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.
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