Local, National , International

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We are proud to call St.Catharines-Niagara our home.  Founded in 1936, as the St.Catharines Junior Chamber, members have dedicated themselves to the outstanding principles and objectives of self improvement and community betterment. Through networking, training and personal development opportunities, we inspire our members to build leadership skills and take action.Our membership is made up from members of the community aged 18-40 who want to Be Better.  Affiliated with JCI Canada and Junior Chamber International we have more than 200,000 members in over 100 countries.

Members plan and carry out projects and programs focusing on four key areas:

• Business Development
• Community Development
• International Development
• Individual Development

Our Chapter

 Our chapter has been involved in many local projects that have made an impact in St.Catharines. As global citizens we all have rights and responsibilities, as well as shared goals. Through active citizenship we encourage young people in St.Catharines-Niagara to take responsibility for local challenges and find targeted, sustainable solutions that benefit our communities and the world. Motivated by the passion to transform their lives and the world, JCI St.Catharines  members have the courage to address the critical challenges of our time.

However we also recognize that one individual or organization alone cannot achieve sustainable impact. Solutions to the greatest problems facing our community can only be reached by involving all sectors of society. These solutions must ensure healthy communities, drive economic empowerment and secure a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

JCI St.Catharines to be the organization in Niagara that unites all sectors of society—business, government and civil society—to create sustainable impact in Ottawa. Sustainable impact is achieved through the collective actions of active citizens across local communities. Designed to address all types of community issues, JCI members are guided by the JCI Active Citizen Framework, which provides a methodology for conducting impactful projects that provide sustainable solutions to communities around the world.

Our History 

As time went on, our organization grew as the city did. We became known as the St.Catharines Jaycees and we continued to contribute to our great community. Early events included rejuvenating Henley Island, sponsoring the first airshow in Niagara, initiating the swimming pools in Lancaster Park and Burgoyne Woods. Our chapter even provided the name for the new bridge over the Welland Canal naming it the "Garden City Skyway. Donations were made to the St.Catharines Lock 3 Museum and Walker Family YMCA as well as bursaries set up at Brock University and Naigara College. As time went on other events were added into our calendar including the Annual Mayor's Grape Stomp, Easter Egg Hunt at Jaycee Park, Playing Santa, and Wishlist for Community Care. The St.Catharines unit was active in Niagara, in the Great Lakes, Ontario and National activities. Four of our members have served as National Presidents: Phil Farmer 1951-52, Walt  Lastewka 1972-73, Kelly Edgar 1991-92, and Crispin Bottomley 2019. 

We are proud of our history and want you to join us so that we can continue to make a difference. 

Meetings:

First Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm. as posted on our Facebook page. Currently, our meetings are hosted virtually!

We welcome existing, new and potential members to our general meetings. If you have an interest in what JCI St.Catharines does, you are encouraged to attend a monthly meeting to see what we are all about! If you would like to contact us before visiting please reach out. 

JCI Canada has been apart of the international network of Junior Chambers since the start, with the founding of the Winnipeg Junior Chamber in 1923, the organization became international. By 1935 Chapters from across the country decided to form a national organization which JCI St.Catharines would join in 1936.   Members of JCI Canada are motivated individuals who have the desire to develop themselves while creating positive change in our local communities, in our businesses, and in the world around us. 

The National organization is lead by an elected board of directors. The country is made up of five regions, Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Parries, & BC/Yukon each chapter participates in the National convention (held annually) and regional events. The purpose of the national organization is to link local chapters with the International level. The National president represents the country at the Conference of the Americas as well at at World Congress. 

 Find a JCI Organization near you >> https://juniorchamber.international/join-jci/  

NATIONAL EVENTS 

Upcoming National Events include the 2021 National Convention in Montreal and the 2022 National Convention in Cranbrook, BC

OUR HISTORY 

• Founded more than 100 years ago, JCI is the premier organization for youth leadership and skills enhancement.
•  JCI rose from the conflict and aftermath of World War I, and is committed to our founder’s vision of everlasting world peace.
• JCI members have worked for a century to improve themselves and the world around them in tangible, practical ways 

Read more about our history >> https://juniorchamber.international/history/ 

OUR PURPOSE 

Young people are talented, dedicated and searching for opportunities to make a difference in the world. Here’s how we help. 

• Amplify their skills to make them effective future leaders 
• Encourage them to solve problems through critical thinking and strategic partnerships 
• Give them access to a supportive global network of like-minded, enterprising young leaders and social entrepreneurs JCI members challenge each other to dream boldly and act thoughtfully, empowering each other to create positive and lasting change. 

OUR IMPACT 

JCI members carry out thousands of projects each year that invigorate business communities, provide new opportunities to people from all walks of life and give aid at a grassroots level. 

• JCI RISE is a global initiative fighting the economic fallout from COVID-19 through sustaining and rebuilding economies, workforce empowerment and finding solutions to promote mental wellbeing.
• Through initiatives, projects, trainings and a focus on leadership development, JCI boosts the abilities of individuals, who in turn impact their communities 
• JCI’s goal is the holistic personal growth of our members through Individual Development, Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Action and International Cooperation