Jaycees of Gainesville Florida News
The Jaycees is an organization of active young people learning civic consciousness and improving their leadership ability through constructive action in projects of community service and leadership training courses. The first organized chapter of the Florida Jaycees was started in 1924, Florida being the second state behind Missouri to have active Jaycee Chapters. The Gainesville chapter of the Florida Jaycees was created in 1943 with Mr. Seldon Waldo serving as its first President.
The Jaycees Are:
- Young people (ages 18-40) of any race, religion, or gender.
- Dedicated to community improvement and personal betterment.
- The fastest growing young people’s organization in the world.
- A stimulus to community spirit.
- A group that will readily accept the challenge of different community projects.
- International – in seventy countries in the free world.
- Recognized by government and business leaders at every level as an organization, which develops new community leaders, through constructive action.
The Jaycees Are Not:
- A Chamber of Commerce (although we often work together).
- A political organization (although many members, as individuals, become active in their chosen political parties).
- Restricted as to the type of projects, or required to conduct specific projects.
The Benefits of Jaycees Membership Are:
- Associate with other young people in the community.
- Leadership development through active participation.
- The opportunity of helping to improve the community.
- Knowledge of public affairs and community problems.
- An opportunity to become a community leader.
- Fellowship, on an individual basis and family basis.
- Practical knowledge of public speaking, parliamentary procedure, budgets finance and public affairs.
- The opportunity of having a voice in the affairs of the community, the State and the Nation.
- Self Satisfaction – the greatest reward of all.
