July – August 2026
July & August 2026 Newsletter
Summer fellowship, the DMM convention in Rapid City, and a neighborhood service project in Lincoln Park.
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Serving the Minnesota River Valley since our charter
Bringing out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.
We are volunteers from Mankato, Lake Crystal, Mapleton, St. Clair and St. Peter who fund youth programs, run student contests, and show up for our neighbors — one project at a time.
- We meet
- Fourth Tuesday of every month, 5:30 p.m.
- Where
- Wow Zone — restaurant side, Mankato
Proudly servingMankatoLake CrystalMapletonSt. ClairSt. Peter
What we do
Four ways this club shows up for young people
Every dollar we raise stays close to home. Here is where it goes and how you can be part of it.
Youth grants
Funding for projects, programs and activities that serve young people 18 and under, anywhere in our communities.
Apply for a grantStudent contests
Essay, oratorical and communication contests for deaf and hard of hearing students — with scholarship dollars on the line. This year's topic: "How My Actions Strengthen Those Around Me."
See the contestsService projects
Kiwanis Holiday Lights, Nite-to-Unite, bowl-a-thons, school carnivals — hands-on work alongside partners across the valley.
View the scheduleJunior Optimists
Students can join at the discounted college rate, or we'll help you start a youth-led club at your school.
Get involved
Our mission
By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.
Our purposes
- To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed.
- To promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs.
- To inspire respect for the law.
- To promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people.
- 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.
Coming up
What's next on the calendar
Guests are always welcome at a club meeting — no invitation needed.
- SEP222026Club meeting
Regular club meeting
Tuesday5:30 p.m.Wow Zone, 2030 Adams St, MankatoRegular monthly club meeting. Guests are always welcome — come see what the club is up to.
- OCT272026Club meeting
Regular club meeting
Tuesday5:30 p.m.Wow Zone, 2030 Adams St, MankatoRegular monthly club meeting. Guests are always welcome — come see what the club is up to.
- NOV12026Service projectVolunteers needed
Kiwanis Holiday Lights setup
SundaySibley Park, MankatoMembers help set up the Kiwanis Holiday Lights display. A great first project if you're new to the club.
Come say hello
Find us at the Wow Zone
We gather on the restaurant side of the Wow Zone. The meeting room is toward the back — look for the Optimist table.
- Fourth Tuesday of every month, 5:30 p.m.
- Unless noted otherwise on the event schedule.
- Wow Zone — restaurant side
- 2030 Adams St, Mankato, MN 56001
Club news
Recent newsletters
A season-by-season look at where members have been volunteering.
May – June 2026
May & June 2026 Newsletter
School carnivals, a trivia night for the Minnesota Lions Hearing Foundation, and the second annual bowl-a-thon.
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January – March 2026
Winter 2026 Newsletter
Holiday Lights teardown, BINGO fundraising nights, the Visual Arts Competition, and youth recognition.
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One evening a month. A whole lot of good.
Whether you want to fund a youth program, judge an essay contest, or just meet people who care about this community — there is a seat for you at the table.