism with others. For 100 years, Optimist Club members have been looking for the best, working for the best and expecting only the best. As Optimist International's Centennial year begins, we invite you, here in the Pacific Northwest District and around the world to promise yourself to celebrate with us as we invest in the future of Optimist Clubs in the Pacific Northwest.

Thanks to Governor Bruce Gilbertson for his leadership in 2017-2018.

Best wishes to Governor Ben DeRemer for what we imagine will be a fantastic year to come.

Hope and a positive vision to bring out the best

Bringing out the best is a popular catchphrase that reminds every Optimist Club member of the fifth line of the Optimist Creed where we promise to think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Bringing out the best in ourselves, our communities, and the youth we serve has been part of our way of life since the organization was formally organized in 1919. Bringing out the best is what Optimist Club members do every day because when we work to bring out the best in others and ourselves, we foster hope and share a positive vision.

Please enjoy this look at 100 years of optimism as Optimist Clubs around the world launch the 100th Anniversary Celebration.

Recharge with the Optimist Creed

The holidays bring out our enthusiasm, but as the fear of missing out (FOMO) propels us to do even more, many find that they are tired physically and emotionally. This is a good time to bring out the Optimist Creed.

Reading it daily will restore your optimism and energy and encourage you to live a positive life. Please enjoy! And click here to print a copy or two  to hang around your house or office and to share optimism with others.

Happy New Year, Optimists!

Happy New Year!

Optimist Club members get to say that popular, celebratory phrase twice every year.

We say it on January 1 along with the rest of the world as we wish a Happy New Year, peace and prosperity to all.

Then on October 1, we say it again as we wish a Happy New Year to all of our Optimist Club friends, colleagues, and participants in our Optimist Club programs.

For the latter group, we also wish them health, happiness and prosperity along with all the other tenets of the Optimist Creed.

We make a promise this day to be the best Optimist Club members we can be and to lead our clubs to success, for with hope and positive vision, Optimist Club members bring out the best in youth, community and ourselves.

Happy New Year, Optimists! Start today to make your Optimist Club the best it can be: Be an Honor Club. Be #OptimistStrong

Promise to live the Creed 2017

Happy 2017

Welcome to the best year of your life.

How do we know that it will be the best? Because we know that you are an Optimist and all Optimist Club members make the promise to think only of the best and to expect only the best. Optimist Club members live the Optimist Creed.

Those ten tenets inspire all who read them and for those who take the oath to belong to an Optimist Club, they become a way of life - a positive way of life.

We encourage you to take that promise with you as a daily mission. Live the Optimist Creed.

Promise Yourself
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Promise to live the Creed 1.9

This week we want to highlight one of Optimist International's growing youth sports programs and what better way is there to do it than to recognize the veteran junior golf chairperson from the Vancouver, BC Optimist Club: Harry White.

Harry has promised to live the Optimist Creed this year, and every year. He says his favorite line of the Optimist creed is "To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own." He goes on to explain: 

"This is a particularly good fit for junior golfers as in the Optimist Junior Linkster Tour program we have ages 4 to 18 (Optimist International golf is age 9-18) and all level of player take part, with the more experienced and skilled golfers take on the role of mentor to the younger "grass roots" beginners. And, the converse has also proven to be the case, with highly skilled younger junior golfers, providing inspiration to the older players with their significant achievements at golf. Children enjoy the ancient and honourable game - and it is because it is fun.  Northwest juniors all report what a great time they had and fun!

Optimists in Vancouver, BC became involved with junior golf in 1979 when our Club was asked to organize a competition to qualify golfers to compete in the Optimist Junior World Golf Championship, held annually in San Diego, California, at the Torrey Pines GC and other San Diego area courses. Optimist volunteers in the area would provide housing and transportation to the golf courses. This was a great success and impacted the interest in junior golf in B.C. and the Northwest significantly. Tiger Woods started playing in the mid 1980's and provided another boost to Optimist Junior golf and golf in general. The Optimist Junior World Championships saw growth from 300 players to over 600 players and the challenge of Optimists to keep up grew increasingly difficult. In 1993, Optimist International decided to conduct their own 100% Optimist International Junior Championship and began play in Florida in 1994, where the competition has remained ever since. (The Junior World event in San Diego continues also but with other sponsors). Junior golfers from all over the Optimist world qualify and take part yearly in both events, with Optimist International also operating a special "Optimist Champions" event in November, annually, and other satellite events in the Spring time. I highly recommend that each Optimist Club promote the junior golf opportunities there.

The link to Optimist International Junior Golf at http://www.optimist.org/e/juniorgolf_delete/about1.cfm  has video and other information that puts out graphic evidence of children having fun and enjoying the unique Optimist junior golf program."

It's easy to see that Harry has a passion for the Optimist Junior Golf Program and the Junior Linksters. Our thanks go to him for his leadership throughout the years. When tournament dates for 2017 are solidified, they will be shown on this website. 

If you want to share how you have promised to live the Optimist Creed, please email a photo here.

Promise to live the Creed 1.8

Fran Bounds is the Lt. Governor for Zone 3 Oregon ... again.

That's right, she's such an optimist that she volunteered to repeat in her position and to help Optimist Clubs grow and serve their communities in Oregon. She also made the promise, as did all of PNW District leaders, to live the Optimist Creed.

As we head into the holiday season, we look forward to the second quarter super zone meetings beginning in Fran's area on January 28, 2017. This is your invitation to join the Oregon Super Zone Meeting.

The meeting will be in Lebanon, Oregon, hosted by the self-proclaimed most-happenin' club in town - the Lebanon Optimist Club.

The Lebanon Optimists have experienced steady growth over the past three years earning Distinguished Optimist Club status. They've had some catalysts to their growth and promise to share their secrets - and their optimism - with all attendees.

Join the Lebanon Optimists and Lt. Governor Fran Bounds on Saturday, January 28, 2017 and experience the optimism of Southern Oregon. Click here to register now. 

Have you promised to live the Optimist Creed? We'd love to hear from you! Send us a note now. 

Promise to live the Creed 1.7

When I joined an Optimist Club in 1987, I was introduced to the Optimist Creed and I have lived by its tenets since. I find that some days, different lines will inspire or motivate me and I am always in the pursuit of working only for the best.

It is with this tenet in mind that I announce today that I have resigned my position as the website administrator of the PNW District.

I began this website in 2007, before I had a role within the PNW District. My purpose was to help Optimist Clubs receive more publicity. It was at this time that Optimist Club members and leaders were crying that the organization needed marketing. I imagined then, and I still believe, that the secret to marketing is publicity. The secret to publicity is the ability to write your own stories and to archive them where they can be accessed by the public 24/7/365. That is why the purpose of this website was and will always be to promote the activities of Optimist Clubs primarily in the Pacific Northwest.

Several years after I started this site, I became Governor of the PNW District - Optimist International. One of the first challenges I faced, and let me tell you there were many, was access to the district's website. For the sake of history, David Morrison built the PNW District's first website at www.pnwoptimist.org. When David stepped back, Michael Gray stepped into the role. I had intended to continue to use Michael's technical skills as a computer technician until I realized I was not going to have access to actually write stories or change the information on the site he had built because it was not built on a shareable platform. Additionally, its design did not allow the progressive social media messaging that I hoped to share.

In October 2009, my first month as governor, I asked Michael to transfer the site to me so that I could update it. He refused, partly because it was housed on a server that he kept in his garage instead of being secured online on a shareable platform as I mentioned earlier. After months of aggravation and intervention by others on both Michael's and my behalf, the website domain name was finally transferred to the district in March 2010.

But something else had happened. In the meantime, as governor, I needed to communicate and our clubs needed a portal for information. The site that I had built for publicity at www.pnwdistrictoptimist.com had by default become the district's website and it has proudly served in that capacity for Governors Linda Vaught, Ed Murphy, Bill French, Larry Blackburn, Fred Wallace and Dick Disney.

You might imagine a pattern is about to emerge here. Unbeknownst to me, Michael had kept his old website and upon his becoming governor, without telling anyone, he reactivated it at www.pnwoptimist.com in August 2015.

The default district website, the one hosted here, received very little information for publication from the governor in 2015-2016. While frustrating, it was okay because we had greater stories to tell. Until now.

After submitting some ambitious goals to grow the readership of this website as the website administrator for the PNW District, as requested by Governor Rick Matkin, I found myself butting heads with some so-called leaders who apparently don't care about the skill, experience or knowledge of others. On November 19, 2016, Governor Rick, prompted by the 2015-2016 governor and secretary-treasurer, informed me that he was going to pursue the same model that was used last year for registrations, disrupting my ability to continue to grow this site as a district portal.

I expressed my desire to Governor Rick to build one website for the district - not "Linda's site" or "Michael's site" and received an offensive reply that let me know in no uncertain terms that my expertise was not welcome. You may read the entire conversation here.

I now turn to the Optimist Creed.

Someone reminded me to give so much time to the improvement of myself that I have no time to criticize others and to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own. Well, did you know that the year I was governor - 2009-2010 - the PNW District earned Distinguished District status with an Outstanding Governor? That's a pretty big deal considering it has only happened once in the past 16 or more years. Do you see anywhere in this website that I have tooted my own horn? No - but you will see where I have loudly acknowledged Distinguished Governor Ed Murphy and Distinguished Governor Dick Disney's achievements. I have written more than 800 stories that celebrate the good work of Optimist Clubs and Optimist International.

If someone sees my transparency as critical, I beg they take another look. I am working for the best and as an Optimist Club member, I expect the best of others.

Please know, I have shared my optimism at least once per week for over 9 years and I will continue to do so, right here, on this website. My publicity will no longer be in service to a district, but instead, it will be in service to the Optimist Clubs that make our world a better place to live. Please continue to share your stories for publication by email or phone 208.861.2310

Thank you for all that you do as an Optimist Club member and thank you for reading this story. At 900 words, it is the longest  and perhaps most difficult post that I have ever written for this site, but I felt it was necessary that I explain why I have resigned.

If you would like to tell the world why you live the Optimist Creed, please click here to send your picture.

Promise to live the Creed 1.6

Coralee Lord Holmes is the latest person in the PNW District to make the promise to Live the Optimist Creed.

Coralee joined the Chilliwack Optimist Club in the spring of 2014 so that makes her one of our newer members to be involved at the District Level. Together with husband Peter Holmes and fellow club member Everett Worth, she travels most every quarter to share optimism with fellow Optimists. At the District Convention 2016 in White Rock, BC, she and her team hosted the hospitality room and gave a warm welcome to all.

For the Chilliwack Optimist Club, Coralee is excited for their newest programs. The first was held just a week ago - the Youth Songwriting Contest  and in the spring, the club is considering an art contest to correspond with the themes of the Optimist International Essay and Oratorical Contests. What a great idea!

Coralee says that her favorite line of the Optimist Creed is to be to noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

With that great smile, I believe yes, Coralee Lord Holmes is living the Optimist Creed.

If you would like to share your reason for living the Optimist Creed, please send an email to Linda Vaught Disney for inclusion in the website.

Promise to Live the Creed 1.5

Today we recognize the PNW District Bulletin Editor Becky Williams Holm. She is serving in an enhanced capacity for Governor Rick Matkin to help all PNW District Optimist Clubs with press releases. When your club conducts a project, hosts an event or celebration, adds new members, or does anything noteworthy, send some information to Becky and she'll help you get it in the paper. Click here to send a message or copy down her email.

When asked if she would make the promise to Live the Creed, Becky replied yes with the following words:

"Recently I gave a speech that started as if I was in a 12 Step group. I said, 'Hi, my name is Becky, and I'm an Optimist. No really, I am an Optimist which is ironic because the last three years of my life have sucked! My 30 year marriage ended, my eight year business failed and early this year I lost my mom. Yet through it all, I remained optimistic.'

There's not a day goes by that some part of the Creed flits through my consciousness and uplifts me, inspiring me to go on. When facing difficult days, I find renewed strength remembering the words, “Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.”

Another thing that inspires me is our Roseburg Optimist club. We are growing, taking on new challenges and meeting more needs."

Congratulations Becky, for making the Optimist Creed a part of your life and thank you for all that you do for your community and others through the Optimist Club.

If you promise to live the Optimist Creed, please send your picture to the PNW District for posting. Thank you.

Promise to live the Optimist Creed 1.4

Each year, the PNW District - Optimist International designates an outstanding Optimist Club member for service given at the District level as the recipient of the Roy Proctor Lifetime Achievement Award.

For 2015-2016, the person chosen was Robin Stanhope, a member of the Twin Falls Optimist Club. Robin has served in various positions for the District including Membership, Essay and JOI chair, among others. If you know Robin, you know she brings her love of fun and a positive attitude with her when she attends a District meeting, which is often. She misses very few opportunities to gather with her Optimist friends.

This year, following Governor Rick Matkin's request, Robin has promised to Live the Creed. 

You can make the promise, too. Just send your picture to the PNW District and we'll tell the world of your commitment. Thank you. 

Promise to live the Optimist Creed 1.3

Here's a familiar face. He served as PNW District Governor 2012-2013 and is a member of the Caldwell Optimist Club where they enthusiastically call him the Rah-Rah Man.

Who is it? Larry Blackburn

Larry first joined the Optimist Club of Ontario, Oregon in 1983. That means he has been sharing optimism for thirty-three years and anyone who knows him knows that he's been optimistic much longer than that.

This year, Larry has taken on a newly merged position for the PNW District. By combining the Membership and New Club Building Committees into the Growth Chair, Larry plans to lead us to growth in the coming year.

How will he do it? With enthusiasm, of course, and by living the Optimist Creed.

You can too! Take the pledge to Live the Creed by sending your picture  now.

Promise to live the Optimist Creed 1.2

What's a governor-elect to do in his or her year-in-waiting?

According to Governor-elect Bruce Gilbertson, he's supporting Governor Rick as needed in membership, new club building, administration and more.

Most of all, he's doing the most important thing that any Optimist Club member can do. What's that?

He's making good on his promise to live the Optimist Creed. 

You can too. Send us your picture and we'll add you to the growing list of PNW District Optimist Club members who promise to Live the Optimist Creed.

Promise to live the Optimist Creed 1.1

On behalf of the PNW District leadership team and the TriCities Optimist Club, Lt. Governor Gary Smith extends a sincere thank you to all who attended the first quarter meeting of the 2016-2017 year.

Over the weekend we shared optimism, learned from one another and made plans for success. Most of all we made a promise to one another, and now to others, to live the Optimist Creed.

Have you made the promise to live the Creed?

Lt. Governor Gary Smith has made the promise.

Send us a picture and we'll let the world know that you too have made the promise for the 2016-2017 Optimist International administrative year and beyond.

Gary Smith is the Lt. Governor for Zone 4 Washington. View all PNW District Officers at this link.

Promise to live the Optimist Creed

On some days, it can be a challenge to put your most positive thoughts forward. That's why Optimist Club members rely on the Optimist Creed to help keep them straight.

Saying it aloud with your friends and fellow Optimist Club members can renew your promise to yourself and to others to "Live the Creed."

Have you made the promise to live the Creed? 

Governor Rick Matkin has made the promise.

Now it is your turn! Send us a picture and we'll let the world know that you too have made the promise for the 2016-2017 Optimist International administrative year and beyond!

It's a new year - are you ready to Live the Creed?

An introduction to the 2016-2017 theme and logo from Governor Rick Matkin

I have been watching and listening to guest presenters at our club meetings for literally years. Almost without exception the guest has commented on the Optimist Creed once the club has recited it in unison. Comments over the years have included, “that’s amazing”, “I love your creed”, “your creed is so special and meaningful”. One comment that has been offered more than once and has stuck with me over the years is the comment, “If only we all lived that, we would all be better people”. They are even more impressed when we present them with our symbol of gratitude for their presentation in the form of a coffee mug with the creed embossed on the back of it in gold.

It is from this casual comment of a guest or so that when offered the opportunity to present a theme I chose, “Promise yourself…to live the creed”.

As Optimists we have dedicated our lives and our free talents to the betterment of others. We have shared ourselves through mentoring, working, speaking, and doing. We make promises to everyone in our family, our workplace, our community, and our neighborhood. But how many of you actually make promises to yourself? Why would you suppose the creed starts with, “Promise Yourself”?

I believe the guest who has provided us with our theme this year actually believes a person who lives by this creed will actually become a better person. I know that I believe a person who lives by this creed will become a better person. I think of how many different ways this better person would present themselves. I know that as a previous supervisor and employer, a neighbor, and a taxpayer that I want to see a person who is so strong that nothing can disturb their peace of mind. I know I enjoy being with a person who always talks health, happiness and prosperity. I want to work with someone who works only for the best and then expects only the best. I want to be with a person who is enthusiastic about the success of others. To forget the mistakes of the past is to me the vision of Brett Favre throwing a touchdown minutes after he sets a new conference record for interceptions.

I have found strength in these words, especially in my business world. So often in larger bureaucratic organizations, competition is so fierce for promotion and status that the ongoing practice of back stabbing has become common place and almost an expected ritual amongst colleagues. How much better would the work place be if each person were just as enthusiastic about the success of others as they were about their own? The upside of that is, if you find someone doing so well, tag along, learn, watch and listen. If they are doing well they know something you may not yet have learned. All too often those celebrating the success of others soon find themselves celebrating their own successes.

Let me take the choice of theme and the reintroduction of shirts into our annual celebration here and explain them further. When I was recently in St. Louis attending training for Governors Elect, I took the opportunity to ask one of the organizational officers if Optimist International had an official color. The response was no there is no official color so to speak. I was perplexed since I had always seen the banners in purple and gold and many of the award vests and achievement patches. Still the answer was no.

My response to that was a decision to make this year’s shirts and logo purple and gold. If you encourage others as well as yourself to live the creed then be proud and stand out as being the banner bearing our creed. Our banners are purple and now you, too, may stand out in a crowd to live the creed and show others how it is done.

Why live the creed? It will make you a better person. People will see your commitment and those successes brought about by your abilities to live the creed. People enjoy being with others who are successful, happy, optimistic. Those people may become so happy being with you they may want to join in with the source of your creed and join an Optimist Club. You become a living and breathing symbol of the success experienced by one that has chosen to live the Optimistic way of life and “…to live the creed”.

The Optimist Creed in ASL

During the PNW District - Optimist International Third Quarter Meeting and Scholarship Contests, Lisa Menian, Principal, British Columbia School for the Deaf and Chair, PNW District CCDHH Program shared the following video of students at the school signing the Optimist Creed.

The message is powerful in every language! Enjoy.