Aug 1st 2001--Below is a print out about being a Senator and what it means. Please read this and lets spread the Good word of the Senate to your Home Chapter or State Organization.
A JCI Senatorship is the highest honor that Jaycee can receive in the world. This recognition is awarded by the Junior Chamber International, only after the recommendation of a local chapter and with the approval of both the State Jaycee and the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce Presidents. Fewer than one Jaycee out of one thousand receives this most coveted award. This recognition comes as a result of many years of dedication, commitment and service to the Jaycee Organization.
JCI Senatorship entitles the Senator to lifetime membership in the Junior Chamber International. Senators have the opportunity to join both the U.S. JCI Senate and their Individual State JCI Senate organization through annual dues. In some cases, these dues are paid by the sponsoring chapter prior to the Senate presentation.
The U.S. JCI Senate held its first planned meeting on June 19, 1972 in Atlanta, Georgia. Nine JCI Senate State organizations attended the meeting. The following day, June 20th, 48 Senators from 20 States met and voted to officially form the U.S. JCI Senate. James O'Connell, #5046, was elected the first President. Today, this organization still continues to flourish and grow with members in all 50 States and the District of Columbia.
The national organization is governed by an Executive Board consisting of a President, an Administrative Vice President, ten (10) Regional Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, "Mentors" Editor and the Chairman of the Board. The Executive Board meets formally three times a year. Elections are held in June at the Annual Meeting, the Plan of Action and Budget is adopted at the Fall Board of Directors Meeting in September and a midyear meeting held in January. Each of the ten regions also conduct a formal business meeting once a year. These Region meetings are held at a time and location chosen by the States within the region. These meetings are normally a combined business and social event held over a weekend.
Understanding that communication is vitally important to a large organization, the "Mentors" magazine is published quarterly and mailed to all dues paid members of U.S. JCI Senate. Additionally, the Executive Board newsletter, the "Senate Scene" is published approximately every two months and mailed to all elected and appointed members of the Executive Board and State Senate Presidents.
In addition to the U.S. JCI Senate, each of the 50 States has its own Senate organization. Some of these groups are more formally structured and organized than others. These organizations normally consist of a President and a Board of Directors. Some states require dues payment as a prerequisite to active membership. Active members are entitled to vote, participate in all Senate activities and receive all National and State JCI Senate publications and mailings.
JCI Senators across the country "Return the Favor" to their Local and State Jaycee organizations in many ways. Senators judge Jaycee competitions, sponsor First Timers programs, conduct Local and State training programs, serve as speakers and instructors for Individual Development programs, sponsor educational scholarships, provide referrals and resources for membership recruitment and sponsor awards and recognition programs. Finally, many JCI Senators work very quietly behind the scenes as mentors to local Jaycees.
Each State Senate organization conducts various business and social activities throughout the year. Each new Senator is encouraged to participate in these events. Business meetings are often held simultaneously with Jaycee Board meetings. This allows the Senators to support and assist the Jaycees in their programs at Quarterly Board meetings. Social activities include Legislative Receptions, Tailgate Parties, Pig Roasts, Pool Parties, Steak Fry and Hospitality rooms at quarterly Board meetings.
The U.S. JCI Senate holds a forum at Annual Meetings for all first-time attending Senators. Please feel free to attend.