“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
Proposed District Policy Changes Presented – Member Input Meeting Scheduled
Hey Michigan Optimists! Take a few minutes today to review the Proposed 25-26 District Policy Changes — these updates help us grow stronger, stay aligned with International Bylaws, and keep making a positive impact in our communities. Your club has a voice and a vote...
The Governor’s 3 Under 3 – June 10, 2025
Hello, my fellow Michigan Optimists, and welcome back to another edition of The Governor’s 3 Under 3—where Governor Sean Mueller will share three important updates in under three minutes. Let’s dive right in…
A Childhood Health & Wellness (CHW) Grant Update
The CHW grant applications for the Michigan District as well as the Optimist International Foundation (OIF) must be received via email no later than August 22, 2025. Grand guidelines and application for the OIF grant are available using the links below. The...
Honor the Memories and Contributions of Your Members
As we approach the Summer Summit, Past Governor Pam Batcho is compiling the names, photos and memories of your club members who have passed away between August 1, 2024 and present. Please review your records for the information about your lost members and send that...
The Governor’s 3 Under 3 – May 27, 2025
On this episode of The Governor’s 3 Under 3, the Michigan District of Optimist International is thrilled to share several exciting updates that showcase the incredible work…
Celebrating Creativity: The 2025 Battle Creek Optimist Club Excellence in Art Competition – By the Numbers and Beyond
Submitted by Kay Parker, Optimist Club of Battle Creek, Excellence in Art Competition The Battle Creek Optimist Club 2025 Excellence in Art Competition was a HUGE success. The competition included artwork submitted by public, private, and home school...
District Essay Contest Winners Honored at Spring District Gathering
The Michigan District Optimists proudly recognized the winners of this year’s District Essay Contest at the Spring District Gathering, held at Saginaw Valley State University. The event brought together Optimist Club members and students from across the state to...
Celebrating the Winners of the 2024–2025 District Oratorical Contest
We are proud to announce the top three winners of the 2024–2025 Michigan District Oratorical Contest, during the Spring District Gathering, held on May 17 at Saginaw Valley State University. These outstanding students rose to the top from a pool of over 100 entrants,...
Submit Your Articles for OptiViews by June 1st
At the heart of every great community lies collaboration. It’s through our shared efforts and mutual support that we accomplish the extraordinary. As the saying goes, “Our strength grows when we work together.” This is the spirit that drives OptiViews — a platform...
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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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