What is Optimist Day:

Optimist Day is celebrated throughout the world annually on the First Thursday of February. This is a day where the world can be an Optimist themselves in action, plus join us in honoring Optimist Clubs and Members in their communities and worldwide for all they do year-round to promote efforts in bringing out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.

Optimist International Clubs and Members celebrate Optimist Day to promote their efforts and bring awareness to their community on how they are making a difference in the youth. They do this by wearing something with the Optimist logo and/or hosting events to celebrate the annual day. Optimist Clubs may choose a location and distribute copies of the Optimist Creed so others may choose optimism for themselves.

The History of Optimist Day

Early in 2013, Sylvain Levesque, a member of the National Assembly of Quebec and of the Optimist Club of Lorretteville, introduced the resolution to recognize Optimist Day in Quebec. Later that year at the Optimist International Convention, delegates in Cincinnati passed a resolution adopting the first Thursday of every February as Optimist Day. The date corresponded with Optimist Day in Quebec. At the time, Levesque was a member of the Optimist Club of Duberger and was asked by fellow Optimist Michel Lamothe to consider introducing the resolution. Levesque agreed, and the resolution unanimously passed.
When asked why the first Thursday in February was selected, Levesque said that it was because we normally start our work at the National Assembly in the 1st week of February and we could pass the resolution at that moment.
Regardless of the reason, Optimists throughout the world are thankful to him for taking the initiative to present the resolution, and they continue to celebrate Optimist Day on the first Thursday of February each year.

How Communities Celebrate Optimist Day:

In addition to our Clubs and Members celebrating Optimist day, many local governments routinely issue Proclamations in honor of Optimist Day so that their communities can look to the future with hope. On Optimist Day, they can celebrate the volunteers who share their enthusiasm, skills, and talent to make that tomorrow a vibrant and peaceful one.

How can you honor and celebrate Optimist Day:

Anyone can celebrate Optimist Day by volunteering in the community, teaming up with their local Optimist Club, doing something that brings out optimism in themselves or others, and by awareness about Optimist Day and the Optimist International Organization to friends and loved ones on Optimist Day.

Next Optimist Day - February 5, 2026
 

Members of Optimist International will celebrate Optimist Day throughout the world the first Thursday of every February to promote our efforts in bringing out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.

On Optimist Day, Optimists around the world are asked to wear Optimist attire - shirts, pins, hats, etc. Post your best Optimist attire on social media and tag Optimist International or use the #OpimistDay and/or #OptimistDay2026 hashtag. Send your photos to marketing@optimist.org to be featured in future publications.

An Optimist Club is a local community service organization affiliated with the worldwide organization known as Optimist International.  

More than 2,900 Optimist Clubs around the world are dedicated to "Bringing Out the Best in Kids." Optimist Club members volunteer and facilitate positive service projects in their communities aimed at providing a helping hand to local youth. With an upbeat attitude and positive outlook, Optimist Club members help empower and encourage young people to be the best that they can be.

Club leaders at the local level work to determine the needs of the young people in their community and organize a variety of programs to meet those needs. Globally, Optimist members conduct over 65,000 service projects and serve well over six million young people each year.

The Plainfield Optimist Club (POC) facilitates a variety of academic, community and youth sports programs.  All programs are funded by a variety of fund-raising activities.  POC membership is a compilation of civic-minded individuals, business owners and professionals with a desire to make a difference in the lives of youth.

Member Meetings & Featured Events

Club meetings are typically held on Thursday nights.  Meeting format and location varies depending on guest-speaker or planned activity. Attendees can look forward to a variety of opportunities to gather together for service of others, community engagement and social fun! 

Featured activities are held regularly throughout the year and include opportunities to connect with fellow Optimists, recognize youth achievements, honor local leaders, learn about Plainfield-area initiatives, and strengthen the fabric of our community.  

Keep an eye on the Club Calendar, check the website regularly and be sure to read monthly newsletters for latest details on Thursday Night Club activities!