About us
About JCI Europe
JCI Europe is the area representative of JCI (Junior Chamber International), a global nonprofit membership organisation of young people aged 18 to 40.
Our purpose is to provide development opportunities that empower young people to take action for positive change. JCI members join Local Organisations and take part in national and international activities. All JCI leaders are elected for one year only, so there is always room for the next person to step up.
Our mission
Our purpose is to provide development opportunities that empower young people to take action for positive change.
Our vision
Our vision is to be the leading global network of young active citizens.
Worldwide
Active in 5,000+ communities across nearly 120 countries worldwide, JCI members unite all sectors of society to create sustainable impact.
History
How JCI began
JCI stands for Junior Chamber International. It was founded by Henry Giessenbier Jr, who at the age of 18 formed the Herculaneum Dance Club, a social outlet for the community’s youth. Unknown at the time, Giessenbier was laying the foundation for what would become a global movement.
On 13 October 1915 the first JCI movement was founded, when 32 men joined to form the Young Men’s Progressive Association (YMPCA) at the Mission Inn in their hometown of St. Louis, USA.
JCI today
Four regional areas
JCI is an organisation for young people aged 18 to 40 who want to become better leaders. Members join Local Organisations and take part in national and international activities. JCI has four regional areas:
- Africa and the Middle East
- Asia and the Pacific
- America
- Europe, which is us
How we are organised
JCI Europe at a glance
JCI is present in 36 European countries. Each has a National Organisation, and the National Presidents elect the people who lead JCI worldwide and in Europe at the General Assembly during the World Congress.
Board of Directors
Elected members who lead JCI Europe for one year.
Meet the boardEuropean Development Council
The elected team that helps National and Local Organisations grow and builds new ones.
Meet the EDCHeadquarters
Permanent, full-time staff in Berlin who support members in Europe.
Meet the HQ teamNational Organisations
Find JCI in your country and the Vice President assigned to it.
Find your countryWhat is going on
Follow the news
Local and international projects, press releases and interviews with leaders from across the JCI network.