Junior Optimist International is an international organization based on the Optimist International Clubs, a youth service organization dedicated to embracing positive values while partaking in community service. JOI (pronounced ‘joy’) motivates people to embrace positive values like optimism and respect while serving the community.
JOI is an offshoot of that organization at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. At the high school level, those organizations are called Octagon Clubs.
With over 3,000 branches in 20 countries and over 80000 members, they are one of the largest service organizations in the world. JOI is dedicated to helping the community with a smile.
Leader of the New Castle JOI Branch Susan Delay says, “JOI is really one of the largest service clubs in the world.”
JOI does community service projects for what they see is most needed in the community. “If we see something in the community that is needed then the kids will come up with a project to help with that,” Delay says, “It’s totally need based so every year the students in the club come up with their own projects and we generally do one project a month.”
JOI is currently holding a hygiene drive. The club is collecting any hygiene products, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, hair brushes, soap, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, and more. There are bins located around the school where students and staff can continue.
Not only does JOI fundraisers for the community, but they also do awards for the school and outstanding students. JOI recently hosted a Youth Appreciation Week banquet on Tuesday, November 14th, honoring outstanding students for their achievements.
If you are interested in helping your community, JOI is still accepting new members! Reach out to Susan Delay or JOI President Ella Frombly for more information.
