JCI Revive!

On April 2, 1998 – 20 years ago next week – I joined my local chapter of the Jaycees. At the time, I had just had my second baby and was acclimating as a new stay-at-home

mom. After about three months of cleaning up soiled diapers and folding laundry each day, I started to wonder, “Is this all there is?” I knew I needed to pursue some kind of interest beyond just being a mommy.

So one day in the community paper I saw that the local Jaycee chapter was hosting a “Meet the Jaycees” night. I called the contact number for more information and spoke to a very nice person named Natalie. I ended up going that night and before the event was over, I was sworn in as a member.

I jumped in. Within a month I was newsletter editor. The next year I was Individual Development Vice President. Then Management Vice President (twice). And then, ultimately, President in 2002.

We were an active chapter with a diverse array of programming – social stuff, along with professional development events, charity fundraisers, and then the various community events we participated in, from corn booths at the fair to annual prayer breakfasts, to Christmas events to benefit underprivileged children, to hosting parties for developmentally disabled adults.

The wealth of projects made us a very well-rounded chapter. And I was proud to have served such a dynamic and active chapter. The year I was president, we had approximately 76 members in our chapter by the end of the year. I know this, because this is the number we needed to receive “Blue Chip” status from the national organization.

During my tenure I was honored with many awards. I still have many, but only a couple of the most special ones hang on my wall: the presidential appreciation plaque with my gavel; and my framed and matted JCI Senate certificate, which I received in 2004. Plus the lifetime membership award I received to the Boone County Jaycees.

So, long story short – Jaycees had quite the impact on my life. Though I do hit an event every once in a while, I’m no longer very active, as I’m not supposed to be. The organization is specifically for 18 to 40 year olds, the purpose to develop these young people into young leaders. I’m way over the age of 40, so my time is up.

But I do have three sons ages 18 to almost 23. Wouldn’t it be special if someday they were active in the JCI organization! I’m not sure how that could happen. The oldest has moved away to Lexington, the younger two are in school. But having learned what I have about the organization of late, I think it would be awesome if my own kids could someday become active. (I’d even pay their first-year dues.)

I happened upon the JCI national/international website a few weeks ago and I have to say, I’m impressed. While I have at times had questions whether the organization was going to make it here 

in the states, it appears the organization has rebranded itself into a massive global effort where all young people are invited to do their part to make a positive impact in the world. JCI is so much more than just what we do here in Kentucky. No, JCI is active throughout the world – in Europe, in South and Central America, in Japan, and in Africa, among others. There are just so many opportunities to make the world a better place while at the same time developing yourself to be the leaders of tomorrow. Check it out for yourself: go to https://jci.cc.

There are still some chapters that are active, but many are led by more seasoned members – some of whom are past the Jaycee age. This, of course defeats the purpose of the organization to train up and coming young leaders.

I think if my boys were to get involved (a big if, of course), it would have to be on their own terms, by starting their own chapter from the ground up – one they can own from the start. I know they have plenty of buddies they can recruit.

And one thing I’ve learned about recruiting is that if you start out with a few young men, the young women will follow. (Come on, oldest son, at least have you and your friends check out the website and see if their would be something you’d be vaguely interested in.)

So if any of you has near grown children over the age of 18 – children who could benefit from becoming engaged in their community, have them check out this organization. They’re nice people, of course. And what makes them particularly special is that each one has his or her particular vision for making the world a better place.

And given this current climate of unproductive political discourse, intolerance for diversity, and limited empathy for the plight of others, I can’t help but wonder if an international organization such as JCI may be the catalyst for more open dialogue, greater understanding and an enhanced sense of compassion for others.

And maybe it’s not initially a project that changes the world. Maybe it’s simply selling corn at a county fair to make enough to provide some nice gifts to underprivileged kids at Christmas. Sometimes the path to changing the world comes in small steps.

All I know is I greatly valued my time with the organization. I found a sense of purpose there. I’d love to pass it on!

The Jaycee Creed

We believe:

That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;

That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations;

The economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise;

That government should be of laws rather than of men;

That earth’s great treasure lies in human personality;

And that service to humanity is the BEST WORK OF LIFE.

If you’re over 18 and looking for a great outlet beyond your work for making great friends, developing professionally and making a difference in your community then check it out:  https://jci.cc.