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“Hope For All”
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!
2019 – 2020 Slogan
Welcome to the Optimist 2019-20 year. I am excited to be working with you as your Governor this year and believe that together we can make a difference in our communities and in our youth. My slogan for this year is “Hope for All.” There is hope for reaching all the youth in the lower peninsula; there is hope for improving ourselves; there is hope for improving our communities; there is hope for working together toward a common good. My professional career was dedicated to serving children and families and that’s clearly where my passion lies. But never have I had the satisfaction that I have when I work with and for the youth in my community. Our Mighty Michigan members have given me the opportunity to serve and I feel committed and blessed!
Pamela Barckholtz
Michigan District Governor
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!
1st Quarter District Meeting
November 1st registration, executive board meeting and the hospitality suite will be held at Holiday Inn Express – Waterford. Then the general session on Saturday will be held just a short drive away at Oakland Schools.
Exciting workshops include:
- Membership and Retention
- Junior Optimist International (JOI)
- Electronic Communication/Marketing for Clubs
- Intro to Optimist (Recommended for First Timers)
- And other exciting topics!!!
We will close with an Optimist Cruise to Oakland County Veteran’s Memorial to honor our Veterans.
News & Updates
House the Homeless Week and Beyond
For many years since 2007 the Making A Difference JOI Club of Southfield and Lathrup Village, MI has supported the Tony Crosby - House the Homeless Week at Hope United Methodist Church. Over the years, JOI members have assisted the Missions Ministry of Hope UMC get...
Maureen Moore Writes in The Optimist
In November, 2013, Wyatt Rewoldt suffered “shaken baby syndrome” at the hands of his father’s girlfriend. At just a year old, the devastating abuse left him with hearing, visual, speech, physical, and learning disabilities that will shape his life permanently. This...
Bob Schiller Writes in The Torch
When was the last time your Club conducted a “Game Changer” project? Before you answer, let me provide a definition that is offered by a Foundation that is looking for youth directed projects. “Game changing” is defined as events or ideas that affect a significant...
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.