Youth Community Self Improvement Service

Club History

The Optimist Club of Delavan has proudly served our community since 1982, championing youth through meaningful projects, events, and service initiatives. As part of Optimist International—a global network of clubs spanning Illinois, the United States, Canada, and beyond—we share a common mission of bringing out the best in kids and communities. Though our reach is international, the time, talents, and resources of the Delavan Optimists are invested 100% right here at home.

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.