DorWood-Sponsored Junior Optimist Clubs
Information / Activities / Photos

Many of us have heard about Optimist, Rotary, Kiwanis and multiple other service clubs helping in our local communities. Adults helping kids. Well, perhaps not as well known but just as impactful are a group of kids helping kids and their communities through an organization called Junior Optimists. Formed in 1988 by Optimist International, Junior Optimist Clubs (called JOI for short) are formed and organized in many local schools for kids in elementary through High School. JOI clubs are found all across the US and internationally.


This past weekend, 80 + kids and adults met together in Kettering for the 2026 Ohio District Convention for an overnight weekend. They were inspired by a visit from Optimist International president Tom Kendo (himself a proud member of the Kettering Dor-Wood Optimists) and encouraged to continue the amazing service work and projects all of their individual clubs provide for their communities.



The local area is very well represented in JOI. Kettering residents Abigail Stidham and Zachary Stidham both sit on the International Board of Directors. In the Ohio District newly elected officers are Governor Dani Jones (Fairmont HS), Lt Governor Hope Ennis (KMS), Secretary Ceci Spark (Van Buren) and Treasurer Nava Detamore (Van Buren)


This two day event was entirely organized and run by the kids themselves. Speaking and learning about different ways to be of service, how to organize and be a better club, making new friends, working on a service project in conjunction with Blue Star mothers filling literally 100’s of bags of candy to bring a little joy to send to soldiers abroad….one of the multitudes of service projects these kids do in their communities. 


Just listen to what these kids say about JOI…. “This is where young leaders like YOU come together to make a difference in your community and the world…..At JOI we know that young people can change the world…. We are more than just a club, we are a movement of young people from all over the world who are committed to optimism and a brighter future… Come join us and you can expect Youth Leadership Opportunities, Service Projects, Lifelong Friendships, Fun Events…. No matter where you’re from if you’re ready to lead, serve, and have fun doing it JOI is the place for you”.


Just an amazing group of young people wanting to serve and make a difference. Just one more example of where our futures are made better by young folks doing good things. For more information about JOI and how to become involved, check with your school or contact Karen Kronson who is the District JOI Chairperson at kkronson@gmail.com   937-271-4308. 

Almost 40 J.O.I. kids, their advisors, parent volunteers, and 5 Dorwood members (Doug Fritz, Paul Atkinson, Dave Mills, Rick Vogel, and Mike Zywien) participated. Great event and the pumpkins were displayed in front of the school on Dorothy Lane for their “Truck or Treat” display and event Friday evening, Oct. 28th! Lots of fun had by all!

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    J.O.I. members report on International Convention 2023

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About Junior Optimist International

Junior Optimist International was officially formed in 1988. It is the umbrella organization which links the local Junior Optimist International Clubs and Members to others throughout the world. Much like Optimist International, Junior Optimist is governed by an International Board of Directors, as well as District Officers. From the Club level on up, Members have the opportunity to develop leadership and teambuilding skills all while helping communities. Each year there is an International Convention, which gives Members the opportunity to share in the decision-making process of the organization, meet young people with similar interests and goals, grow from training seminars…...and have fun!

Participation in Junior Optimist International gives young people the opportunity to serve their communities. Students who are involved in Junior Optimist Clubs learn about and practice good citizenship, teamwork, communication and money management. They feel good about themselves and have high self-esteem. Membership in Junior Optimist Clubs helps to develop friendships with others who share the same interests. There are opportunities for personal growth and leadership positions at Club, District, and International levels. Junior Optimist exposes 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. It also provides members the opportunity to complete community service hours required for graduation.
“Junior Optimist International Benefits the Community”
Junior Optimist Clubs create an increased number of young volunteers within the community –volunteers who will help to improve the quality of life. They can provide an interesting forum in which to address youth related issues. Junior Optimist International serves as an excellent training ground for future community leaders.
“Community Service”
The real purpose of Junior Optimist International Clubs is Community Service. Each Club is free to choose service projects, which fit the needs of the community. Some examples of projects are: environmental clean-up, Christmas caroling, peer tutoring, visiting nursing homes, helping with Special Olympics, cleaning up parks or school grounds, Toys for Tots, sponsor a book drive, and collecting food and school supplies to donate to area shelters or food banks.