Community Area

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: Community Service; Community Fundraising; Government & Civic Involvement; and Civic & Youth. (Note that State, National, and International Priority Projects are not included in this Area; they are classified within the International Area of Opportunity.)

Portfolio Represented:  Community Development.

 

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 people, such as elderly assistance, mental health and retardation, health and safety, as well as projects that deal with properties, economic development, energy, and the environment.

Examples include: Projects for the Underprivileged, Projects for the Elderly, and Park Clean-Ups, among others.

 

 

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. Examples include: Disaster Assistance and Red Cross Fundraising.

 

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. Examples include: Attending or Organizing Town Hall Meetings, “Getting Out The Vote”, Meet the Candidates Forums, Visiting the Mayor, and Attending and/or Participating in City Council Meeting, among others.

 

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: Fingerprinting, Building a Playground, Summer Reading Programs, and Easter Egg Hunts, among others.