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| What is the Junior Chamber? |
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Ideas and objectives
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Youth are burning with ideals, and have strong expectations
for the future. Because they fervently desire a bright, prosperous society filled
with hope and the realization of an ideal society where justice is carried out,
youth are conscious of their big responsibility as the torchbearers of the next
generation. They believe they must become the force behind creating a new world.
In order to realize this dream of youth, an organized body called the Junior Chamber
gathers at a big open forum a young generation of people with the same ideals
and sense of mission. While deepening friendships, individuals effectively construct
on their own the limitless possibilities for the future by strongly influencing
and stimulating one another. The Junior Chamber rallies daring action that emanates
from the passion of youth to create a bright society.
Aware of our social, national, and international responsibilities, Jaycees (Junior
Chamber members) attract people who share their aspirations. With combined force,
and the wisdom, courage, and passion of youth, they set out to construct a bright,
prosperous society. This general principle of the Junior Chamber clearly realizes
the resolution, action concepts and objectives of the Junior Chamber.
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Special qualities
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The major quality that separates the Junior Chamber from other
organizations lies in the member age restriction system. Jaycees can belong to
any race, nationality, sex, profession, or religion, but each member must be between
the ages of 20 (25 in Tokyo) and 40, and be "quality youth". Therefore, no matter
how long one serves, and no matter how competent and active a member is, he or
she must retire once they reach the age of 40. It is because of this wonderful
age restriction system that the Junior Chamber will never lose its youthfulness.
Indeed, it will always be able to carry on its activities as an organization that
is full of hope and continually progress towards the future.
The Junior Chamber is not a sarong club of hereditary financiers, and it is not
a body that is simply involved in social service. Aiming to create a better future,
the Junior Chamber is a movement of young leaders with ideals and concrete integrated
policies that consistently challenges the way forward. It does not tire of making
sacrifices today for a better regional society, nation, and world tomorrow.
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Organization
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Members belong to the Junior Chamber in the region they live.
Being a member is dependent on voluntary free will as citizens. Because of this,
each unit is ultimately always active on a daily basis at the Junior Chamber of
each region.
The Junior Chamber movement began in Tokyo in February 1949, and has expanded
to the extent of it being the finest example of civil movement in Japan after
the war. It is now the biggest youth movement organization with more than 50 thousand
members in all corners of Japan who are continuing activities in each region.
Junior Chambers from different regions throughout the nation form into 50 cooperative
conference blocks. These are further grouped into 10 regional conferences, and
the Japan Junior Chamber is the organ that provides the overall coordination of
these. The Japan Junior Chamber is affiliated with the Junior Chamber International
(JCI). It conducts activities as a wing of the international JC movement, but
it continues its movement with the same sense of international aspiration based
on the same concepts as a great number of members around the world.
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Project objective: Development of society
and people
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Throughout the development of our movement over many years
and indeed since its inception, the three articles of faith of the Junior Chamber
- individual practice, service to society, and friendship with the world - have
been put into practice. The movement of the Junior Chamber has therefore solidified
into "leadership development and societal development". We members have as our
departure point as individual members of a motivated citizens' society a way of
thinking that is based on the shared lifestyles with citizens. We seek empathy
with citizens and endeavor to build a comfortable, bright, prosperous community.
At the same time, we think there is no other Junior Chamber movement that develops
each individual through a forum of Junior Chamber daily activities.
"Leadership development" at the Junior Chamber refers to the study and practice
of democratic group leadership and group management skills. Firstly, because individual
members are wonderful and vocational citizens, they strictly apply their practice
and work together in cooperation with citizens within motivated citizens' society
as a whole, and in accordance with the goals of citizens. This entire process
is what the Junior Chamber calls leadership development.
As the most effective method of promoting leadership development, the Junior Chamber
has a campaign centered on a social development plan project. This involves determining
the problems of communities and solving these problems with citizens to create
a bright, prosperous future for the community where members as citizens live.
The Junior Chamber movement is a movement brought about by members who join voluntarily
and on their own accord, so it must be centered on our community and civil campaigns,
and such a will must be recognized in citizens.
The goal of the Junior Chamber is the creation of a bright and prosperous society,
and it builds up a great number of people suitable for leading a new society.
The Junior Chamber and its campaigns have by no means been accomplished, and will
be further developed, it is thought, as society progresses.
The Junior Chamber will no doubt continue with the times with new vigor, and be
carried on by new youth.
The Junior Chamber is forever seeking youth with wisdom, courage, and passion.
The door is always open for such people.
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2003year /
2002year /
2001year
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