Membership starts with one good conversation
Find your people. Help your city.
Join Anchorage neighbors who believe optimism is not just an outlook. It is something we practice through friendship, leadership, and service to local youth.
Monthly meetups
Come as you are. See what we are building.
Real fellowship
Build friendships and working relationships with proactive people who share an optimistic mindset.
Useful service
Put your time toward projects that encourage, protect, and create opportunity for Anchorage youth.
Room to grow
Develop and demonstrate leadership skills locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Optimism in motion
Local needs shape the work we choose.
Each Optimist Club is autonomous. Anchorage members elect their own leaders, raise local funds, and decide how to respond when young people need support.
Youth scholarships
Essay, Oratorical, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing communication contests help students develop and share their ideas.
Youth appreciation
Recognition and encouragement remind young people that their effort matters and their community sees them.
Safety and respect
Initiatives promote youth safety, respect for law, positive relationships, and non-violence.
What to expect
A welcoming first step, then a place to contribute.
You do not need a title, a polished volunteer resume, or a fully formed project idea. Curiosity and care are enough to begin.
Meetings bring members together around guest speakers, youth programs, shared learning, and current service work. The club offers structure while leaving room for local imagination.
Ask about the next meetupCome meet us
Visit a monthly meetup, hear what is in motion, and get to know the people behind the projects.
Choose your membership path
Regular, College, Friend, and Life membership options reflect different stages and levels of involvement.
Find your way to help
Bring your skills, join a current initiative, or help shape the club's next response to a local need.
Plus a one-time $30 joining fee
These amounts are listed in the current club bylaws for a new regular member.
Start membershipClear from the beginning
Know the cost before you commit.
New regular members pay a one-time $30 joining fee and recurring annual dues of $140.
Eligible full-time college students can receive reduced annual dues. Life Members follow a different one-time fee and lower-dues structure.
Four ways to belong
Choose the membership that fits your life.
Every option keeps you connected to the Optimist mission. The difference is how you participate and how dues are structured.
Regular Membership
Serve alongside local members, vote, help shape club priorities, and organize meaningful youth and community projects.
College Membership
Full-time college students enrolled in at least 12 credit hours may qualify for reduced annual dues.
Ask about college duesFriend of Optimists
Support the Optimist mission when regular club participation is not practical or no local club is available.
View the brochureLife Membership
An honor often bestowed for years of dedication, with a one-time fee and a lower-dues structure for life.
View the applicationWhy members stay
Purpose feels better with people beside you.
Members come for different reasons. The common thread is a chance to help, grow, and feel connected to Anchorage.
“You feel like you are making a huge difference, and the group gives you a great sense of community.”
Tyler BergerClub member“I love making a difference in kids' lives. Giving back to my community is rewarding.”
Daniel BowenClub director“When the winters are long, I know I have wonderful people to meet up with and serve our community.”
Andre GiacaloneClub presidentMembership questions
Curious is a good place to begin.
Still unsure which option fits?
Ask the club secretaryCan I visit before joining?
Yes. A monthly meetup is a low-pressure way to meet members, hear about current projects, and decide whether the club feels right for you.
How much does regular membership cost?
Current club bylaws list a one-time $30 new-member fee and recurring annual dues of $140 for regular members.
Do college students receive reduced dues?
Eligible full-time college students enrolled in at least 12 credit hours may receive reduced annual dues. Contact the club for the current amount and process.
What is a Friend of Optimists?
It is a flexible way to support Optimist International when regular club participation is not practical, or when someone does not have a local club nearby.
What happens at club meetings?
Meetings reinforce commitment, celebrate progress, and may include guest speakers, current service planning, youth programs, scholarship contests, and member learning.
Who is welcome?
The Anchorage club welcomes people across ages, backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and income levels who want to help local youth and community.
The sunny side needs people like you