History of JCI & Lake Geneva Jaycees
Founding a Movement
October 13, 1915
1915
1920
1926
1951
1954
1962
2024
At 18, Henry Giessenbier Jr. founded the Herculaneum Dance Club, unknowingly sparking a global movement. On October 13, 1915, the JCI Movement began with 32 men forming the Young Men’s Progressive Association (YMPCA) in St. Louis, USA.
The Young Men’s Civic Progressive Association gained community recognition, officially acknowledged on November 30, 1915, upon joining the Mayor’s Conference of Civic Organizations. Within a year, it transformed into the Junior Citizens and later the Junior Chamber of Commerce, aligning with the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce.
In June 1920, the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce convened its inaugural convention with 41 cities represented. Here, they adopted their first constitution and elected Henry Giessenbier Jr. as their first President. Giessenbier concluded the event with a vision for the organization, emphasizing the cultivation of citizens with elevated ideals, privileges, opportunities, patriotism, service, and happiness.
In 1926, the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce, buoyed by the membership of Charles A. Lindbergh, a pioneer in commercial aviation, aimed to advance aviation across the nation. They advocated for airport construction, promoted air mail usage, and facilitated town marking for aerial identification. Concurrently, they launched the Get Out the Vote campaign, pioneering a national effort to educate citizens on voting responsibilities. This initiative led to a significant increase in voter turnout, with 12 million more individuals casting their votes in the 1928 election compared to 1924.
Written by C. William Brownfield, the JCI Creed, a six-line statement of the beliefs and principles of the JCI Movement, was officially adopted in 1948 uniting individual members across the world.
We Believe:
That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;
That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations;
That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise;
That government should be of laws rather than of men;
That earth's great treasure lies in human personality;
And that service to humanity is the best work of life.
In 1954, JCI's inaugural international campaign, Operation Brotherhood, demonstrated the power of brotherhood by aiding refugees escaping communism in Vietnam. Collaborating with the United Nations, JCI raised $1 million, providing health services to over 730,000 people and establishing 350 community shelters for refugees.
In 1962 Sturges Taggert founded the Lake Geneva Jaycees
Lake Geneva Jaycee's celebrates its 62nd birthday this year, founded in 1962 by Sturges Taggert. As we reflect on our history, we honor our commitment to community service and leadership development. Here's to continuing our legacy!
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