Who Are the Jaycees?

The Jaycees (also known as the Junior Chamber) is an organization of young men and women who come together to improve themselves and their communities. Our mission is to provide leadership training through hands-on community service. What sets the Jaycees apart from other organizations is our strong focus on Individual Development—giving members the chance to grow personally and professionally while making a difference.

By chairing a project, members practice valuable skills such as organization, delegation, time and resource management, public relations, and motivation. We also offer training programs, often at no cost, to help members build leadership and career skills. Even if a project doesn’t achieve its original goals, the experience gained makes it a success.

The Junior Chamber begins with the local chapter, which serves one or more communities. Every member is also part of the state, national, and international organizations (Junior Chamber International), with opportunities to connect, train, and travel worldwide. In Missouri, Jaycees are organized into six regions, each divided into districts, with officers at every level supporting local chapters.

  • The simple answer: whatever members want to do! There are no strict rules about how many or what kind of projects a chapter must run. Most projects fall into one of four “Areas of Opportunity”:

    1. Business Development

    Projects that strengthen careers and entrepreneurial skills. These may include:

    • Professional training through the Junior Chamber Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Advancement.

    • Fundraising events such as barbecues, festival booths, raffles, or haunted houses.

    • Public relations activities like parades, or internal planning events such as goal-setting and budgeting.

    2. Individual Development

    Activities designed to help members grow personally and professionally, including:

    • Skill-building workshops (leadership, communication, financial literacy).

    • Social and recreational activities (wine tastings, mini-golf, stress-relief events).

    • Family and spiritual development programs.

    3. Community Development

    Projects that make a direct impact on local communities, such as:

    • Charity fundraisers for organizations like St. Jude’s, Make-A-Wish, or local causes.

    • Children’s events (Easter egg hunts, teen dances, youth sports competitions).

    • Civic improvements (building parks, playgrounds, pavilions, or bleachers).

    4. International Involvement

    Opportunities to connect with members from over 100 countries through cultural exchanges, international projects, and global training programs.

  • To join the Jaycees, you need to:

    • Be between the ages of 18 and 40.

    • Pay annual dues (typically $65–$75, depending on the chapter).

    • Bring a willingness to participate and try new things!

    Members are not required to:

    • Belong to a specific political party or religion.

    • Commit to a set number of projects or hours.

    • Attend every meeting or hold an office.

    Participation is encouraged—but you’ll get out of the Jaycees exactly what you put in.

  • Joining the Jaycees offers much more than leadership training. Members also gain:

    • Networking and friendships through local, state, national, and international connections.

    • Exclusive training and opportunities to practice leadership in real-world projects.

    • Publications and updates from local, state, and national Jaycee organizations.

    • Discounts and perks from national partners on travel, insurance, credit cards, and more.

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