Become an Optimist

The Charlotte Optimist exists because we believe meaningful stories are important to a growing city. We’re here to help our audience make sense of where they live — to go beyond “what happened” and find why and how it happened, and what it means.

We’ve built a highly-engaged community of people who are invested in Charlotte. Our mission is personal to us — our founding team members are raising families here, running businesses here, and coaching tee ball teams here.

The Optimist’s plan is simple: 

1. Tell powerful stories that help you cut through the noise
2. Build a community around those stories
3. Generate financial support through tax-deductible donations. 

Membership levels

Members support our vision for deeper and more meaningful storytelling, above anything else. We updated our membership tiers on March 1, 2026. 

Optimists Club: Up to $150/year

• First access to our events, and special recognition on our site (Note: You can opt out of including your name at checkout.)

Optimists Circle: $150/year to $1,000/year

• All of above, plus free access to our initial events.

Visionary Optimists: $1,000/year

• All of above, plus behind-the-scenes newsletters with updates on the Optimist’s progress.

Founding Optimists: $10,000/year

• All of the above, but first, coffee with founder Michael Graff. 
• Special invite to annual Optimist dinner.
• Please email michael@charlotteoptimist.com for more information.

Whether you’re a weekly reader, an Optimist Club supporter, or a founding member, we’re grateful you’re here! Thank you for your support.

Founding Optimists

Ric and Brenda Elias 

Hugh and Jane McColl

Casey Crawford

Mike and Mary Lamach 

Atrium Health

Michael and Leslie Marsicano 

Brian and Lauren Castleberry

Mary and Bill Staton

Logan and Jamie Cyrus

Linda Cladias

Visionary Optimists

Optimists Circle

Optimists Club