Getting the Most out of Jaycee Membership

 

            REMEMBER - You Get What You Put Into It!

 

You are already doing it.  You are learning more about the Jaycees by attending orientation.  Want more?  Get started on Degrees! The Degrees program is designed to walk you step by step through the Jaycee experience. Once you have completed the tenth step or degree, you will have a complete understanding of the Junior Chamber organization

 

Keep informed by attending your chapter's monthly general membership meetings and reading your chapter's monthly newsletter.

 

To get the most from your Jaycee experience, volunteer for at least one chapter project each month. You will quickly learn more about your chapter, develop friendships, and begin to feel comfortable and productive.

 

            After you've gotten your feet wet on a few projects, volunteer to chair a project committee. This experience will give you a feel for what the Junior Chamber is all about while providing opportunities to develop those valuable skills we mentioned earlier.

 

Finally, you may want to assume a position of leadership on your chapter's Board of Directors. Each level of involvement brings its own personal and professional growth and a true sense of satisfaction

 

Utilize Your New Skills

 

Your chapter is a training organization, and you will benefit immeasurably by taking advantage of the courses in personal development, leadership, management and skill training that will be offered. However, you must use the skills that you acquire. For example, after you learn the techniques of chairmanship, organize a project to teach leaders of voluntary organizations how to conduct good meetings. You will get even more training and utilize your skills best by working on as great a variety of projects as possible, for it is by doing that we learn best. The Junior Chamber movement is unique in that it permits its members the luxury of learning from mistakes, so do not be afraid of tackling something new. Even if you are not completely successful, you will find it of lasting personal benefit when you apply what you have learned in the Junior Chamber to your work and personal life.

 

Move On

 

Because of its great demands, your period of active Junior Chamber life may be relatively short. When you know what it is all about, assess the time that you will be able to give to Junior Chamber and set your personal goal, whether it's to be Chapter President, National President, or JCI President. Plan your steps on the road to achievement, and then, putting all that you learn into practice, shoot for the stars. However, always remember that the end of your Junior Chamber career should just be the beginning–the start of your personal service to your community and your nation. Be a good Junior Chamber member today, and you can be an outstanding leader tomorrow.