Mission JOOI Club talks about OPTIMIX

The Mission JOOI Club was recognized in the Abbotsford Times for bringing inspiration and optimism to the community through the OPTIMIX magazine.

Veronica MacKillop and Emilia Shevchenko, members
Rhett Nicholson and Elisabeth Shevchenko, advisors

Rhett Nicholson has been advising the group since its beginning.  They are twelve members strong and looking to bring more teens to the cause.  The chapter is the only JOOI Club in British Columbia. 

OPTIMIX gives students the opportunity write and design a quality publication that speaks in their voice about issues that concern them. However, the kids don'take that task lightly. In a past issue, Veronica MacKillop wrote about Benazir Bhutto, the former prime minister of Pakistan who was assassinated in 2007. The title of that article was 'Heroes.' 

The students also learn about graphic design, color theory, writing and photography.  In an interview, Rhett said, ""There's lots of sports going around in Mission, but there's nothing for art for kids. Not every kid can play a sport."

Along with the magazine, the JOOI Club encourages other students to participate in community service activities and they work with the Mission Optimist Club in local activities. 

For more information on how you can get involved with the JOOI Club (under 19 years of age) or with the Mission Optimist Club (adults), please contact Rhett at  604-751-4274.


Read more in the Abbotsford Times.