Junior Chamber International is at its core a local organization founded in 1915 by Henry Giessenbier Jr. in St. Louis, United States of America. It became international in 1944, under the name of JCI, after the meeting of delegates from eight countries in Mexico City.
JCI managed to bring together people from different countries, whose actions were based on the principle of active citizenship – involvement of the citizens in changing society for the better. Over time, the organization was made up of well-known political leaders – two UN general secretaries, several State presidents, heads of governments and ministers.
JCI is campaigning for active involvement of young people in the economic, political and social life of their community. The profile of JCI members includes entrepreneurs, liberal professions, managers, civil servants, teachers, leaders of other NGOs etc., usually people who are dedicated to self-improvement and want to change for the better the society they live in.
Vision
The JCI founder had the vision of a better world, a better future, where people live in harmony, where people are allowed to maximize their uniqueness and capabilities, where individuals follow the rules established by their communities.
Mission
JCI provides the youth with development opportunities, through which they acquire the power to create positive changes in society.
JCI Slogan – Be Better!
We believe that it is the duty of each and everyone of us to improve ourselves and to bring a positive change in the community and society. Through all that they do, JCI members want to put the JCI slogan “Be Better” into practice.
JCI members around the world are looking for effective solutions to current issues and do not hesitate to act in order to create a better future for each of us. Also, JCI members not only believe in a better world but are convinced that it is up to them to initiate change where it is needed.
Values
- faith and imaterialism – the belief that life means more than just the acquisition of material goods;
- awareness of the importance of compassion and altruism brotherhood, the feeling of belonging to the community.
- free initiative, economic and social justice.
- human personality – each individual must have the chance to develop their qualities.
- responsibility towards a society – we are committed to helping others develop in order to achieve positive changes in the society we live in.