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History
It all began when a 22-year-old St. Louis bank clerk and Herculaneum Dance Club president set out to attack such wild new dances as the grizzly beat, tango, and fox trot.
From this modest beginning, Henry Giessenbier's dance clubs moved forward and on October 13, 1915, 32 young men formed the Young Men's Progressive Civic Association, turning its attention to civic affairs. In 1916, the Y.M.P.C.A. changed its name to Junior Citizens, from which came the nickname JC, or when spelled out, Jaycees.
The JCs were quickly noted by various civic-minded businessmen and in 1918 became affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce and changed its name from Junior Citizens to the St. Louis Junior Chamber of Commerce, after which the fame of its civic work began to spread.
The idea was contagious and, in January 1920, chapters in 12 cities met to form the National JC organization with Henry Giessenbier as its first president. After battling for its existence during World War II, the United States Junior Chamber boomed and today there are more than 6000 clubs and nearly 300,000 young people across the country.
A world alliance
of JCs was formed in 1944 in Mexico City, with the founding of the Junior
Chamber International with the avowed purpose and one obligation of a
"way toward world peace." The JCI now consists
of a network of
107 free world nations with more than 350,000 members
on its rolls.
Membership
Requirements for membership in the Jaycees:
- Members must be between the ages of 18 and 40 (chapter determined)
- Annual dues varies by chapter
- A willingness to participate and try new things!
Members are not required to:
- Belong to a specific political party or religion
- Participate in a specific number of projects or contribute a required number of hours.
- Attend every meeting or hold
an office.
Participation is encouraged, because you get as much out of Jaycees as you are willing to put in, but not required.
Membership in the Jaycees offers many benefits besides valuable leadership experience:
- Membership in a National and International organization for no extra cost.
- Social and networking opportunities.
- Publications from the US Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees magazine), the state organization (the Iowa Action) and usually a local chapter newsletter.
- Money-saving opportunities on services offered by national partners like car rental, insurance, credit cards and publications.
How do I Join?
Joining the Jaycees is simple, just find a local chapter and introduce yourself! You can check the chapter list on this site to look for a chapter near you. If you don't find a chapter nearby, you can contact the State Service Center at (641) 792-2042 or email us at iajaycee@iowatelecom.net
Henry Giessenbier
The
Jaycee Creed
by C. William Brownfield
We Believe... That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;
That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations;
That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise;
That government should be of laws rather than of men;
That earth's great treasure lies in human personality;
And that service to humanity is the best work of life.
Past Presidents
The
Iowa Jaycees has a long list of distinguished past Presidents.
Click here to view