The Jaycees gives young people between the ages of 21 and 40 the tools they need to build the bridges of success for themselves in the areas of business development, management skills, individual training, community service, and international connections. The Jaycees are a great way to network, meet new people, get involved with the community and of course have fun. While membership is reserved for individuals aged 21 - 40, those younger or older are welcome to come out and help out at worthwhile community projects.

Jaycees can be found in all walks of life: governmental leaders such as past Presidents Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford, business tycoons such as Domino?s Pizza mogul Tom Monaghan, registered nurse and former Miss America Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson, sports heroes like basketball great Larry Bird and Jaycees can be found at the forefront.

With the focus of the nation on volunteerism, from the smallest towns to the largest cities, the Jaycees are enlarging areas of opportunity for young people.

The U.S. Junior Chamber founder Henry Giessenbier's vision of providing young people with leadership through community service can be broken down into four Areas of Opportunity. These are overseen by a VP position in the club and when deemed necessary by the chapter, a commission is formed to oversee each
sub-category.

Business Area of Opportunity

Marketing and Public Relations Commission
Strategic Planning Commission
Financial Management Commission
Business Opportunities Commission

Community Area of Opportunity

Community Service Commission
Community Fundraising Commission
Government and Civic Involvement Commission
Children and Youth Commission

Individual Area of Opportunity

Personal Development Commission
Professional Development Commission
Membership Retention, Growth and New Chapters Commission
Chapter Activities Commission

International Area of Opportunity

State, National and International Junior
Chamber Involvement Commission
International Involvement Commission


Past and Current projects include:

* Wine & Beer Tasting
* Parade Assistance
* Adopt-a-highway
* Easter Egg Hunt
* Santa Phone
* Salvation Army bell ringing
* Best Pizza Contest
* Relay for Life
* Illinois Jaycees Camp New Hope for the Physically Challenged
* Self-Improvement Seminars
* Internet Training
* Holiday adopt-a-family
* Blanket making for hospital children
* Halloween & Holiday House Decorating Contest
* Public and Professional Speaking Training
* Goal Setting Training
* Sales and Recruiting Trainings
* Much, much, more!

We are always looking for new members with new and creative ideas for projects, trainings, and socials!