The Florida Junior Chamber (Jaycees) is a non-profit organization that provides development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change in their community, state, nation, and beyond. We are a part of the United States Junior Chamber and Junior Chamber International (JCI), the premier membership-based global non-profit organization for young people who share the belief that in order to create lasting, positive change, we must improve ourselves and the world around us.
We are seeking a young, new energetic generation of leaders and potential leaders to pick up the torch and make a difference in our community, in each other, and in themselves. If you’re between the ages of 18-40 (inclusive) and want to learn more about joining the world’s premier young person’s organization, click here to find a chapter near you.
Mission
To provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.Vision
To be the leading global network of active young citizens.News
- JCI Be Better E-Newsletter – Updates, resources, and information about what’s new and next in the JCI world
- US Junior Chamber Postmark – News from the United States Junior Chamber
JCI Annual Report
History
The Junior Chamber movement is now 92 years old. Originally, a group of young men led by Henry Giessenbier formed a dance club in St. Louis. They believed that if young people were to improve their prospects for social and career advancement, they would first have to join forces socially. With the help and guidance of established civic and business leaders, they built the organization. Membership swelled from 32 to 750 members in just five months.In 1914, the group merged with six other dance clubs, and in 1915 they formed the Young Men’s Progressive Civic Organization (YMPCA). Later, they changed their name to Junior Citizens and became affiliated with the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce.
Lectures, speakers, and training sessions provided the group with needed knowledge. But some method was needed for members to apply what they had learned. Service to the community provided the answer. Community service allowed members practical application of the insights they had learned. It was then the Junior Chamber movement achieved its goal – building better leaders.
Over the years, Jaycees have been involved in many local, national, and global issues. In the 1920s, the Junior Chamber began its first national program, “Get Out the Vote”, designed to encourage citizens to participate in their government. Shortly thereafter, the Junior Chamber helped establish AirMail service (with the help of member Charles Lindbergh). Since then, Jaycees have endeavored to make our world a better place through the formation of the National Wildlife Federation, support for the “Big Brothers” program and Uniform Vehicle Code, and the creation of the National Center for Voluntary Action. Individually and collectively, Jaycees have raised millions of dollars for charities, spent countless hours building parks and hospitals, and continue to serve communities large and small.
