The Concept

Over the course of the 80-plus years since the beginning of the United States Junior Chamber movement, the organization has developed a concept of what the Jaycees should be for its members. This concept is a process by which each chapter can offer its members a total experience -- personal growth, development of their managerial skills and effective service to their community. While the theory of the concept is the same throughout the Jaycees organization, the specific projects which chapters run, are defined by the interests of that chapters’ members.

All projects and programs run by a Jaycee chapter fall within one of four major programming Areas of Opportunity: Business, Community, Individual and International. The areas are divided into Commissions, which are used further classify chapter projects and to divide the Areas of Opportunity into manageable units. Commissions provide additional means for chapters and states to develop and to offer balanced programs to their members and communities. As the members work on these projects, they encounter opportunities for total development.

Business Area of Opportunity

Embodying the line of the Jaycees Creed that states, "Economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise," this area provides an opportunity for individual members to contribute to the development and enhancement of the economic infrastructure, prosperity, and well being for all nations.

Almost all members of Junior Chamber are involved in some business activity - working on their own, for another company, or preparing to open their own business. The Junior Chamber was established in 1920 to give young people an active voice in the business community. This same purpose is now found in the Business Area of Opportunity and is divided into four Commissions: Marketing and Public Relations; Strategic Planning; Financial Management; and Business Opportunities.

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 fosters 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 following Commissions are included in the Community Area of Opportunity: Community Service; Community Fundraising; Government and Civic Involvement; and Children and Youth.

Individual Area of Opportunity

Embodying the line of the Jaycee Creed that states, "Earth's great treasure lies in human personality," this area provides an opportunity for individual members to realize their personal potential through training programs.

While there is an Area of Opportunity for individual development, every single activity in the Junior Chamber organization is oriented to develop the potential and skills of the individual member. Active participation in activities in any of the Areas will give the member the opportunity to enhance his or her potential. Training opportunities dedicated to the enhancement of a Jaycee member's personal skill set (not related to official Jaycee responsibilities) and not specifically covered by another Area would be included here.

The Individual Area of Opportunity ensures that new members are brought into the organization and are provided with training to fully develop their personal and professional potential. The following Commissions are included in the Individual Area of Opportunity: Personal Development; Professional Development; Membership Retention, Growth and New Chapter; and Chapter Activities.

 

International Area of Opportunity

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:State, National and International Junior Chamber Involvement; and International Involvement.

 

To learn more about the Areas of Opportunity, as well as how you can become a member of the most powerful leadership organization in the world, e-mail: info@denverjaycees.org