Junior Optimist Octagon International
Junior Optimist International (JOI) is an active youth service organization that was created in 1988[1] and is affiliated with Optimist International, its sponsor. The current Junior Optimist International President is Julia Cooper with the 2019-2020 JOI theme being "Singing in the Key of Optimism". There are more than 18,500 members in over 675 communities around the world.[2]
| Motto | Kids Serving Kids |
|---|---|
| Type | Service organization |
| Headquarters | Optimist International Headquarters 4494 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, Missouri, Missouri, U.S. 63108 |
Membership | 15,000+ |
Official language | English, French |
Key people | Julia Cooper (President) Cole Mullins (Past President) |
| Website | https://www.joi.com |
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, JOI 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, JOI members continue to play a significant role in the change for the greater good.
During the months of June and July, the JOI 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]
2019-2020 JOI Year Ahead
The theme for 2019-2020 is "Singing in the Key of Optimism". The JOI Board is excited to push members to let their Optimism shine! There are some new programs and awards that have been created this year, like the "Promise Yourself Award" created by OI President Rebecca Butler-Mona. President Julia Cooper and the JOI Board are always available for questions or information.
International Convention
The JOI International Convention is an annual international gathering of JOI 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 JOI 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 JOI.
Throughout the convention, JOI members are able to campaign in order to become a member of the JOI 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 JOI. Later, candidates give their speeches, participate in a "Meet the Candidates Forum," and then the accredited delegates elect who will become the new JOI 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.
Junior Optimist International Convention:
| Location | Year |
|---|---|
| Chicago, Illinois | 2020 |
| Louisville, Kentucky | 2019 |
| Ottawa, Canada | 2018 |
| Albuquerque, New Mexico | 2017 |
| Quebec, Canada | 2016 |
| New Orleans, Louisiana | 2015 |
| San Diego, California | 2014 |
Junior Optimist International Board of Directors
The 2019-2020 Board of Directors:
| Position | Officer | State/Province |
|---|---|---|
| International President | Julia Cooper | Ontario |
| International Past President | Cole Mullins | California |
| International Director | Abby Proctor | Anguilla |
| International Director | Maya Gluck | Florida |
| International Director | Alice Potvin | Quebec |
| International Director | Sophie-Chanel Bourre | Ottawa |
| JOI Board Director | Amy Keller | Missouri |
The 2018-19 Board of Directors:
| Position | Officer | State/Province |
|---|---|---|
| International President | Cole Mullins | California |
| International Past President | Mathew Nacev | Ontario |
| International Director | Julia Cooper | Burlington |
| International Director | Maya Gluck | Florida |
| International Director | Miranda Stidham | Ohio |
| International Director | Mark King | Colorado |
| JOI Board Director | Amy Keller | Missouri |
The 2017-18 Board of Directors:
| Position | Officer | State/Province |
|---|---|---|
| International President | Mathew Nacev | Ontario |
| International Past President | O'Hara Wickahm | California |
| International Director | Cole Mullins | California |
| International Director | Tiandra Carty | Anguilla |
| International Director | Amanda Heinzmann | Florida |
| International Director | Nathan Hillman | California |
| JOI Board Director | Amy Keller | Missouri |
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 |
| JOI 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 |
| JOI Board Director | Amy Keller | Missouri |
Awards:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Promise Yourself Award | In honor of the 100 Cenntenial Optimist Year |
| Ruby Blair Award | Each year, this International award recognizes one outstanding Member of the organization.
The Ruby Blair Award is named for a former Staff Member of Optimist International who spent a huge amount of time and effort to help organize the international administration of Junior Optimist International. Ruby Blair’s efforts gave Club Members their own newsletter, awards, training, materials, and convention. This award is considered a great honor. ($2,000) |
| Member Excellence Award | Each year the Member Excellence Award will be presented to one Junior Optimist Member who shows dedication in the fields of Club involvement and community service. This award represents the true philanthropic spirit and should be considered a great honor. ($2,000) |
| Governor of Excellence | In appreciation for all that you do as Governor, the Board of Directors expanded this award’s scholarship prizes. All cash awards must be used for education. The International Staff calculates the award winners by using all data on file. The decisions of the International Staff are final. ($2,000) |
| Distinguished Honor Club Award | Every year this award recognizes hundreds of Junior Optimist Clubs that recruit new Members, keep good records and conduct great volunteer projects |
| Advisor of Excellence | Throughout the years, Club Advisors dedicate countless hours to ensuring Junior Optimist Clubs run smoothly and effectively. To honor their commitment to being a “Friend of Youth,” we’ve developed the “Advisor of Excellence Award.” |
| Builder of Excellence | For every new Junior Optimist Club built with 25 or more Members, the adult Optimist Member who helped will receive a Builder of Excellence Medallion different than the one currently given to adults who build an adult Optimist Club. There is a maximum of one adult Builder of Excellence per Junior Optimist Club. |
| Club Project Award | Every year, the Club Project Awards offer Clubs the chance to enter their best projects for judging and international recognition in three different categories. |
The Torch
The Torch is the official newsletter of Junior Optimist International. The Torch is published several times each year. The October issue is mailed to Junior Optimist International Club Advisors, e-mailed through Optimist Mail and posted on the website. All other issues are distributed electronically through the website and Optimist Mail.
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.