What Do I Get Out of Being a Jaycee?

Have you ever thought about joining a volunteer organization? Many people think about it from time to time. Most of us would enjoy a chance to get involved and give back to our communities. But then we think about our jobs, families, and other responsibilities and start thinking we just don't have time. Life is a balancing act, and our time has to be spent where it's best used. That's why it's perfectly normal to want to know, "What's in it for me?"

The letter below was written by a long-time (and since "retired") Jaycee. She shares her experience and what she took from her membership.

The Greenfield chapter of the U.S. Jaycees is a small part of a big national
nonprofit organization. The U.S. Jaycees governs all of its chapters with one
simple 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. 
~ C.W. Brownfield

I know this because I had to memorize it for all of the meetings I had in my 15 years as a Sturgeon Bay Jaycee, a Kewaunee Jaycee and as a Green Bay Jaycee. Wherever I lived with my family, I sought out the nearest Jaycee branch and joined it. The Jaycees help to empower young people with knowledge, skills and experience. I knew that whatever branch I would belong to, I would be interacting with the area's brightest and most ambitious members. Not only was the Jaycees a great social outlet, but being an active member taught me how to manage projects, gain confidence in myself, motivate and grow my chapters and develop business plans. All this helped me become a more rounded person.  

As a young, single mother, I was always under a lot of stress and my social life was nonexistent. The Jaycees literally saved my life. It offered me invaluable life experiences and lifelong friends.  I chaired a lot of the projects that my kids could assist me with like;  One-Day Babysitting Seminars; Bike Rodeos for licensing and safety, Toys for Tots, June Jubilee Parades, etc...  And I chaired others on the weekends my children were not with me - Christmas Tree Pick Up, Sandbox Fill, Round Robin New Year's Eve, etc... 

This is an excellent venue for recruiters and persons in insurance, realty and other vocations in which constant exposure to people is required. It is just about who-do-you-know.
 
The Jaycees is just what you make it.  It can be a wonderful experience for people with big hearts and helping hands.  Most of my fellow Jaycees have held many positions, including that of National President of the U.S. Jaycees.  I have held all of the positions except treasurer and president.
 
The Jaycees is the best organization for young adults in creating productive, quality members of any community.

I recommend it whole-heartedly! 

Joan M. Gregorich

As you can see from her letter, there is more to being a Jaycee than the good feeling that comes from volunteering. There is PLENTY in it for you. Want to find out for yourself what you can gain? Check out our website at www.greenfieldjaycees.org or join us at our upcoming meeting on Wednesday, July 20, at 7 p.m. in the Chameleon Room at Club Paragon.