|
 It
has been said that the Jaycees are the best kept secret in
America. Take that for what it is, but when I hear that, I begin
to feel passionate; not only passionate in anger, but passionate
for our cause.
I think back to when I joined the Jaycees. I was commuting
between Wyandotte and Washington, DC for work on a weekly basis
and my husband Shaun was here in Wyandotte during the week.
Since I couldn’t be here with him, I wanted to find a group that
would help us meet people and get to know our community even
when we weren’t around. How did I find this organization? I went
online and the Jaycees website came up pretty quickly as THE
local organization to join for people of our age. I got excited!
I really wanted to meet people AND make a difference in the
local community.
That was five years ago. I can say now that I have met so many
wonderful leaders in our local community and made some amazing
friends. More importantly I learned how to accomplish the goals
I had for myself and for the world around me. Chairing projects,
networking with people, and raising money for the local
community all taught me how to become a leader.
So when I hear people say that the Jaycees are the best kept
secret, I feel passionate about spreading the name of this
organization everywhere. Everyone in the community can benefit
from this proactive group of volunteers. Where would the senior
citizens be without the spaghetti dinners, park clean-ups and
fundraisers for their facilities and clubs? Where would families
be without the Easter Egg Hunts, Thanksgiving and Christmas
dinners and Family social opportunities?
 We
are halfway through the year and so far, we have been able to
activate over 90% of our chapter at the projects and events that
we offer. More importantly, in 2010, we have offered the Jaycee
opportunity to ten new members of the community. There are ten
new people to get out there and make a difference in the lives
of others. Our members are out there making a difference in the
local community and around the state of Michigan.
So the next time that your family or friends ask you what you’re
doing on Saturday afternoon or after work, be proud of the time
you dedicate to the community and the Jaycee organization. Be
proud of your fellow members and the difference the Jaycees make
every day. No longer should our organization remain the secret
in the back pockets of communities, or the road less taken, but
the go-to organization for leadership and community service. |
