Community Area of Opportunity
Embodying the line of the Jaycee Creed that states, “Service to humanity is the best work of life,” this area develops the sensitivity of individual members to societal problems, and knowledge of community dynamics in solving these problems, through actual experience. Like all citizens, Junior Chamber members have a stake in the betterment of their communities. The Community Area of Opportunity is built around four Commissions. Below are some basic concepts under these four classifications:
This Commission involves projects that are designed to promote or improve the quality of life for people in the community. This includes projects that deal directly with people such as elderly assistance, mental health and retardation, and health and safety. Projects dealing with properties, economic development, energy and the environment would also be included here. Note: Youth projects would be listed under the Children and Youth Commission (Community) and state, national and international Junior Chamber priority projects would be under the State, National and International Junior Chamber Involvement Commission (International).
3. Children and Youth Commission
This Commission’s responsibility is to promote and coordinate projects related to children and youth. As the future of our community lies in the hands of today’s young people, many projects should be conducted to ensure that young people are well prepared to take the community leadership roles in the years to come. Examples include youth sporting events, fingerprinting, building a playground, reading and other educational programs, etc. Children & Youth Commission contains those projects that involve children in the community. Jr. Jaycees programming should be in the Individual Area of Opportunity.
4. Government and Civic Involvement Commission
The Government & Civic Involvement commission focuses on all areas of involvement with the local, state and national governmental process. A first step in this area is to introduce yourself to your local government. Make an appointment with the mayor or visit a city council meeting and ask what your chapter can do to help or assist them in the upcoming year. Their support will be beneficial in during the year when it comes to getting city approval for your projects. A letter of endorsement from your city council or Mayor could mean a greater return on your sponsorships. Projects include town forums, debates, “Get Out The Vote”, advocacy issues, criminal justice projects, etc., as well as providing assistance to other civic organizations in the community.
International Area of Opportunity
The International Area of Opportunity is probably one of the most wide open Areas of Opportunity in the Jaycees. If you really think about it, the possibilities are almost endless. There are only a couple of requirements in this area: 1. you must choose a culture that is outside the United States, and 2. you must learn about that culture. Other than that, the sky is the limit. Stretch your imagination. If you are having difficulty getting ideas, there will be plenty of CPGs listed on the MIJC website.
Let's make this year an outstanding year, not only in the International Area, but also in all areas. Please feel free to contact for any help or guidance that you may need. I look forward to another great year from everyone.
Embodying the line of the Jaycee Creed that states, “The brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations,” this area provides an opportunity for individual members to contribute to the development of goodwill, understanding, and cooperation among all peoples.
Programming in this area would encompass all projects and programs that enhance a member’s knowledge of different cultures and countries around the world. This includes the following two Commissions:
This Commission includes all state, USJC and JCI emphasis programs. Consult your state organization for a list of state programs. Current national programs include: Jaycees Against Youth Smoking (JAYS), Outstanding Young Farmer (OYF), Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA), Junior Chamber Family AIDS Network, Citizen’s Corps, Family Talk, East African Center and Rebuilding Together. Examples of JCI programs include PRIME, JCI Business Academy and Best Business Plan in the World. Note: chapter twinning would be included under the International Involvement Commission. NEW as of 2005: Chapter Visitations and District/Region/State projects now fall into this commission.
Projects in this Commission include those that provide assistance or promote understanding and communications between the chapter and people outside the United States. Junior Chamber members recognize the fact that the present world problems can often be solved through international collaboration, tolerance and friendship. Members put this belief into practice by collaborating in joint worldwide projects. Examples include food drives for other countries, chapter twinning, international guest speakers, etc.