Optimist Day 2021

A Look Back at Optimist Day Feb 4th 2021

Thank you to all who participated in International Optimist Day! Proclamations came in from cities all over and including the State of Michigan, for your tireless volunteer efforts to make your community a better place. It is because of you that we are bringing out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves. Save the date for next year, February 3, 2022!

What is Optimist Day?

Optimist Day is celebrated throughout the world annually on the First Thursday of February by Members of Optimist International.

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 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.

Members of Optimist International will celebrate Optimist Day to promote their efforts in helping and recognizing the people that make a difference in their communities. They can do this by wearing apparel or hosting events to celebrate the annual day.

However, non-members can celebrate Optimist Day by volunteering in the community, teaming up with their local optimist club, or spreading optimistic messages to friends and loved ones on Optimist Day.

On Optimist Day, Optimists around the world are asked to wear Optimist attire - shirts, pins, hats, etc.

Many share their Optimist Pride all over social media!

Cities around the world issue Proclamations in honor of Optimist Day

We welcome you to join us each year as we continue the tradition in bringing Optimism to the world on Optimist Day! We hope to see you next year!

Visit Optimist.org for more information about our organization and all we do for the youth and communities around the world.