NAME
Junior Chamber International (JCI), Inc., JCI is a worldwide community of young active citizens ages 18-40 who share the belief that in order to create positive change. Engaging in activities ranging from community development to international projects, members demonstrate their social responsibility and improve themselves through participation, leadership and action.
MEMBERSHIP
National Organizations federated to JCI are active in more than 6,000 chapters located in more than 100 nations and territories.
MISSION
To provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.
VISION
To be the leading global network of young active citizens.
VALUES
– Faith in God
– The brotherhood of man
– Individual freedom and dignity
– Government of laws
– Human personality
– Service to humanity
JCI HISTORY
Almost a century ago, Henry Giessenbier, Jr. decided to take responsibility for the progress and welfare of his community by helping tackle difficult problems around him. Together with 32 other young men, Giessenbier established the Young Men’s Progressive Civic Association, JCI’s first Local Organization, in St. Louis, USA in 1915. The members of the first Local Organization dedicated themselves to bringing about community improvements and giving young people a constructive approach to civic problems.
By 1944, the movement had spread through eight countries. When delegates from these countries met in Mexico City at the Inter-American Conference that year, they agreed it was time to officially form Junior Chamber International. This deep-rooted tradition of bringing together active citizens from diverse backgrounds remains alive today in our international events. They fuel the JCI movement and set the groundwork to create positive change that transcends boundaries.
2024 PRESIDENT
Senator Kaveen Kumar Kumarave from JCI India
HEADQUARTERS
The JCI Headquarters was established in 1951 and was located in Coral Gables, Florida, U.S.A., since 1969. In 2002, the JCI Headquarters was relocated to Chesterfield St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A., where the first local organization was founded in 1918. A professional staff of 20 full-time employees provides services to JCI members. Its chief executive officer is Secretary General Edson Kodama.
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
The 2024 JCI World Congress will be held in Taoyuan,Taiwan during 29 Oct – 2 Nov, 2024.
The winners of the Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) program are announced each year at the JCI World Congress. The program honors up to ten young individuals who best exemplify the finest attributes of the world’s young people. JCI also hosts four regional conferences each year to conduct its business and training as well as address items of concern and global issues.
INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION
JCI is an international Non-Governmental Organization with active participation in the United Nations (UN) system. In this context, JCI has relations with the Office of the UN Secretary General (Secretariat) and a Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Furthermore, JCI has cooperation agreements with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), International Association of Students in Economics and Management (AIESEC), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGO) and NGO Committee on UNICEF (Committee).
JCI OPPORTUNITIES
Junior Chamber can be called an organization of opportunities. The opportunities available within Junior Chamber are so numerous it could take a lifetime to grasp them all. Most members select those which cater to their particular needs and make the most of them. Basically, there are four Areas of Opportunities within the organization: Individual, Community, International and Business. Projects are conducted in each Area. As the members work on these projects, they encounter opportunities for total development.