Message from Governor Timothy johnson 2025-2026
Mission Ready
We are standing at the Dawn of a new Optimist Year. I want to commend each and every one of you for remaining a part of your local Club, and thereby a member of the North Carolina East District of Optimist International.
The new Optimist Year ushers in a new team of servant leaders, ready to work hard, on your behalf, to continue the legacy of our District. We have - YOU have - made a significant impact in the lives of youth in your communities. From tee-ball to fishing, from football to volleyball, from cleaning the roadways to feeding the needy… you are impacting lives in our District of North Carolina!
I couldn’t be more proud to step into the role for which you have elected me!
I follow in the footsteps of giants, frankly! Angela, Sandy, Austin, Terry, Ray, Pamela… so many others… I look over the years and just see greatness. And, there is greatness to come. But, we have much to do. The world is in crisis right now. Make no mistake.
I believe in my heart that we find ourselves at a turning point in American history. Our world, and our Nation specifically, needs Optimism now more than ever before. And guess what? WE possess it. We hold the key to a brighter future. Its essence is found in our Creed! A positive outlook heals a broken spirit and soothes a broken mind! The words of the last line of our Creed - “[Promise yourself] To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble” - are the solution of what ails the country in this day.
Worry. People are worried about the economy and their rights and their voices …
Anger. Injustice abounds. And people are angry about it. This side is against that side. Us versus them …
Fear. We’re collectively afraid of what may happen or what may not happen. We see murder and crime and even assassination. We see and read about hate rearing its ugly head in every conceivable venue. …
Therefore, we acknowledge the presence of trouble…
Yet… Optimism is the view of a brighter future and it begins within ourselves. Optimism is the answer to each of the stressors that threaten to plague our wellbeing. Right living, just and honorable treatment of “every living creature we meet,” the “wearing [of] a cheerful countenance at all times,” investing love into one another - “to talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet,” regardless of race, political ideology, age, social status… Refusing to criticize others…
Being enthusiastic and supportive of others, just as much as you are of your own successes…
“To look at the sunny side of EVERYTHING and make your Optimism come true…”
These words are the Battle Cry of our Day! And, I stand, Mission Ready, to advance the principle
of Optimism up and down the North Carolina East District.
It matters to me. Yes, this “organization” that you have called me to lead matters to me, but the underlying precept of OPTIMISM is the guiding principle that must be embraced and advanced!
So please, let’s “Forget the mistakes of past (real or perceived), and [let’s] press on to the greater achievements of the future!”
2025-26… Here We Come!
Timothy Johnson
OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
Tom Kendo
Mission Ready
Greetings from President Tom:
Optimist International is an incredible organization! We are on a mission to provide hope and positive vision to children and communities around the world! Our members strive to be a force of positive change in the lives of all youth and their communities! Optimist leaders and members have big hearts and a passion for the work that we do. Optimist International has clubs and members in 26 nations around the world. Our clubs and members have a willingness to welcome people of all backgrounds and all ages. Optimist International has endured in our mission of spreading optimism as a philosophy of life and service to children for over 106 years.
I want to thank you for stepping forward and joining our wonderful organization and committing yourselves to bringing out the best in the lives of the children within your community, as well as making your community a better place to live, and bringing out the best in yourselves. On behalf of the children and communities served by your club, I want to say to you that you are appreciated!
This is an important time of transformation for Optimist International. We stand at a crossroads as we prepare our beloved organization for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. In the 2025-2026 Optimist year, Optimist International must examine the past, the present, and the future, if the organization is going to continue its vision to be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
We must admit our membership is declining every year, our new club building has slowed down to a trickle, our finances are shrinking, and our current Region/District/Zone/Club structure is no longer meeting the needs of our organization. Unfortunately, this is the only System we have and this is a complicated issue, which won’t have a quick or easy solution. This isn’t just at the district level but all levels of the organization.
How Clubs/Zones/Districts/ Regions operate is also going to need to change, sooner rather than later. Finally, our membership is aging out, and dying off, which adds to the decline. Yet, our Optimist Clubs continue to do amazing work, through incredible programs, to bring out the best of the youth in their communities. Many of those communities would be devastated without our awesome Optimist Clubs.
Therefore, we must support our Optimist Clubs by finding a way to save Optimist International by pressing on to the greater achievements of the future. We can do so, and we will do so, by treasuring and honoring our successes of the past, by working hard in the present, and by progressing to the future using evolutionary change. Optimist International must evolve into an organization which fosters collaboration and teamwork amongst all of its members; younger, older, male, female, every race, ethnicity, religion, inclusive of everyone, in every Region/District/Zone/Club everywhere.
We don’t need a revolution–eliminating all Regions/Districts/Zones/Clubs and alienating most of our membership. We’re going to need to decide if those clubs that are struggling will bring the return on investment, that it would take to save those clubs, versus building new clubs. However, supporting the club model for as long as it’s still sustainable is where evolutionary change begins. While we seek to evolve into other forms of clubs and other forms of memberships in Optimist International.
Together, as an incredible team of like-minded individuals, using our positive mental attitudes, we will revitalize Optimist International. We need leaders to shepherd this evolution and motivate this change; and I am willing to be one of the enthusiastic, collaborative, passionate, and bridge-building leaders as the President of Optimist international. Will you join me by leading in your Club, your Zone, your District, and your Region? We need your help! I am willing to Be the Change we need and I am asking you to Be the Change!
The challenge and opportunity facing us are people, young and old, who are looking for something positive in their lives, a purpose, a haven, a place of comfort where they can experience a more meaningful life. And do you know what? You and I have the key to all of this–the gift of optimism.
Today, we have the same opportunity to promote the mission of Optimist International to our communities and advance the benefits of being an Optimist: Service to Youth, Friendships, Personal Fulfillment, Enhanced Wellbeing, and Inspiring Others. And add the fact science has proven optimists are healthier, happier, more successful, live longer, and bounce back faster from personal setbacks. Who wouldn’t want to be an Optimist?
So, my challenge to you is to share your gift of Optimism with everyone around you. Give the people you care about the opportunity to experience the wonderful feeling and benefits you experience as an Optimist every single day. Let’s strive to inspire those people we love and care about to choose optimism.
CHOOSE OPTIMISM – BE THE CHANGE
Tom Kendo
Optimist International President
2025-2026