Your Junior Optimist International Summit is in Arlington, Virginia on July 2-4, 2023 with an optional tour day to Washington D.C. on July 5!

Day 1 - July 2 (District/Club Theme Day)
Day 2 - July 3 (JOI Blue & Yellow Day)
Day 3 - July 4 (Patriotic Theme Day)

Get a glimpse of the summit schedule here!

The Summit will kick off on Sunday, July 2 at 12:00pm. Registration is open and is $250 (US) and includes two lunches and three dinners. The room rate at the Hyatt Regency at Reagan National Airport is $129 per night, plus taxes and fees.

For the summit details, please visit www.junioroptimist.org.

Keynote Speaker:
Jessie Brar

Jessie Brar is a mental health activist, equity, diversity, and inclusion (also known as EDI) specialist, and overall optimist.


Her interest in the mental health space began when she started struggling with her own mental health at a young age and was looking for more insight into the subject. Since then, she has become a leader in the space and has spoken on the topics of mental health and intersectionality around the world, advocating for youth, especially those who belong to minority communities. She currently works as an EDI consultant for a group of hospitals in Ontario. When she's not advocating for justice, you can find her dancing in the mirror, looking at puppy videos, or searching for the best snacks in town. 

2023-2024 International Officer Information

If you are looking to run for International Office, the deadline to submit paperwork to Junior Optimist International is June 1.



Business Session - Proposed Policy For Governance Amendment

There is one Policy Amendment that will be presented at the Business Session on Tuesday, July 4.

The Prior Lake High School Junior Optimist Club of Prior Lake, Minnesota has submitted a revision to Section 3 - Qualifications: to change the word “Club president” to “Club officer.”

POLICY VII: INTERNATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 3: Qualifications
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 president officer or a District officer and shall be the age of 14 or older by October 1.

Explanation:
1. If a community does not have an Alpha Club (elementary school) or Junior Optimist Club (middle school), then it is very difficult for the Octagon (high school) Club member to become qualified to serve as an Optimist International JOI Club Director.

2. Local club officers have served in a leadership position within their local JOI club and have developed the knowledge and skills needed to serve on the Optimist International Board of Directors.

3. This revision would allow more local JOI club leaders to seek opportunities to serve at the International JOI level and be able to offer new insights and suggestions for the JOI Board of Directors.
Local Attractions!!

Situated directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Arlington, Virginia, offers visitors a mix of big-city excitement and small-town charm. It boasts dazzling high-rises and iconic landmarks, lush green spaces and lively streetscapes, global dining and hip nightlife — all just steps from the nation’s capital. 

A close-knit and welcoming community, Arlington's 26 square miles are home to an array of vibrant, walkable neighborhoods conveniently located on the region's Metro system, plus an incredible variety of things to do. 

From shopping and dining to arts and culture to history and the great outdoors, Arlington boasts a bonanza for everyone!

Click here to order or browse your free 2022-2023 Arlington Visitors guide.

As you attend the convention, make time to visit the White House or the U.S. Capitol. Stop by the Smithsonian. Or pay a visit to the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery and delve into the diverse history of the United States through firsthand accounts of the Spanish-American War, the Civil War and the civil rights movement.

From the National Air and Space Museum to the Museum of Natural History, the Washington, D.C., area offers many enriching historical and cultural experiences. But if you're looking for something a little off the beaten path, consider the National Postal Museum, the International Spy Museum, or take a photo for Instagram at one of the capital's many colorful street murals.

Guided and self-guided tours are available in and around Arlington and Washington.
Air & Space Museum
Natural History Museum