History of the JCI Senate
Junior Chamber International Senate Program
The JCI Senate Program was officially adopted at the 7th JCI World Congress in Melbourne, Australia in 1952 under the guidance of Phil Pugsley, 1951 – 1952 JCI World President from Canada. The program was founded as a means to cultivate and strengthen the personal relationships and friendships that had developed amongst Jaycees, locally and globally. In addition, receiving a JCI Senatorship confers life membership in Junior Chamber International, forging a link with an organization that continues to bring the Jaycee vision to thousands of young adults around the world.
As time passed, the JCI Senate Program grew to symbolize something even greater than its original intended purpose. The awarding of a JCI Senatorship became, and remains, the highest individual honor that a Jaycee may receive. This coveted honor recognizes outstanding contributions and service to JCI and its member organizations at the local, state, and national levels. Since its founding, over 80,000 Jaycees worldwide have received this honor, representing approximately 1% of all those who have been Jaycee members.
United States JCI Senate
The United States JCI Senate, an organization of JCI Senators created by JCI Senators, was formed in 1972 in Atlanta, Georgia. Leo Briere of Illinois was the founder and first secretary. James O’Connell was elected as the Charter President. The annual meeting and elections of the US JCI Senate are held during June of each year. The national newsletter, Mentors, is distributed to all paid members.
OUR MISSION IS TO FOSTER FRIENDSHIPS AMONG SENATORS WHILE SUPPORTING THE JAYCEE MOVEMENT
California JCI Senate
The California JCI Senate had its beginning in 1965 with the first president Dr. Louis Robinson #2852 at the helm. When the California Senate was formed as a formal organization, a great amount of conversation took place as to the purpose of such a group. In fact, many people wondered if it was even necessary. The question was raised “will it become an old man’s Jaycee organization?” The original organization was established as a social one. The quarterly Senator’s Breakfasts and Annual Socials became a gathering place for the hardest working, most dedicated (Past) Jaycees to renew old friendships and relax for a weekend. There was not much formality and virtually no business to conduct other than to decide where and when we would next get together. The initial contact from Jim O’Connell #5046 in February 1972 resulted in the California Senate rejecting membership in the newly formed US JCI Senate. It was not until 1976 when CA President Dan Signor #10509 invited US JCI Senate president Gene Bishop #13558 to the Ventura State meeting to speak to the CA Senators. The bylaw change to officially join the US JCI Senate was approved unanimously, with individual membership an optional choice (National Dues of $1.75 were paid by all Senators in attendance).
Since our inception and adoption of official bylaws in 1965, the CA JCI Senators have provided support and strengthen the JCI California movement. Providing effective leadership, 18 California JCI Senators have served as US JCI Senate Regional Vice Presidents, and four have gone on to serve as President of the US JCI Senate.
Learn more about what is happening with the CA JCI Senate through the schedule of upcoming activities.