New service club comes to campus

College Optimist Club aims to make a difference in lives of Fresno youth

By Jillian Yalung
The Collegian

Students are getting the opportunity to “Bring Out the Best in Kids,” as the College Optimist Club of Fresno now has a home at Fresno State.

This non-profit organization was chartered on campus Sept. 30th.

This is the first club from the international association to breakthrough the Pacific Central District.
The club is headed by President Arty Williams, a student attending Fresno City College, and Vice President Christa Short of Fresno State.

The organization hopes to work with both of the colleges and surrounding communities to have a positive influence on the lives of young people throughout the Fresno Unified School District.

The Optimist International non-profit organization began in 1919 to meet the needs of young people in communities worldwide. Since its creation, it has been living by the motto, “Bringing Out the Best in Kids.”

Optimist volunteers accomplish 65,000 service projects every year, assisting six million young people all over the world. The association also spends around $78 million on communities each year, according to its Web site.

This club was sponsored by the Fresno Metro Optimist Club to reach out to the college community to give back to the neighborhoods that shaped the lives of many students attending both Fresno State and Fresno City College.

Anticipating more volunteer recruits throughout the school year, this new club has many service projects planned for the remainder of the fall semester and the upcoming spring semester.

“I look forward to the beginning of our new club as we work to promote and fund-raise in the next few months,” said Short. “We see a bright future in helping the children throughout the Valley and the world.”

The College Optimist Club will be conducting a few substance abuse prevention programs throughout Fresno elementary, middle and high schools.

Currently working closely with Walters Elementary School, it is also planning to participate with schools in an after-school tutoring and mentoring program.

Short said there are benefits for optimist volunteers too.

“Members receive as much as they give, new social and working relationships with individuals throughout the community, an opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership skills and to have the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of children as well as in our society,” he said.

Even though they do not have a permanent meeting place, this charter will meet once a month at various locations, until a location is found.

For more information about the club e-mail Christa Short at [email protected]

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