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“Promise Yourself” was a poem originally published by Christian D. Larson in 1912. Optimist International adopted the poem as the Optimist Creed in 1922. Optimists strive to develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed 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.

Frequent Questions

What Is The DTOC?

The Downtown Optimist Club of Meridian, Mississippi (DTOC) was founded in 1941 as a local chapter of Optimist International.

Over the years, the DTOC has assisted many Meridian youth programs ranging from Little League baseball, Boys & Girls Club, Boy Scouts of America, Crestwood T-Ball and Junior Golf.

What Is An Optimist?

Optimist Club members are business leaders in the local community who always on the look-out for new ways to assist youth their dreams.

DTOC is part of Optimist International, an association of more than 3,000 Optimist Clubs around the world dedicated to “Bringing Out The Best In Kids.”

How Can I Get Involved?

To become a member, just visit one of our meetings and express your interest in joining.

Better yet, download our member application, fill it out and bring it with you to a meeting. We are always looking for people who want to give back to their community and enjoy socializing with like-minded individuals.

Recent DTOC Activities

DTOC Supports Boy Scouts’ Pinewood Derby & Camp Binachi – 2024

On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, DTOC President Todd Pope presented two checks to Choctaw Area…

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DTOC Presents Donation To The Carter Foundation – 2023

James Carter, Founder of The Carter Foundation in Meridian, MS was the speaker on Tuesday,…

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DTOC Donation To Care Lodge – 2020

On September 12th, 2023, Former DTOC President Lee Thaggard presented a donation to Director Rachelle…

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2023 DTOC Junior Golf Program Dates Announced

The Downtown Optimist Club recently announced the 2023 Junior Golf Program Dates: The Scheduled Play…

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DTOC Gives Annual Donation To Support TOPSoccer – 2022

Neil Henry was the guest speaker on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 and he provided the…

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