The Optimist Club of Los Angeles is committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of young people through mentorship, education, and community service. As a proud member of Optimist International, our mission is to inspire and uplift the next generation by providing meaningful opportunities that foster personal growth, leadership, and a spirit of optimism.
At the heart of our club is a deep dedication to youth outreach. We believe that every child deserves the chance to succeed, and we work tirelessly to create programs that support their academic, social, and personal development. From scholarship contests and youth leadership workshops to mentorship programs and community service projects, we give young people the tools and encouragement they need to reach their full potential. By connecting them with positive role models and engaging them in activities that build confidence, resilience, and teamwork, we help shape future leaders who will contribute to a stronger and brighter Los Angeles.
Volunteering is the foundation of our club, and we invite individuals from all walks of life to join us in making a difference. Our members find fulfillment and purpose in giving back, knowing that their time and effort directly impact the lives of young people in our community. Whether through organizing fundraising events, mentoring students, or leading service projects, we believe that small acts of kindness and dedication can create powerful, lasting change.
Together, we are more than just a club—we are a community of Optimists, committed to making the world a better place, one child at a time. Join us in bringing out the best in youth, in our community, and in ourselves.
The Optimist Creed
What is the Optimist Creed?
The Optimist Creed was authored by Christian D. Larson in 1912 and adopted by Optimist International in 1922. The Creed is a philosophy of life that each Optimist member strives to live by every day. The Creed is utilized by every Optimist Club worldwide and was first discovered by a member of the Optimist Club of Los Angeles. Please join us in reciting…
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.
Message From the President
It is my privilege to welcome you to the Optimist Club of Los Angeles (OCOLA) website and introduce you to our international volunteer organization, with a mission to “Bring out the Best in Youth, Bring out the Best in our Communities, and Bring out the Best in Ourselves.”
Optimists provide hope and a positive vision, enabling us to lead happier, healthier, and more successful lives. Optimists respond to the individual needs of their communities, providing life-changing opportunities through scholarship contests, sports leagues, and charitable assistance.
Experience the power of OPTIMISM with positive people creating positive change in their communities. You will find happiness, purpose, and accomplishment in a way no other organization can equal.
Whether you are looking for a means and path to help your community, for personal development or a rewarding experience, you will find it in the Optimist Club of Los Angeles. You will become more understanding and compassionate about the needs of the youth and the community.
Thank you for visiting our website. Please take a look around, and if you feel this is the type of organization for you, JOIN our club and bring out the best in Youth, your Community, and Yourself. BECOME AN OPTIMIST!
-Vernon Price
President,
Optimist Club of Los Angeles
Serving Youth and Communities since 1917.
Meet the Executive Board
-
Vernon Price
President
-
M. Joyce Bakersmith
Treasurer
-
Diana Drummey
Secretary
-
Mike Maynard
Board Member
-
Gerry Mitchell
Board Member
Fufilling Activities
Youth activities like leadership programs, mentorship, and community service projects help young people develop confidence and valuable life skills. By engaging in these activities, they build friendships, gain a sense of responsibility, and learn the importance of teamwork. The rewarding outcome is a generation of empowered individuals who contribute positively to their communities and strive for personal success.
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundation are awarded annually from this program.
First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winners at the Club level receive medallions, and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts can provide a first-place scholarship of $2,500, a second-place scholarship of $1,500, and a third-place scholarship of $1,000.
Optimist International sponsors the Essay Contest to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country, or a more historical perspective. In addition to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship!
