Empowering Communities, Inspiring Futures
Optimist International: Colorado & Wyoming
Join us in our mission to uplift and empower communities across Colorado and Wyoming through dedicated service and unwavering optimism.
Who We Are
Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization made up of over 2100 local Clubs whose Members work each day to make the future brighter by bringing out the best in children, their communities and themselves. Optimists conduct 65,000 community service projects each year spending $78 million in their communities. Annually, six million kids are positively affected by Optimist programs.
The Colorado-Wyoming Optimist District represents 35 Optimist Clubs in Colorado and Wyoming. These clubs work together as a district and independently to serve kids in their local area. The CO-WY District is involved in all of the Optimist International scholarship and charitable programs plus a whole lot more.
Our district also supports 21 Junior Optimist International (JOI) Clubs in elementary, middle, and high schools whose members are working hard to bring out the best in their schools, communities, and themselves.
Our Mission and Values
Youth Empowerment Initiatives
We offer a range of programs designed to inspire and support young people, helping them to achieve their full potential through education and mentorship.
Community Service Projects
Our projects focus on addressing local needs, from environmental conservation efforts to supporting local food banks, ensuring a better quality of life for all residents.
Leadership Development Workshops
We provide workshops aimed at developing leadership skills in individuals of all ages, fostering a new generation of community leaders ready to make a difference.
Our Community Programs
Each contestant will prepare a 4-5 minute speech on the topic, “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times.” The District’s 1st place winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship and then will be able to go to the Regional/World Championships Contest at St Louis University in St. Louis, MO, to compete for an additional $20,000 in scholarships.
Students will prepare an original 700-800-word essay on the topic “How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success.” The winning student will be awarded a $2500 scholarship along with the 2024-25 CO-WY Optimist Essay Contest winner’s plaque.
The Optimist International Junior Golf Championshipsis one of Optimist International’s major youth programs for boys and girls ages 10 – 18 and is one of the largest and best-known junior golf events in the world. The best of these junior golfers, along with additional international junior golfers from around the globe, advance to THE OPTIMIST.
The Optimist Brain Bowl is a team quiz competition for Colorado and Wyoming students in 6th, 7th & 8th grades. Tournaments run from January – March. Over 1200 kids participate in this event each year with the help of over 150 Colorado-Wyoming Optimist District volunteers!
How Do You Want To Make A Difference?
By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the BEST in our youth, our communities and ourselves.
Encourage Children
We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children!
Support Teachers
We support schools and teachers by volunteering to make their jobs easier.
Community Events
We lead and take part in various events to strengthen our community.
Other Organizations
We support service organizations and their efforts to create positive change.
Friendships
We create opportunities for personal growth and develop strong friendships.
Learn more about how YOU can make a difference!
Join us in transforming lives and building a brighter future for the youth in our communities. Your involvement can spark change and inspire hope in countless individuals. Together, we can create lasting impacts through service, mentorship, and unwavering support. Discover how your unique skills and passions can contribute to our mission and help uplift those around you.