Junior Optimist Octagon International
 The Official Logo for JOI | |
| Motto | Flying high with optimism |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1988 |
| Type | Service Organization |
| Headquarters |
Optimist International Headquarters 4494 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, Missouri, Missouri, U.S. 63108 |
Membership | 15,000+ |
Official language | English, French |
| Website | http://www.jooi.org/ |
Junior Optimist International (JOI) is an active youth service organization that was created in 1988[1] and is affiliated with Optimist International, its sponsor. There are more than 18,500 members in over 675 communities around the world.[2]
There are two types of JOI clubs that are separated by age groups: Alpha Clubs (6–9 years), Junior Optimist Clubs (10–18), and previously Octagon Clubs (14-18).[3] Due to the various age groups, each type of JOI club serves their community in different ways. While different approaches are undertaken, the main goal of JOI members is "to promote positive change in their communities."[1]
Like Optimist International, JOI is "a community-based organization with a hierarchy that can take a member from a club to office at zone, district, national and international levels."[4] Typically, each club plans their own fund raisers and service projects. The money raised is then donated to (projects and organizations that will improve the well-being of others, such as the Childhood Cancer Campaign (CCC).
JOI’s motto is "Kids Serving Kids."[5] Since JOI keeps leadership local, it is able to "empower young people to make positive decisions to serve fellow youths and their community."[5]
Overview
In 1988, Optimist International recognized the rapid growth of Optimist Youth Clubs, which had grown to 30,000 members in 1,000 Junior Optimist and Octagon Clubs, and formed its own international organization - Junior Optimist Octagon International.[6] Since then, JOOI members have engaged themselves in youth service activities, such as the Childhood Cancer Campaign (CCC), the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships (OIJGC), and scholarship contests. Through their positive attitudes and unwavering commitment, JOOI members continue to play a significant role in the change for the greater good.
During the months of June and July, the JOOI Convention takes place and members across the globe gather together. At this convention, members learn how to become great leaders in their Clubs and schools, exchange project ideas, and meet representatives from Clubs all over the world.[7]
International Convention
The JOOI International Convention is an annual international gathering of JOOI members that takes place at the beginning of July. The International Convention is composed of several activities throughout its four-day span: workshops, business sessions, service projects, and recreational activities. Various workshops take place that teach members how to become great leaders in their communities and are led by guest speakers as well as members from the JOOI Board of Directors. While topics range from communication skills to life lessons, all of these workshops allow members to learn more about themselves and motivate them to be the best that they can. The business sessions that take place are where members learn about the current issues within the organization. During specific sessions, accredited delegates representing their clubs vote for any changes within the Policy for Governance of JOOI.
Throughout the convention, JOOI members are able to campaign in order to become a member of the JOOI Board of Directors. During a certain time at the convention, members can "meet and greet the candidates (mingling)" and learn about their positions on certain issues within JOOI. Later, candidates give their speeches, participate in a "Meet the Candidates Forum," and then the accredited delegates elect who will become the new JOOI Board of Directors. Those elected are announced before the President's Dance on the final night.
Service projects vary from the location of the convention. Sometimes, service projects are on-site, off-site, or there are both. For instance, during the 2008 International Convention, the off-site service project consisted of building and restoring a local park whereas the on-site service project consisted of collecting books for the JOOI of Reading Program. The recreational activities that take place during this convention are the Talent Show, theme days, and The President's Dance.
At the 2015 JOOI International Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana: the organization hosted its first ever JOOI Governor Elect Training Day. The half day training session hosted directly after The International Convention allowed for more personalized workshops & sessions for incoming JOOI Governors.
The 2015-16 Board of Directors:
| Position | Officer | State/Province |
|---|---|---|
| International President | Logan Clemente | Florida |
| International Past President | Javanni Waugh | Jamaica |
| International Director | Rion James | Ohio |
| International Director | Tamara Gluck | Florida |
| International Director | Brett Santacona | Ontario |
| International Director | O'hara Wickham | California |
| JOOI Board Director | Amy Keller | Missouri |
The 2014-15 Board of Directors:
| Position | Officer | State/Province |
|---|---|---|
| International President | Javanni Waugh | Jamaica |
| International Past President | Stèphanie Thèriault | Quebec |
| International Director | Déryck Essak-Brunelle | Quebec |
| International President Elect | Logan Clemente | Florida |
| International Director | Jaden Darby | Ohio |
| International Director | Kyra Woodley | Michigan |
| JOOI Board Director | Amy Keller | Missouri |
The 2013-14 Board of Directors:
| Position | Officer | State/Province |
|---|---|---|
| International President | Stèphanie Thèriault | Quebec |
| International Past President | A.J. Cifuentes | Wisconsin |
| International Director | Victoria Rose Meek | California |
| International Director | Jenny Oh | California |
| International Director | Javanni Waugh | Jamaica |
| International Director | Sean Mueller | Michigan |
| JOOI Board Director | Amy Keller | Missouri |
2010-11 International Youth Club Committee:
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Committee Chair | Luke Hearn |
| Committee Member | Jann M. Van Dreser |
| Committee Member | Barbara J. Robertson |
The Optimist Creed
In 1922, the Optimist Creed was adopted as the official creed of the organization. Written by Christian Larson, the creed was originally published under the title "Promise Yourself" in 1912. Optimists in California found the Optimist spirit well-expressed in the 10-line statement and pushed to have it adopted organization-wide. The wife of Los Angeles Optimist James V. Westervelt saw the item in a newspaper and clipped it for her husband. After publishing it in his club's bulletin, Westervelt and other Los Angeles Optimists encouraged other California clubs to use the creed. Soon after, the creed's popularity grew.[6]
The creed reads as follows:
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.