I believe in Optimist Clubs because they allow volunteers to come together to share a positive way of life and serve their communities in the way that is most needed. Always, always, share a positive way of life is first and foremost for being because we can join other groups or associations to do other things. I also believe the Purposes of Optimist International to be pretty clear on the subject.
When I see groups like the Putnam City, Oklahoma Optimists that have been "started for one reason, to share the joy of sports with the children of the local community," I have to scratch my head. Is it a good thing? Of course! Imagine all of the children that will have the opportunity to play sports and the infrastructure that will be added to the community due to this group. But is it an Optimist Club? No, unfortunately it is not. It is a group that in the past Optimist Clubs might have sponsored or supported willingly, but the fact that they do not use the words "Optimist Club" is very telling to me. They are a sports club that happens to take advantage of the benefits afforded by Optimist International's insurance policy.
Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Does it add or detract from the mission that Optimist Clubs share under the Optimist International umbrella? That is not for me to decide; so for now, I will just say it is what it is; but you can bet I have an opinion. Do you?
