The Sunrise Optimist Club of Ventura is an affiliate of Optimist International, an association of more than 2,900 Optimist Clubs around the wold. The club is a member of the Pacific Southwest District, which is part of Optimist International. The club’s motto is to be “A Friend of Youth”.
Founded in 1960, the Sunrise Optimist Club of Ventura focuses on serving the youth of Ventura. This service club has members from a cross-section of the business, social, and cultural communities of Ventura. By developing optimism as a philosophy of life, members follow the Optimist Creed. The creed states within it the importance of “Being just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.”
In order to support and encourage the youth of Ventura to excel, The Sunrise Optimist Club of Ventura supports and encourages them by recognizing a 5th Grader from the Ventura Unified School District each month as a Student of the Month. An annual Oratorical Contest encourages middle-school-age youth to speak on a topic related to optimism. An Essay Contest, open to high school youth, encourages students to compete on topics, such as the one in 2014: “As dreams lead to success.”
The Optimist club also recognizes influential people within Ventura. A Public Safety Officer of the Year is honored by recognizing either a police officer or a firefighter for their service to the community. An Educator of the Year within the Ventura Unified School District is also honored.
By following the statement from the Optimist Creed, “To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true,” members are better able to become happier, healthier; and, to have more successful careers.
Club meetings are held weekly. Members have various club activities; hear programs of community interest; and, develop friendships with people of all ages. Members also volunteer in philanthropic events that provide a helping hand to youth.
For more information, contact the club president at, [email protected]
June 24, 2015 Ventura Breeze