Dubuque

Optimist

OUR OPTIMIST CREED

MEETING TIME & LOCATION

FRIENDS OF THE YOUTH • BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN KIDS

What we do

The Optimist Club of Dubuque is dedicated to uplifting the youth in our community through various service projects and programs. Our initiatives include scholarship contests, youth mentorship, and community activities aimed at fostering positive development and leadership among young individuals. By organizing events and collaborating with local organizations, we strive to create opportunities that empower the next generation.

VIEW GALLERY >

Become A Member

Ready to make a difference in the lives of local youth? Join the Optimist Club of Dubuque and be part of a positive force in our community. As a member, you'll help organize and participate in service projects, youth programs, and fundraising events—all while building lasting friendships and having fun. Let’s bring out the best in kids—together.

JOIN TODAY >

Who We Are

We are a group of volunteers committed to making a positive impact in Dubuque. As part of Optimist International, our club brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal: to bring out the best in youth, our community, and ourselves. Through our collective efforts, we aim to inspire hope and drive positive change

OUR CREED >

Get Involved

You don’t have to be a member to make a difference! Join us at one of our meetings to see what the Optimist Club of Dubuque is all about. Whether you're curious, want to volunteer, or just want to connect with community-minded folks, you’re always welcome at the table.

Come share your ideas, meet new friends, and see how you can help bring out the best in our youth and our community.

MEETING TIMES & LOCATIONS >

Optimist Leadership

Joan Steve

PRESIDENT
Micaela Freiburger

SECRETARY
Ron Gansen

TREASURER

BOARD MEMBERS

2ND YEAR TERM: Beth Ernzen, Peter Supple, Barb Perleth
1ST YEAR TERM: Joe Rolling, Nick Dolson, Lois Conzett

Our Optimist Creed

Promise Yourself To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

DOWNLOAD CREED

Optimist Program Highlight

Avenue of Flags

Show your patriotic pride—and support local youth—with our community Flag Program! The Optimist Club of Dubuque offers residents and businesses the opportunity to have an American flag placed in front of their home or office on five major holidays throughout the year:

Memorial Day • Flag Day • Independence Day • Labor Day • Veterans Day

For an annual fee, our volunteers will install, maintain, and remove a 3'x5' American flag on a pole in your yard before each holiday—and take it down afterward. It’s an easy way to honor our country, beautify your neighborhood, and support youth-focused programs at the same time.

The annual fee to participate in our annual flags program is $50. Proceeds from the Flag Program directly fund scholarships, youth leadership initiatives, and community service projects here in Dubuque.

When: due to the maintenance of installation & route schedules new flags are not added during the year. New flags are only added prior to the first Flag Holiday, Memorial Day.

Where: due to limitations of the number of volunteers, at this time we are only adding flags to existing routes (streets that already have flags). Branching out into new neighborhoods isn’t feasible due to limited volunteers.