Community Area of Opportunity

Embodying the line of the Jaycee Creed that states, "Service to humanity is the best work of life," this area develops the sensitivity of individual members to societal problems, and knowledge of community dynamics in solving these problems, through actual experience.

Like all citizens, Junior Chamber members have a stake in the betterment of their communities.

The Community Area of Opportunity is built around four Commissions. Below are some basic concepts under these four classifications:

• Community Service. This Commission involves projects that are designed to promote or improve the quality of life for people in the community. This includes projects that deal directly with community needs such as elderly assistance, mental health and retardation, and health and safety. Projects dealing with properties, economic development, energy and the environment would also be included here. Note: youth projects would be listed under the Children and Youth Commission (Community) and state, national and international Junior Chamber priority projects would be under the State, National and International Junior Chamber Involvement Commission (International).

• Community Fundraising. Projects in this Commission deal with the direct raising of funds for a specific non-Jaycee program.

This includes fundraising for local disaster or emergency assistance, health related organizations, foundations and any organized community charities.

• Government and Civic Involvement. These are projects that deal with all areas of involvement with the local, state and national governmental process. Projects include town forums, debates, "Get Out The Vote", advocacy issues, criminal justice projects, etc., as well as providing assistance to other civic organizations in the community.

• Children and Youth. This Commission's responsibility is to promote and coordinate projects related to children and youth. As the future of our community lies in the hands of today's young people, many projects should be conducted to ensure that young people are well prepared to take the community leadership roles in the years to come. Examples include youth sporting events, fingerprinting, building a playground, holiday egg hunts, reading and other educational programs, etc. Note: Projects involving children of non-Jaycees fall under this Commission. Family-related projects, where children of Jaycees are involved with their Jaycee parents, may fall under the Personal Development Commission or Chapter Activities Commission.

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