RESPECT FOR THE LAW & PROMOTION OF NON-VIOLENCE

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Inspire respect for the law among your local young people! This motivational program can be a community rally against local violence, a get-acquainted event between youth and local law enforcement officials, or a “what peace means to me” poster contest for young kids.

In July 1965, a discussion between Past Optimist International President Carl Bowen and former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover resulted in the birth of the Respect for Law program. This is the fourth most popular program with more than 1,500 Clubs participating each year. Over a quarter of a million law enforcement officers honored by thousands of Optimist Clubs around the world over 50 years.

More detailed information about this program is available in the Respect for Law Planning Guide.

Publicize Respect for Law
Optimist International has begun developing a series of news releases that Clubs can use in connection with their participation in international programs. Below is a sample news release that Clubs can use for their Respect for Law activities. Please note that the .doc version enables Clubs to type their information into fields*, while the .pdf files are for viewing only.

Respect for Law (.doc)
Respect for Law (.pdf)

Certificates
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Certificate for Citizens
Certificate for Officer



In July 1965, a discussion between Past Optimist International President Carl Bowen and former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover resulted in the birth of the Respect for Law program. This is the fourth most popular program with more than 1,500 Clubs participating last year.

More detailed information about this program is available in the Respect for Law Planning Guide.

Support merchandise for this program can be ordered through Optimist Supply for US and Caribbean Clubs and from OptiPromo for Canadian Clubs. Contact information for both supply companies can be found here. For additional information, please contact Optimist International Programs Department by e-mail at [email protected], or call (800) 500-8130.

Publicize Respect for Law
Optimist International has begun developing a series of news releases that Clubs can use in connection with their participation in international programs. Below is a sample news release that Clubs can use for their Respect for Law activities. Please note that the .doc version enables Clubs to type their information into fields*, while the .pdf files are for viewing only.

Respect for Law (.doc)
Respect for Law (.pdf)
Certificates
Certificate for Citizens
Certificate for Officer
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2025 - 2026 - GOVERNOR Marilyn Bushell

How can you learn more?


We can help you set up a local respect for law & day of non-violence activities in your school or local community.

If you have local expertise who would like to help us expand our efforts to get our youth to get involved, or you would like to volunteer to help us out ... we would really like to speak with you.