JUMP FOR JOI (Junior Optimist International)
Mission:
"To Make a Difference as a Youth and reach out to help other youth make a difference too."
History:
JOI was founded in 1988. Participation in JOI gives young people the opportunity to serve their communities. They learn about and practice good citizenship, teamwork, communication and money management. JOI eposes members to Optimism as a philosophy of life, provides members with an improved sense of kindness, increased awareness for those in need, and a better sense of coping with cultural diversity.
Examples of JOI Activities
Our clubs do a variety of projects: supporting their schools with handmade gifts for the custodians and bus drivers for Valentine's Day, Toys for Tots, honoring police officers and firefighters, road clean-up, making birthday bags for children in foster care, volunteering at a food bank, making Christmas cards for our elderly in nursing homes and Pennsylvania Military heroes, and much much more.
JOI Requirements
There are 8 young people needed to begin a JOI Club. There is a charter application, a one time enrollment fee of $50.00, officer selection sheet, bylaws, charter fee of $60.00 and a membership dues of $10.00 (middle and high school) or $8.00 (elementary). Each following year there is a charter fee renewal and membership dues.
The Youth Code:
I promise to -
Honor my parents and those whom experience has made wise.
Respect the beliefs of others.
Value all of my friendships and ensure they are true.
Treasure and nature my mind and body.
Be diligent and work at each task according to its importance.
Strive to be courteous at all time and truthful with everyone I meet.
Manage my money wisely and control materialism.
Respect all living things and help them maintain the balance of life.
Work to become independent, always think for myself, set high goals in life and dedicate myself to the service of others.