The Underwood Optimist Club (UOC) was founded in 1983 and has been a 'Friend of Youth' since its inception. The UOC is formed under the Optimist Club International.
What is an Optimist Club?
- A group of civic-minded men and women representing a cross-section of our community
- Volunteers in action for the good of the youth and the community. PEOPLE WHO CARE!
Purpose of an Optimist Club
To develop Optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.
Bringing Out the BEST in Kids
Optimist volunteers serve as leaders, mentors and friends to help kids achieve a more positive and productive life. Optimists create opportunities for youth as they develop into adulthood and become role models for future generations.
An Optimistic Attitude
Optimists believe that a positive approach can make all the difference in the world. Through service programs, Optimists develop positive attitudes and approaches to life that enable young people to excel in school and in their community.
Investing in Young People
Optimists believe that investing a few hours a week to mentor, educate, inspire and believe in young people can ensure a better tomorrow.
Personal Development
Optimists gain leadership experience and grow both personally and professionally. Optimists value the social and business relationships they develop with like-minded individuals in their community.
Meetings
Our Club meets every Saturday 7:30 AM at U.M.B.A. Hall (Underwood, IA) in the small meeting room, except on some holidays, and when we host special events.
The breakfast meeting is for all members and special guests and lasts about one hour and 15 minutes. All meetings begin with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance and end with the recital of the Optimist Creed.
(Breakfast is $4/member and special guests are free.)
Fundraising
The concession stand at the elementary school ball fields during the softball and baseball season is the primary fundraiser to support all of the programs offered by the Optimist Club throughout the year.
Please come out and support your local girls and boys of Underwood Youth Softball and Baseball teams and enjoy a summer evening with some great concession stand foods and help 'Make A Difference' in the youth of our community.
What does the Underwood Optimist Club accomplish?
- Whatever needs to be done in the local community.
- Our club determines its own projects based on input from our club members and the needs of the community.
- New members with ideas are welcomed.
- Some of our current programs are:
- Engineering/Robotics Clubs (High School aged students)
- JOI High School Youth Club Sponsor
- JOI Junior High School Youth Club Sponsor
- Can Kennel for Junior After Prom Group
- Christmas Basket Program (Food Drive with Underwood Community Schools w/Distribution to families and Sponsor Family and Child Gifts)
- Dictionary for 3rd Graders
- High School Scholarships
- Hugh O’Brian sponsors
- Girls’ State sponsors
- Boys’ State sponsors
- Girls' Volleyball Program (Organizing Underwood Teams for COBRA Volleyball Grades 2nd-7th)
- Girls’ Softball program (Grades K-8th)
- Junior/Senior Post Prom support
- Easter Egg Hunt support
- Red Ribbon Week
- Essay Contest
- Oratorical Contest
- Just Say No to Drugs support
- Childhood Cancer Campaign Support
- Underwood Welcome Signs Support
- Veterans’ Monument Support
- JOI “Avenue of Flags” Support
- RAGBRAI concessions & support
- Christmas Tree decorating at a Senior home
- Kites and Bikes (Kite building and kite flying with families; Providing sizing and free bike helmets to kids)
- “Student of the Quarter” School program with Underwood Community Schools
- Halloween 'Trunk-or-Treat'
- AED/CPR Training
- Teach Appreciation Week (Providing Teachers/Staff at Underwood Community Schools with special treats)