Junior Optimist International (JOI)

Junior Optimist International  (JOI – pronounced “joy”) is the umbrella organization for the JOI youth clubs.

Each JOI Club has an adult advisor, usually a teacher who attends all meetings and projects of the JOI Club. It is not requirement for the advisor to be an Optimist member.

Local Optimist Clubs sponsor JOI Clubs in the area schools. The Optimist Club representative’s role is to support the advisor by being a sounding board as well as a liaison between the JOI Club, the local Optimist Club and Junior Optimist International.

Types of JOI Clubs

Alpha Club: Ages 6-9, Grades 1-4

The Alpha Club focuses on learning about volunteerism and teamwork.

The Club Advisor plays a large role in these Clubs coordinating simple community service projects and fundraisers.

Junior Optimist Club: Ages 10 to 13, Grades 5 to 8

The Junior Optimist Club focuses on learning leadership skills and serving the needs of others.

The Club Advisor assists this club as well at the same time keeping in mind that as an older group they are learning to be independent.

Octagon Club: Ages 14 – 19, Grades 9 to 12

Members of the Octagon Club hone their leadership skills, identify needs in the local community and plan projects and fundraisers to address those needs.

The Club Advisor has more of a hands off role and is available to point the students in the right direction.

To learn more about starting a JOI Club at your school please visit  Checklist for Optimist International's JOI website and please contact us. We will be happy to discuss sponsoring your school.