From George Breadon

Monroe

To the Editor:

There are 2 Optimist Clubs in Monroe; the original one (Morning) club was chartered in 1969, and a second (Noon) club, chartered in 2002. While they are separate clubs, they often work together cooperatively to achieve their member’s goals.

We also have two Junior Optimist clubs, one at the Middle School and one at the High School.

Both Adult and Junior Clubs work under the banner of Optimist International.

OI was initially started over a century ago as a men’s group to provide positive role models for many young boys whose fathers were killed in World War One and the “motto” at that time was “Friend of the Delinquent Youth”. Over the past century, the organisation has expanded to cover all youth, male and female, and the theme of “Bringing Out the Best in Kids” has expanded to 3 facets for its membership:

Bring out the best in youth,

Bring out the best in oneself, and

Bring out the best in one’s community.

There are multiple tenets of OI, one of which is “Respect for Law/Promotion of Nonviolence”.

The Morning Club has recognized and promoted this idea for many years and will do so again in July 2021. We believe this concept starts at home, and is encouraged throughout school into adult life. For this reason we will honor teachers, peace officers and others who contribute, either currently or in the past, to create a safe environment and community here in Monroe and the surrounding area.