A HISTORY OF THE VIRGINIA JCI SENATE

A SENATORSHIP is a category of membership in Junior Chamber International (JCI) designed to provide a link between past and present Jaycees.  A Senatorship is the highest award that a Jaycee can receive.  JCI awards it after approval of The Virginia Jaycee President and The United States Jaycee President.  Since its inception in 1952, a JCI Senatorship has become the Jaycees most coveted award.  Less than one Jaycee out of a thousand receives a Senatorship.  No longer do our outstanding past Jaycee members have to leave the organization to which they gave so much.  The Senate today provides you the means by which you can maintain a lifelong link with old friends, the Jaycee organization you served so well, and an opportunity to forge new friendships around the state and nation.

THE VIRGINIA JCI SENATE was chartered in 1969 to facilitate and promote fellowship among Senators; it continues to serve this function today.  It has grown both in size and prestige with membership open to all JCI Senators who are current or former residents of Virginia. 

THERE ARE TWO CLASSES of Membership in The Virginia JCI Senate.  Active members are those who are current in their dues.  They are entitled to vote on all matters brought before the Senate, participate in all Senate activities, and receive all National and Virginia JCI Senate publications and mailings.  Associate members are those who are not current in their dues. 

YOUR SENATORSHIP is a lifetime membership in JCI, The United States JCI Senate and The Virginia JCI Senate.  As a part of your Senatorship, your dues as an active member, in each of the above, have been paid for the first year.

ACTIVITIES OF THE VIRGINIA JCI SENATE are spread throughout the year.  As a part of its activities, The Virginia JCI Senate conducts a business meeting at each of the Virginia Jaycees Board of Directors meetings with the exception of Summer Board.  In addition to the business meeting, a hospitality suite is open, for a nominal charge, the entire weekend. 

THE VIRGINIA JCI SENATE assists the Virginia Jaycees in many ways including sponsorship of First Timers, and Return the Favor.  Many Senators assist in judging Competitions, training and assisting local chapters when requested.

TO KEEP MEMBERS INFORMED of all activities of The Virginia JCI Senate, we publish a quarterly newsletter that is e-mailed (mailed upon request) to all active Senators.  All members are encouraged to contribute articles to the newsletter.

ALL SENATORS are invited to participate in the Champagne Reception that is held immediately following the Saturday night banquet at State meeting honoring those who were awarded their Senatorship.  As an added fellowship opportunity for Senators, a Friday Night Dutch Treat Dinner is arranged at a local restaurant at each State Board meeting. 

OTHER SOCIAL ACTIVITIES include an annual summer outing that provides an informal setting for fun and fellowship allowing members to reminisce about past activities and good friends.  We usually participate in an event with the Maryland JCI Senate, rotating from year to year.  In addition, there are holiday parties, spring socials and attendance at National meetings. We are definitely a highly functional social organization while still emphasizing how we can support the Virginia Jaycees.

THE VIRGINIA JCI SENATE is governed by an Executive Committee consisting of a President, a Vice President, Five (5) Directors, Secretary, Treasurer and Immediate Past President.  All officers are elected at the May meeting, which is held on the same weekend as the Virginia Jaycee Spring Meeting.  The Secretary, Treasurer, Liaison and appropriate chairs and committee assignments are appointed by the President after the election.