About JCI
We are a membership-based nonprofit organization of 200,000 young people ages 18 to 40 in 5,000 communities and more than 100 countries around the world. Each JCI Member shares the belief that in order to create lasting positive changes, we must improve ourselves and the world around us. We seek targeted solutions to the unique problems in our communities to build a better world, creating global impact.
Creed
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.
Mission
To provide leadership development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.
Vision
To be the foremost global network of young leaders.
History
Our global organization of 200,000 young active citizens grew out of the vision of one St. Louisan more than 90 years ago as a constructive approach to civic problems. Founded in 1915 in St. Louis Missouri, USA by Henry Giessenbier, the movement spread, and Junior Chamber International was founded with eight other countries in Mexico City on December 11, 1944.
Headquarters
The JCI headquarters was established in 1951 and was located in Coral Gables, Florida, USA, since 1969. In 2002, the JCI headquarters was relocated to Chesterfield St. Louis, Missouri, USA, where the first local organization was founded in 1918. Professional staffs of 20 full-time employees provide services to JCI members. Its chief executive officer is Secretary General Edson Kodama.
International Events
The 71st JCI World Congress will be held in Quebec, Canada in November 2016. The winners of the Top Outstanding Young Persons (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.
JCI Corporate Slogan
Be Better embodies the spirit that all JCI members share and the purpose stated in our Mission: to create positive change. JCI members constantly seek ways to live this concept. They not only believe that improvement is possible, but also see it as their responsibility to initiate positive change both in themselves and in their local community. They seek solutions to the problems they see around them to create better nations, better environments and better societies. They also know that true lasting change starts from within. They learn through their experiences, becoming better citizens and better leaders with better skills to create a better future.
JCI Opportunities
JCI can be called an organization of opportunities. The opportunities available within JCI are so numerous that 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 of Opportunities within the organization: Individual, Community, International and Business. Projects are concluded in each Area. As the members work on these projects, they encounter opportunities for total development.
International Co-operation
JCI is an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with active participation in the United Nations (UN) system in the context, JCI has relations with the Office of the UN Secretary General (Secretariat) and a Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSCO). Furthermore, JCI has cooperation agreements with the UN Global Compact; the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development NGO Committee on UNICEF; the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and World Chambers Federation; the Council of Europe; AIESEC International; and Goal4Africa.