JaYCEE
PRAYER

We reaffirm our
conviction
that faith in God
gives meaning
and purpose to
human life.
May the Lord
guide us in all our undertakings.
Amen.

JaYCEE
MISSION

To contribute
to the advancement
of the global community
by providing the
opportunity for young
people to develop the
leadership skills,
social responsibility,
entrepreneurship and
fellowship necessary
to create positive change.

THE INTERNATIONAL JAYCEE MOVEMENT

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) evolved from the Young Men's Progressive Civic Association (YMPCA), a group of thirty-three (33) young men led by Henry Giessenbier back in 1915. YMPCA was a club in St. Louis, Missouri of the USA, that was involved in civic issues. It gathered membership and even underwent changes in its name; but it was in 1918 when it was affiliated with the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce and became the St. Louis Junior Chamber of Commerce.

After the first world war, founder Henry Giessenbier contacted other cities in the United States of America with similar young businessmen's groups, and subsequently, twenty-nine (29) clubs from around the nation formed the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce. Giessenbier was elected the first President of the national organization.

The first Junior Chamber organization outside the USA was formed in 1923. By the year 1928, the movement crossed the Atlantic Ocean to England; and in 1940, Junior Chambers were established in Central and South America. Thus, the realization of the Junior Chamber International had begun. The first World Congress was held in 1946, with participants from sixteen (16) different countries. It was during this first World Congress that the organization was formally constituted, and the official name of the organization was made Junior Chamber International.

From then on, the spirit of the Junior Chamber spread across the globe - reaching and organizing people in countries who believe with founder Giessenbier that:

"From within the walls of the soul of this organization, wherein the foundation of character and citizenship are laid, I hope a message will come forth in the sometime of tomorrow that will stir the people toward the establishment of a permanent and everlasting world peace."

- adapted from "An Opportunity to Succeed" Handout

The Junior Chamber of the Philippines can boast of being the first nationally organized leadership development organization established in the Asian region. It was on 10 March 1948 when Gregorio Feliciano and Jose Mayuga, from the 3rd World Congress of the Junior Chamber International, brought with them the charter for the Manila Jaycees. They consequently organized chapters all over the archipelago, with the Cebu Jaycees being the first to respond.

The rise of Jayceeism in the Philippines paralleled the growth of the international organization. Through the years, the Philippine Jaycees has become a by-word in civic projects of varying scope and inportance. The signs of the times have geared the national organization to pursue activities towards nation building and the preparation to meet challenges.

As always, the Filipino Jaycee looks at man as a man apart from the accidents of culture, religion or political affiliation. It is through this that he considers himself a citizen of the world, a brother to all men - destined to be in the service of humanity for all time.

Demographic Profile:
Gender - Male and Female
Age - 18 to 40 years old
Occupational Classification - Professionals, Entrepreneurs, Executives

Membership: 6,000 Jaycees

- adapted from "JCP Business & Trade Directory