Q: What is the Total Jaycee Concept? A: Our purpose is to determine community needs and provide solutions by planning and facilitating community service projects. In the act of serving members receive hands-on experience, which translates to the enhancement of personal growth and the development of valuable leadership skills. The Total Jaycee Concept includes four Areas of Opportunity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Q: What does Jaycees (J.C.) stand for? A: It stands for Junior Chamber. The NC Jaycees is a statewide organization, part of the U.S. Jaycees (www.usjaycees.org) and Jaycees International (www.jci.cc). We are a professional group of young individuals between the ages of 18-40.

Q: Are you a male only organization? A: No. However, this was the case until the mid 1980’s. Today the Junior Chamber has women as it’s leaders at every level of the organization.

Q:  Are there membership dues? A: Yes, annual membership dues range from $70 – $225 per year, depending on services offered by your local chapter.  Check with your local chapter for membership investment information.

Q: After I join, then what?

A: That depends on you; there are many diversified activity areas. After you join, all that remains is for you to involve yourself in whatever areas stimulate your interests. If there is something that interests you that the local Jaycees don’t do, then you are encouraged to propose a project of your own! Your local chapter, region, state and national Jaycees organizations are continuously improving their programming to better fulfill the needs of the community and the varied interests of all our members.

If you have any questions or are looking for more information please contact the North Carolina Junior Chamber or your local Chapter.