FAQs

Q: What does Jaycees (J.C.) stand for?

A: It stands for Junior Chamber. The Nebraska Jaycees is a statewide organization, part of the U.S. Jaycees, and Junior Chamber International.  Many towns and communities in Nebraska have Jaycees chapters.

 

Q: What are the Jaycees all about?

A: This is a short question with a very large answer! Simply put, the Jaycees are a volunteer organization of young men and women who seek to make a positive impact in themselves, their communities, and the world around them.

 

Q: Are the Jaycees a religious organization?

A: No- the Jaycees have no religious affiliation and have no religious requirements of its members. However, many local chapters do have a Chaplain on their Board of Directors. The Chaplain usually says a prayer or inspiritational speech at the beginning of meetings, and often assists in teaching members about other faiths. It is felt that our members gain a better understanding by learning about others and their beliefs.

 

Q: Are the Jaycees a political organization?

A: Again, no. The Jaycees do have programs to encourage the democratic process in politics, such as the "Get the Vote Out" program to encourage the public to vote, as well as hosting Town Hall meetings and debates during political campaigns. But we are not permitted to support any specific candidate or party in the political process. More than a few former Jaycees have gone on to political careers however, such as United States Presidents John F. Kennedy, H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.

 

Q: How much time do I need to put in?

A: There's an old saying, "You get out of it what you put in." Any amount of time is appreciated and well worth getting involved. It is recommended that you attend one monthly meeting and attend at least one project of your choice each month. Every chapter is different, but we realize your time is valuable.

 

Q: What goes on at the monthly meetings?

A: Our chapter has an agenda with all of the different programs listed. Typically, each officer on the Board of Directors speaks about things going on in their specific area. They talk about upcoming events to get people interested in attending and helping out. There is usually an after meeting social as well.

 

Q: What is a social?

A: A social is where members can get together just to network with one another. It is a more relaxed and laid back time where everyone is encouraged to just have fun. There is no meeting or agenda going on at that time.

 

Q: Why is "recruiting" so important?

A: New members bring in new blood into the organization. That means new ideas, new energy and enthusiasm. Our organization is in a constant state of change. Career advancement, family commitments, reaching forty one--these are some of the reasons Jaycees typically leave a particular chapter. Therefore, it's very important for the organization to identify and recruit good new members to share the Jaycee movement.

 

Q: What does I.D. mean?

A: "I.D." stands for Individual Development. This area of the Jaycees is developed to help enhance your personal and professional life. Chapters hold courses, seminars, mini-courses or full-fledged events which help you to enhance your skills for business and personal life.

 

Q: I don't know very many people in the Jaycees, only the person who recruited me. How do I get to know others?

A: Almost every member started out the same way. Get involved in a project, and you'll get to know lots of members just like you! There are socials, fundraisers, and even regional, state and national conventions you can get involved in with your chapter!

 

Q: What do you mean by "leadership training"?

A: All aspects of our organization are devoted to polishing the leadership skills of our members. The programs and events with which we are involved generally mirror "real world" experiences. Jaycees regularly learn and practice speaking, writing, budgeting, teamwork, marketing, interpersonal and many other skills which make them more valuable to their employers and more successful in life. One of the best ways to develop leadership skills is to become a project chairperson, which lets you organize an event you care about.

 

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 its leaders at every level of the organization.

 

Q: How do I become a member of the Jaycees?

A: The process is very simple. Fill out the application form on our website, and attend a short orientation. New members are often times "sworn in", but this is not a requirement.

 

Q: Are there membership dues?

A: Yes, annual membership dues are $50 per year.

 

Q: What is required of members?

A: There are no set requirements to be a Jaycee. However, like most organizations, our members get as much out of being a Jaycee as they put into it. Attending one meeting and one project per month is normally a two-four hour commitment.

 

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!

We are continuously improving our programming to better fulfill the needs of the community and the varied interests of all our members.