The Torch – Third Quarter, 2024

THE TORCH

Third Quarter, 2024

2024 JOI SCHOLARSHIPS

JOI President Mason McSwegin would like to introduce two new scholarships exclusively for the 2023-2024 Optimist year! NEW and ONLY for the 2023-2024 Year!

1 2 Outstanding JOI Member Award

In memory of Jack Ackerman, an Ohio advisor dedicated to the JOI Program, and who made a difference in many lives.

$2,000 scholarship

· Member in good standing

· Hold no office above the club level

· Essay (open topic of 500 words or less)

· 2 letters of recommendation (non-family members)

JOI Achievement Award – Recognition of an Outstanding JOI Career

$2,000 scholarship

· Junior or senior year of school (or equivalent)

· District or International Officer

· JOI Member for 3 or more years

· Two letters of recommendation from JOI mentors

· Essay (750 -1200 words)

· Topic: “How will your experience with JOI carry you into your next chapter?”

The deadline to submit all paperwork to junioroptimist@optimist.org is July 30, 2024.

SUMMIT AGENDA

Day 1 – Thursday, July 18

Arrival Day – Afternoon check-in

6:00 pm

Dinner (pizza) – JOI and Oratorical Contestants

Icebreaker/Mixer – JOI and Oratorical Contestants

JOI Summit Kickoff!

• Welcome

• Schedule of Events

• Candidate Annoucements

• 1st Timers Information

Movie Night

Day 2 – Friday, July 19

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

2024 Oratorical World Championship Contest

Announcement of World Champions

Building Bridges

International Candidate Speeches/Forum Networking/Candidates Meet & Greet

Team-Building Adventure

Starlight Showdown

Day 3 – Saturday, July 20

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Wings of Hope (off-site) https://wingsofhope.ngo

Online Election Voting (one vote per club delegate in good standing)

Breakout Sessions

NextGen

JOI’s Got Talent

Day 4 – Sunday, July 21

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Off-site fun exploration at the City Museum https://www.citymuseum.org

Breakout Sessions

Free Time/Networking

Masquerade Ball

• Dinner (best dress attire)

• Banquet

• Dance

Monday, July 22

Grab n’ Go breakfast

Departure Day 10:00 am Checkout

Bring Your Own Pillow

As we move closer to the Summit, the daunting task of packing for the St. Louis trip looms over us. First-timers of the past might’ve had to go into this blind, struggling to figure out what to bring. Don’t worry; your 2023-2024 Board Members, Carter Sinclair and Micaela Rich, have done the heavy lifting for you to make your experience a breeze. The most important items you will need are your personal belongings. A linen package will be provided for your dorm rooms. This will include a base sheet, cover sheet, washcloth, and towel. However, you will need to BYOP: Bring Your Own Pillow. Double-check you stocked up on all your toiletries. Since we are on Saint Louis University’s campus this year, CVS might be your only hope for any last-minute supplies. For any necessities you may require, extra toiletries will be available to those who forget or cannot afford them. It’s going to be a toasty summer out in St. Louis, so pack your sunscreen to avoid a crispy burn. Hydrate, don’t die-drate; bring out your Stanleys and

A variety of activities will be offered at this year's Summit. Thursday, the Summit will kick off with a family-friendly movie night, so bring your pajamas and get ready to enjoy the show. The most anticipated event of the year is the annual JOI’s Got Talent Show—all you need is yourself and your talent! This has been a rite of passage for our first-timers, so be ready for anything. Sunday morning, we will ride over to the City Museum, which is an interactive art exhibition. The building has lots of opportunities to explore in many ways, so come dressed in athletic attire to get the most out of the experience. Closing off our Summit Sunday Night is the masquerade ball, where we will dine and celebrate the newly elected board for the 2024-2025 Optimist year. The suggested dress code is best dress attire. Dresses and formal wear are strongly encouraged. Don’t forget your fanciest mask

We hope this has eased your anxieties over what to bring to the Summit this year. Reach

Tips for JOI Summit First Timers

My first JOI International Summit last year in Virginia was a wonderful experience. Junior Optimists from all over the world attend the meeting to share their experiences, projects, and visions for contributing more to their communities. I made new friends and came home with many new ideas for my Club and District. However, prior to arriving at the meeting, I felt a little nervous and unsure of what to expect. Thus, I thought I would put together some tips for first-timers to help alleviate any anxiety or questions

Bring material to share about projects and activities from your Club or District. You may want to have some photos or promotional materials (flyers, poster boards) printed and ready to display.

There are excursions and fun activities so comfortable shoes and clothes are a must.

Qualifications for International Director and International President

POLICY VII: INTERNATIONAL ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 3: Qualifications.

• The President and JOI Board of Directors shall be elected via online elections during the JOI annual convention. They shall take office October 1, following their election. No more than two candidates per District will be eligible to run for the International JOI Board of Directors.

• Those eligible for the office of Director shall be a member in good standing belonging to a Club in good standing, shall have served a term as Club officer or a District officer and shall be the age of 14 or older by October 1.

• Those eligible for the office of President must have served as an International Director or District Governor, must be 16 by October 1, and meet the requirements for an International Director. No person may be a nominee for the office of JOI International President if they would hold another concurrent election office higher than Club level.

Visit www.junioroptimist.org for additional details.

Building Bridges and Exploring Global Connections

Tips on Connecting to a Junior Optimist Club Abroad

Embarking on a journey to connect with Junior Optimist Clubs across the globe is like setting sail on a thrilling adventure—one filled with excitement, discovery, and boundless opportunities for making a positive impact. From the vibrant streets of Nepal to the sunny shores of the Caribbean, and everywhere in between, Junior Optimist Clubs are buzzing with energy, enthusiasm, and a shared mission to spread optimism and serve communities. So, grab your passport, pack your virtual suitcase, and join us as we explore some fun and practical tips for connecting with Junior Optimist Clubs abroad. Get ready to unleash your inner explorer and dive into a world of global connections and cross-cultural collaborations! Here are some tips to take advantage of our diversity as an organization and connect to JOI clubs worldwide!

1. Research and Identify Clubs: Start by researching Junior Optimist Clubs in the countries you're interested in connecting with. Utilize online resources, such as the Junior Optimist International website, to identify clubs and learn more about their activities and initiatives. Reach out to the international headquarters or regional representatives for guidance on finding clubs in specific regions.

2. Use Social Media and Online Platforms: Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, can be valuable tools for connecting with Junior Optimist Clubs abroad. Join relevant groups and pages, engage with club members through comments and messages, and express your interest in collaboration and partnership opportunities. Additionally, explore online forums and networking platforms dedicated to youth leadership and community service to expand your reach and connect with like-minded individuals globally.

3. Attend Virtual Events and Workshops:

In an increasingly digital world, virtual events and workshops offer convenient and accessible avenues for international collaboration. Keep an eye out for webinars, conferences, and online workshops hosted by Junior Optimist Clubs abroad, and make an effort to participate and engage with fellow attendees. These events provide valuable opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaboration opportunities across borders.

4. Reach Out and Initiate Contact:

Once you've identified Junior Optimist Clubs abroad that align with your interests and goals, take the initiative to reach out and introduce yourself. Craft a thoughtful email or message expressing your interest in collaboration, sharing information about your background, interests, and areas of expertise. Be genuine, respectful, and open to learning from others' perspectives, and emphasize your commitment to fostering positive change through community service and leadership.

5. Foster Long-Term Partnerships:

Building meaningful connections with Junior Optimist Clubs abroad is not just about one-time collaborations—it's about fostering long-term partnerships and friendships that endure beyond individual projects or initiatives. Invest time and effort into nurturing these relationships, staying in regular communication, and finding ways to support and uplift each other's efforts. By working together as global citizens united by a shared commitment to service and optimism, we can create positive change and make a lasting impact on communities worldwide.

Now, you’re ready to connect with JOI clubs across the globe. But remember, the adventure doesn't end here—it's just the beginning! With curiosity as our compass and optimism as our guide, let's continue to explore, collaborate, and spread joy across borders. Whether you're swapping stories with friends in Nepal, grooving to the rhythms of the Caribbean, or exchanging ideas with peers in Algeria, the spirit of optimism knows no bounds. So, keep shining bright, embracing new friendships, and making waves of positive change wherever you go.

Introducing the first International Young Adult Optimist Club (YAOC)!

Are you leaving JOI to pursue the next chapter of young adulthood? Do you want to keep in touch with your optimism and continue to make a difference?

Get ready to embark on an exciting new adventure with the launch of the International Young Adult Optimist Club (YAOC)! Designed for individuals aged 18 to 30 who are eager to create positive change in the world, this vibrant online community offers a dynamic platform for connection, collaboration, and action.

Join us as we come together to harness the power of optimism and make a lasting impact on communities around the globe. From regular virtual meetings to global projects tackling real-world issues, the opportunities for growth and engagement are endless.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of something truly special. If you’re interested, please email Past President Fatima at zaidif416@gmail.com. And remember, whether you're a past JOI member or simply someone passionate about creating positive change, you're welcome to join our growing international community. Spread the word and let's make a difference together!

Community Service Project Showcase

We want to showcase your community service projects at the OI Convention in Niagara Falls and the JOI Summit in St. Louis this summer! This is a fun way to and include the name/location

Pin Trading Between JOI Members!

By Hannah Hyslope JOI Board of Directors

Hey JOI members! Have you ever been to our International Summit and seen some of the older youth members wearing their lanyards with pins up and down them? Or even seen pins on other Districts' shirts? This is because our organization used to have this thing called pin trading! It has faded out throughout the years, but don’t worry, we are putting it in full swing again! It's back! Pin trading is a really fun way of meeting new people, learning about their Districts back home, and even getting a little keepsake to bring home from places all around the world. How cool is that!

How it works is each state gets together and creates their own pin that says the year, their state's name and some type of JOI logo (sometimes districts do a logo to go with their year's district theme). They then have a decent amount of those pins made before traveling to the summit. At the summit, their District members can then “trade” pins with other districts; for example, if you are from Ohio, you will find someone from a different district, give them an Ohio pin, and receive one of their pins back. It's very cool to be able to bring back keepsakes from all different states. We can’t wait to get this old tradition back up in full swing. See all of you and your amazing pins at our 2024 International Summit in July!!

Connect

The Optimist Creed

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.

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