Blog

Becoming Local President in JCI is probably one of the most exciting things you will ever do.

You'll have so many great experiences and there will be loads of new challenges and opportunities to develop your skills. Here are 27 tips for you how to become a successful leader in JCI.

1. Preparation, preparation and preparation. This will make a big difference for you in your year as president. It's called luck when preparation meets new opportunities.

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Clive Gott was not just an "Inspirational Speaker", he was an inspiring man who has been a huge influence in my life and, I'm sure, in those of other Jaycees. Sadly, Clive passed away a few days ago.
 
Many of us aspire to leave a legacy - or, to use his words, vapour trails. Well, Clive has done just that. Every time I had contact with him, he reminded me - in interesting, amusing and often controversial ways - about how I want to live my life. Here's a summary of his insights that have inspired me most:

• Life's an adventure. Take life by the throat and live it with gusto. He certainly did!
• Live with integrity. Get to know yourself, understand your values - and then live by them.
• Take responsibility. If something's not as you'd like it to be, then change it - or change your attitude to it. You can take responsibility for your own destiny.
• Abundance. There's plenty of good stuff to go around. Share, give and enjoy.
• Pay it forward. Clive was always happy to speak to JCI audiences free of charge, and ran a variety of open workshops at no charge. If a client like a school couldn't afford to pay him, he would work for them anyway. He believed in giving - not in expectation of a reward - just because it'll make the world a better place. And he has made the world a better place for a lot of people.

Let's all do something today to ‘pay it forward', to celebrate the life of Clive Gott and strengthen the vapour trails he has left behind. What can you do?
 
Julia Goodfellow-Smith
2008 President of JCI Leeds

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Looking for anything in particular? Need information about JCI branding and maybe an image to go with it? 

Check out the resource pages on our website!

We're constantly adding things, but if you see something missing or think something would be useful to add, let me know!

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Have you had to make big decisions recently?

For me, January and February have been a time of some major decisions. You know, those where you list pros and cons and try to make sense whether this or that option would be better. Where you try to see into the future (without the help of a crystal ball!). Where you feel you have made a decision, and go to bed thoroughly relieved -- only to wake up the following morning, feeling unsure again.

It is about reflecting on what you really want; what is important to you; and where you can compromise. It is about figuring out how much risk you feel comfortable taking, and which risks are a total no-no as far as you are concerned.

And then one day, the tide turns. It is perhaps a quick talk with a few significant persons, or perhaps finding out, or re-interpreting, some key data. You are then ready to make a decision and act, to take a step in a new direction. In my own case, it was both discussions with some key people and finding out some new information that helped me finally to decide. Having support from my family, especially my Hubby, obviously helped.

So, I have now signed ... and feel great. A few formalities remain, but it now certainly looks like that my life is moving on to a fascinating direction. Decisions complete, I feel I am now full of energy again -- ready to roll!

We all have big decisions to make from time to time. How can we become more effective in making decisions? How can we support each other in taking steps towards the new?

Some decisions will need to be taken alone. But within JCI, we are not alone.

In the Southern Region of UK, we have started collaborating more effectively than previously. Planning for three exciting Regional events is underway, and there is a team comprising members from different Chapters in the South, organising those events. (We are still looking for more people for the organisation team -- no need to commit for the whole year, just one event if you wish -- do drop me a line!).

The first Southern Region event in 2011 will be the Mad Hatter's Tea Party on 12 March in Guildford, and tickets are about to be released very soon. Prior to all these events, we will have a Regional Council meeting, where good practice can be exchanged between representatives of the Southern Region Chapters. I am positive that these exchanges make us stronger as a Region. And when we collaborate effectively, any decisions that need making within an individual Chapter will be easier to take, with the support of others.

Ready for some fun, South? Let's make 2011 a year of collaboration; of effective decisions, and successful results. Together, we can think, decide, and act -- collaboratively!

Yours,

Anne Craven/RGC for the South, 2011

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With the penny war in full swing, lets look at how individuals are making their contribution.  One of the best ways to help towards the mile is to get other organisations involved.  JCI Barnsley have involved their local college and they already have the pennies rolling in with over £35 worth of pennies so far.  

Here are some tips for collecting pennies!

Collect at meetings and events- take your penny jar on tour

Get other local organisations involved- the more people involved the more pennies we can raise!

Brand your jar- spread the Nothing But Nets message!

Get your friends and family involved

Why not place out your very own mile!

Get collecting today!

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The website has been live for almost four months now. Do you like it? Please take the survey and help us make it better!

It is only 9 questions so will only take a moment to do. Go to the survey.

Many thanks from JCI UK

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Yesterday I attended an excellent workshop in London about 'cold calling'. Who doesn't find it daunting to call hundreds of new people every month. If you are starting your new business or working in business development this is be your reality most of the time. From our excellent trainer Jeremy Jacobs we learned that you need:

• Entusiasm
• Disiplin
• Ability to build rapport

Even if you know a lot about a topic it's always refreshing to go and listen to a new speaker you never heard before, I always pick up something new.

JCI London thanked Jermey with a Bed Net. In the photo you see Diana Lowe and Jeremy Jacobs.

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JCI Belfast will be forming a partnership to help support Barnardos in 2011.  Members will be taking part in the Belfast Marathon, organising a pub quiz and getting involved wherever they can!  Members will also be donating their time to help Barnardos with their projects.

Just one more example of how JCI members are helping their communities.

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JCI Southampton’s chosen charity for 2011 is Wessex Heartbeat. 

Their mission is to make sure that everyone affected by heart conditions receives the best possible support. Cardiovascular disease causes nearly 40% of all deaths annually in the UK. This sadly means that at some time, most of us will be affected by this disease whether it is ourselves, our loved ones or our colleagues.

The JCI Southampton team will be looking to help with their fund-raising in any way they can.

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