A message from the President

The Way Life Should be…

Dear Senator,

The 2009-2010 year will be one that will build upon a foundation made in previous years and will have an added emphasis in two areas; support for the Virginia Jaycees and promoting our post-JC life to a highly functional social organization. I know it can be done. Read on.

Over the last years the Virginia Jaycees’ membership, as well as Jaycee membership nationwide has decreased significantly. The current Virginia membership is around 1000 Jaycees. While there are many reasons that have been offered; economic hardship, familial obligations, loss of interest in volunteerism, etc., the fact remains that the Jaycees are still THE organization for young people that want to foster leadership training through community service. I also want to note that there is a hearty effort amongst the leadership in the Jaycees to increase membership, but that can’t do it by themselves even with the greatest plans and desires. They need mentoring, advice, success stories and more. A part of that is our role as Senators in our Return the Favor program. This program has been successful in other Senate organizations and has seen an increase in activity over the last years from the Virginia JCI Senate. We’re asking you to help, by not only renewing your membership, but also sharing your ideas and thoughts. I think that a moment of your time – may be priceless to a new Jaycee member. Hopefully, you’ll remember that feeling.

The other initiative is to be the social organization to continue the friendships that we cultivated when we were Jaycees. We’re making changes this year to lay the foundation for many years to come of ‘mixing and mingling’ and just having some good ole’ fun! Listed below are some snapshots of what’s up and coming and going on…

• Our 40th Anniversary – November 13-15, 2009 in Richmond, VA
• Socials/events occurring EVERY month around the state and the nation
• Better communication through Yahoo groups
• Papal as an added payment option
• New Senators coming into our organization
• A brand new user-friendly website
• Products – shirts, bags, towels – whatever you want – it can be done…

We made things happen as Jaycees. We can continue to do the same as Senators. Giving back to the Jaycees and having fun in the process…maybe, just maybe, “that's the way life should be.”

Drop me a line at President[at]vajcisenate[dot]org