“Choose Optimism”
Our Children.
Our Community.
Our Future.
What is an Optimist? Well, simply put, optimists rescue pessimists. Optimism enhances our health, the health of our communities, and the well-being of all. Through community service projects, optimists work to bring out the best in youth, in themselves and in their communities. They are organized into “clubs” that have gatherings. They make plans in order to meet the the needs of their community. Each club is autonomous and is run by their own members. They have the flexibility to serve the youth of their area in any way they see fit. Optimists see a need and react to it!
Michigan Headlines
Nominations Open for 2026 Optimist of the Year
The District Optimist of the Year award was established to recognize members in good standing who advance the purposes of the District Optimists and…
Nominations Open for 2026 Corporate Partner of the Year
The District Corporate Partner of the Year award was established to recognize corporate partners who advance the purposes of the District Optimists and…
Nominations Open for 2026 Hall of Fame
The District Hall of Fame was established to reward good and effective leadership and to motivate good leaders to continue in a leadership…
Club Pride Report Retired: What Clubs Need to Know About the New Impact Reports
As of October 1, 2025, Optimist International has officially retired the Club Pride Report. In its place, two new online reporting tools have been introduced to better capture the true impact of our clubs’ work in the communities we serve. These changes are...
Optimist Clubs Light Up Downtown Pontiac at the Holiday Extravaganza Parade
On December 6, the holiday spirit was alive and well in downtown Pontiac as several local Optimist Clubs came together to participate in the annual Pontiac Holiday Extravaganza Parade. Representing the Keego Harbor Optimist Club, Pontiac Optimist...
A Gift That Truly Kept on Giving
If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting Mel Hager, now is the perfect time to be introduced. Mel serves as the president of the Keego Harbor Optimist Club, and recently reminded all of us that Optimism often shows itself through creativity,...
OptiViews 2025-26 Q2 is Available
Dear Michigan Optimists, As I compose this message on the first day of December, I am pleased to report that our district is off to our best start since the fall of 2020. We have welcomed 55 new members to the Michigan District so...
Join the Michigan Optimist 2025-26 2nd Quarter Zoom Gathering
oin Optimists across Michigan for the 2nd Quarter Zoom Gathering. Learn, share ideas, and strengthen clubs. Free registration, limited capacity.
OptiViews 2025-26 Q1 is Available
Dear Michigan Optimists, Thank you for entrusting to me the Governorship of the Michigan District for 2025-2026. It is an honor to be the Governor of the largest district in Optimist International and to serve all of you wonderful...
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Be an Optimist Volunteer
Bring out the best in …
Youth:
We offer a variety of programs including Junior Optimists Clubs, Junior Golf, Scholarship Contests – to name a few!
Yourself:
Engage in leadership, fellowship, training, events and discover a sense of belonging.
Community:
Organize service projects to meet the needs in your area for local schools, parks, hospitals…making the future brighter for our kids!
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
The Michigan District is interested in hearing from you. Whether you’re a parent of a student, a teacher, a youth volunteer or even an Optimist looking for more information, please use the form below and someone from the Michigan District Optimists will contact you. Be as concise as possible in the Message area.
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