Who We Are

“Experience the power of optimism with positive people creating positive change in communities. In a feel-good environment you will find happiness, purpose and accomplishment in a way that no other organization can equal. Our upbeat outlook, and our commitment to creating a more optimistic future for kids is what differentiate Optimist Clubs from any other volunteer opportunity.”

Optimist International Nepal is a non-profit organization that oversees the activities of the Optimist Movement in Nepal, operating under the guidance of Optimist International.

At the dawn of the 20th century as industrialization and urbanization brought many new problems to society, citizens began forming voluntary organizations to address the needs of their communities. In some areas of United States, groups took the name “Optimist Club” to express their desire for a positive outlook in the face of all these problems. The first Optimist Club was formed in Buffalo, New York, in AD 1911.

The association of Optimist Clubs that is known today as Optimist International was formed on June 19, 1919, when representatives of some Optimist Clubs of that time held a convention in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, and adopted the name International Optimist Club. During the convention, William Henry Harrison, a descendant of the ninth president of the United States bearing the same name, was elected the first International President of Optimist International.

In AD 1922, the Optimist Creed was adopted as the official creed of the organization. Written by Christian D. Larson, the creed was originally published in AD 1912 in his book “Your Forces and How to Use Them” under the title Promise Yourself.

A century after its inception, the wings of this organization have spread to more than 30 countries including Nepal.

Mission
By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.

Vision
Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.

Purposes
To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed
To promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs
To inspire respect for the law
To promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people
To aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world

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

Being involved in an Optimist Club has many rewards. You will build friendships, refine personal leadership skills, expand social and business circles, and develop Optimism as a Philosophy of Life. You will also know that you have made the positive difference in the lives of many children. This is a feeling no words can describe.