Frequently Asked Questions

1. What and who are the Jaycees?
   
   The Jaycees, also known as the Junior Chamber of Commerce, is an organization that provides leadership training opportunities for its members through the projects and programs the members plan, organize, and conduct in both the community and chapter. Both young women and men ages 18 through 39 are eligible to be members.
   
   
2. What opportunities are available in my local chapter?
   
   The Jaycees is more than a community service organization because members have the opportunity to improve themselves while helping others. This idea of providing “leadership training through community service” has been the basis of the Jaycees since its inception in 1920. Members are encouraged to view their Jaycee activity as a learning experience…because it is!
   
   By participating in your chapter’s activities you will have the opportunity to meet, network, and interact with a group of young people from the La Porte area and to conduct worthwhile projects that benefit others in our community. These opportunities are the Jaycee Advantage!
   
   
3. What can I expect from the Jaycees?
   
   You can expect to be encouraged to participate in the chapter’s activities. Quite often these activities are projects or programs that benefit others.
   
   Jaycees view their activities as training opportunities. These opportunities are offered both on-the-job, such as chairing or serving on a project committee, and also in the classroom setting, with courses and seminars on personal betterment.
   
   Your active participation in these activities will allow you to fine-tune your management and leadership skills and improve yourself.
   
   
   
4. How much time do I have to commit?
   
   The average member volunteers about four hours each month; however, there is no required amount of time you must participate in the chapter’s activities. You are permitted to choose to participate only in the activities you desire to participate. It is reasonable to understand, of course, that the more you participate, the more opportunities you will have to learn, grow, and help others.
   
   
5. What about meetings?
   
   The La Porte Jaycees currently meet the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings begin at 6:00pm and run about an hour in length. You are encouraged to attend meetings to learn about upcoming chapter activities and events and to socialize with other members.
   
   
6. Why and how are the Jaycees formed?
   
   Since 1920, young Americans have benefited through their active participation in the Jaycees. The organization started in St. Louis, Missouri with one young person’s desire for a better life.
   
   Henry Giessenbier, a young bank teller trying to get ahead, thought practical management experience on a social level could help him and his community progress. He contacted other young people with his idea and they became active in the area’s civic affairs. The idea caught on and the organization grew.
   
   Today the Jaycees continues its dedication to members and community improvement. In more than 4,000 communities throughout America, men and women ages 18 to 39 are developing their personal and professional skills and helping fellow citizens through membership in Jaycees.
   
   Locally, the La Porte Jaycee chapter was chartered as an official member of the Indiana Jaycees in January of 1946.