Kiwanis International

Russian entrepreneur telling about new Kiwanis Club in St. Petersburg

Optimist International, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the most active service club organizations in the world. It comprises more than 114,000 volunteer members in 3,500 Optimist clubs. Carrying the motto, ÒFriend of Youth,Ó the Optimists conduct positive community and youth service programs, which reach in excess of six million young people each year. By believing in young people and empowering them to be the best they can, Optimist volunteers continually make this world a better place to live.

PEP is delighted to work with Optimist International (OI). Endorsed by the their Board of Directors since 2001, PEP and OI share a common vision of supporting the next generation in Russia by developing their communities today. Our work together improves the lives of families and children by building stronger businesses and community leaders in Russia, creating environments and support for youth to thrive.

What differentiates Optimist clubs from other volunteer opportunities is simple Ð Optimism! Optimists apply their upbeat approach and work every day to make a difference for themselves and for the people around them. They are people who believe that through positive action in their communities, they can create a better tomorrow.

PEP has worked with Optimist clubs in Idaho, Kansas and Missouri to train groups of Russian business leaders in such industries as supermarkets, pharmacies and medical clinics. CCI is extremely grateful for the support of local Optimist clubs and from Optimist International in helping us build a better future for Russia and her children.

For more information about the work of PEP and OI, contact one of PEPÕs outreach officers for your area [http://www.ccisf.org/pep/outreach.htm], download a PDF brochure [link to PEP/OI brochure], or speak with local Optimist referrals:

Rick McKernan, President of the Columbia Downtown Optimist Club, Columbia, MO. 573-443-6900, mckernan@coin.org.

Ernie Dyer, OI District Governor. Lawrence Breakfast Optimist club, Lawrence, KS. 785-841-2990, DG37@optimist.org.

For more information about Optimist International, visit their website.