About Us
What is The Colorado Junior Chamber
The Colorado Junior Chamber (aka The Colorado Jaycees) is a member of and affliated with the United States Junior Chamber (USJC) and Junior Chamber International (JCI), a global movement of dynamic and motivated men and women, with a presence in 110 nations and territories. Leadership training, community contribution, business networking, fellowship, and international experience - Junior Chamber members are pursuing these opportunities and many more. Young professionals and entrepreneurs join the Junior Chamber organization through meetings, events and networking. We do have specific membership criteria, the most important being that you must be between the ages of 18 and 40 (though many non-collegiate chapters prefer that their members are 21+ as not to deal with the potential legalities of under-aged alcohol consumption). Members of the Colorado Junior Chamber are motivated individuals who have the desire to develop themselves while creating a positive impact in our businesses, communities, state, nation, and our world.
THE JUNIOR CHAMBER CREED:
We believe...
That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;
That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations
That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise;
That government should be of laws rather than of men;
That earth's great treasure lies in human personality;
And that service to humanity is the best work of life.
The dream and purpose of the Junior Chamber are most clearly expressed in the words of founder Henry "Hy" Giessenbier who said, "From within the walls of the soul of this organization, wherein the foundation of character and citizenship are laid, I hope a message will come forth in the sometime of tomorrow that will stir the people toward the establishment of a permanent and everlasting world peace." Giessenbier had the foresight to believe that character and citizenship could contribute toward a permanent world peace. His dream and purpose for the Junior Chamber were to offer the membership opportunities that would build strong, positive characters and a sense of citizenship, not only for communities, cities and countries, but for the world.
The purpose of Junior Chamber, inspired by the Declaration of Principles, is: To contribute to the advancement of the global community by providing the opportunity for young people to develop the leadership skills, social responsibility, entrepreneurship and fellowship necessary to create positive change. The organization operates on the premise that the development of individual character and personality will result in communities that are better developed and, eventually, in a more peaceful world. Most educational institutions focus on the passing of an examination and the amassing of degrees rather than the development of personalities. It is said the purpose of education is to prepare the individual for "life," not just to be able to perform a job. Life is much more than just doing a job. Life is caring, sharing, loving, understanding and communicating. The Junior Chamber strives to complete any lack in the development of its individual members. The Junior Chamber is a people organization. People resort to violence when communication, understanding, patience, tolerance, reason and love cease to exist.
The Colorado Jaycees' plan is to offer opportunities to the members that will reinforce these positive qualities. The idea is to bring people together. Many opportunities are created when people with various social, cultural, ethnic, religious, economic, and national backgrounds meet. At State, National, Area, and World conferences, members come face-to-face with one another to share experiences and exchange ideas which lead to better understanding and cooperation. A bond of brotherhood and genuine friendship is established as Junior Chamber members seek the ways and means to improve themselves and the world in which they live.
