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15th Nov, 2011

Hi Euan, you were competing in the JCI Public Speaking Championship at the JCI European Conference earlier this year! Well done making it to the final.

How would you describe your public speaking experience at the European Conference in five words?
Rewarding, challenging, enjoyable, safe environment

How scary was it on a scale from 1-10 to participate?
7

What have you done to become such a good speaker? What's your secret?
I don't think there is a real secret, just lots of practice and believe in what you are speaking about.

How long had you been a member when you went to Tarragona?
About 6 months.

What are you most proud of that you have done in the last year?
In JCI competing at European conference was a massive deal for me, but it was far along a long and challenging road so I am more proud of the journey than the destination.

What is your hidden talent?
I spent a while in Asia learning martial arts so if getting my nose broken is a talent then I guess I'll chose that!

Who is a speaker you admire?
I admire anyone who gets up in front of people to speak, but Huey P Long is my favorite. He spoke with passion about what he believed in and in words his audience would understand. He knew that what he was saying would get him killed but knew that saying it was so important that it was worth the risk. Which is the best speech you have listened to?

Martin Luther King, Jr's speech the day before he was assassinated - "I've been to the mountain top". There is so much conviction and passion in his voice and his use of language is second to none.

You are active in JCI London, which projects are you involved in?
I'm not sure if it is classed as a project but I've been to the World Congress this year and it was great!

Anything else you would like to share with other JCI members?
JCI is a great place to push yourself and take risks so take a few leaps into the unknown and be better.

 

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4th Oct, 2011

Sarah BeckwithCongrats! You've just been elected Admin and Membership director JCI UK 2012! What made you stand for the position?
The position really plays to my strengths. I am well-organised, logical and love spreadsheets. I was membership director in JCI London for two years in 2008 and 2009 when the chamber grew hugely. I loved the role as I got to interact with and encourage lots of new members to make the most of JCI.

JCI is a membership organisation and I therefore really feel getting membership right is very important to the future of the organisation.

Having worked with you (Solveig) for the past two years, I am very excited about your plans for next year and getting to continue to work closely with you to make them happen.

Thank you! I've enjoyed working with you too and I'm very happy to have you on my team! What made you join JCI in the first place?
A friend was a member down in Fareham and she was always telling me about all these things she was off doing after work, like public speaking and organising charity balls. She told me it was a great way to meet new people and I was also really interested in the community aspect of the organisation. Once I joined, I discovered all the other great aspects of the organisation like the training on offer and international travel possibilities.

If there's one advice you'll give a new member, or someone just getting active, what would that be?
Talk to as many members as possible - ask them what they have got out of JCI, what they have done as a member, where they have travelled and who they have met. This is the best way to discover all the many amazing opportunities in JCI.

What's your plans for JCI UK in 2012?
I'm looking forward to using my five years of experience in JCI to help out the local chambers around the country with all membership and general queries. I'm hoping to make processes for joining and renewing membership as easy and transparent as possible and make sure the membership database is always up-to-date.

And of course I'm still intending to be very involved in my local chamber, JCI London, in my role as Immediate Past President. JCI London has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, we currently have so many fantastic, enthusiastic active members, I'm looking forward to seeing where the chamber goes next.

What do you personally expect to get out of the position in 2012?
To me the best thing about taking on this kind of role in JCI is the people you get to work with. I'm looking forward to working with other members of national board and the presidents and council members of local chambers. I always find I learn more about myself by working with different types of people.

This year you've been really busy as local president for JCI London, if you could tell me three things about being local president, what would that be?
1. The best thing about being local president is meeting members and watching their JCI journey unfold (and knowing you've helped to facilitate that a bit), as well as working with my council team - I love their passion, creativity and team spirit.

2. I have personally learned a lot of new skills this year, like setting up a website, blogging and editing a newsletter, something I'm pretty proud of as I'm not the most technically minded person in the world.

3. I've given up trying to join in with some conversations at work - watching TV is generally not an option so I often have not even heard of the programmes my colleagues are talking about!

I'd also like to get to know Sarah as a person, what do you do in daily life?
I'm a chartered surveyor working in a commercial property consultancy. I specialise in retail lease advisory, which means that I negotiate lease terms and rents on shops. I also enjoy getting involved in wider company activities such as graduate recruitment and training.

Can you tell us one thing we don't know about you?
I refuse to ever go near a ski slope, but have been sand boarding in a desert in Peru

Thanks Sarah! 

(interview done by Solveig. JCI UK Deputy National President 2011)

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27th Sep, 2011

JCI UK Personal Development Director for 2012 Emma EastwoodCongrats! You've just been elected Personal Development director JCI UK 2012! What made you stand for the position?
I have got so much out of my membership with JCI, in particular from some of the amazing training that I have had. It is really important for me to try and make sure that other members receive great training. I also want to assist other members that are interested in becoming JCI trainers and support them throughout the process.

What have you got out of your engagement with JCI so far?
I am more confident particularly when it comes to business meetings and training. My public speaking skills have improved tenfold. Most important though is the fantastic people that I have had the opportunity to get to meet and work with If there's one advice you'll give a new member, or someone just getting active, what would that be? Get stuck straight in! Don't wait and think that things aren't aimed at you, particularly when it comes to attending events in different cities or countries. JCI is definitely an organisation which gives more and more the more that you get involved.

What are you most proud of that you have done in the last year?
I have clocked up over 30 hours of training for JCI in the last year which meant that I became a Certified National Trainer. It was my goal to get this done ahead of JCI European Congress in Tarragona so that I could take the JCI Designer and JCI Head Trainer courses whilst I was there. Managing to achieve this and graduating from both courses in June was a real high point for me!

What's your plans for JCI UK in 2012?
I plan to run a minimum of 3 JCI Presenter courses and 3 JCI Trainer courses in the UK next year. I also want to run JCI Achieve at least once and plan to see how much interest there is amongst our members in JCI CSR and JCI Admin. Assisting members that have graduated from these courses already and hope to start training for JCI is key to my plans for next year. I will be contacting all graduates shortly to work on action plans and I am working with the current Personal Development Director Dan Lally to write training sessions that these new trainers can deliver. I will be organising two trainers events for new trainers in 2012 to train and develop and also create a support network. I will be assisting regional group chairs with organising regional Extempore, Public Speaking Competitions and Debating competitions and the organisers of the national convention in organising the national competitions. Also I am working with Deputy National President Solveig Malvik to organise a program of training for presidents and deputies for 2012 starting with the Sunday of National Convention 2011.

What do you personally expect to get out of the position in 2012?
I am really looking forward to working with new people and developing my skills throughout the year. I am always keen to learn new things and I know that I will be inspired by the trainers that I will get to work alongside!

Emma Eastwood graduating from JCI Designer course in Tarragona 2011I know that you've been working very closely with Dan Lally, Personal Development Director JCI UK 2011, what's been your favorite bit of 2011?
I have loved training with Past National Personal Development Director Adam Woodhall for two JCI Presenter courses and a JCI Trainer course. I am currently really enjoying working with Dan to develop a Local Leaders weekend. This is aimed at presidents, deputies, council members and those that are thinking of joining a council team and will be run for the first time in Boston on the weekend of the JCI Yorkshire Regional dinner (15th and 16th October). The cost is only £30 for the whole weekend. If anyone would like more information then please contact me at e.eastwood@cityliving.co.uk

I'd also like to get to know Emma as a person, what do you do in ydaily life?
I am an Associate Director for Leeds based City Living specialists Morgans and day to day I manage a team that rent out apartments in Leeds city centre. It is a fantastic fast paced environment and I thoroughly enjoy it. Outside of work I love socialising with friends in Leeds city centre.

Can you tell us one thing we don't know about you?
I'm petrified of dogs! If anyone knows how to cure my phobia then let me know!

If you could go for dinner with anyone in the world, who would that be and why?
Alan Carr. He is soooo funny and laughing is really important to me. I definitely don't think it is good to take life to seriously! Make sure that you have plenty of fun!

Thanks Emma! 

(interview done by Solveig. JCI UK Deputy National President 2011)

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18th Aug, 2011

Lesley Young is JCI UK's first International Vice President (VP) since 2003. I had a chance to catch up with her this week.

How has your year been so far?
It has been really busy but very exciting to undertake such a different role in JCI. I've had lots of opportunities to meet members in their own local communities and learn about the projects they do.

Can you explain what you are doing as a JCI VP?
As VP I am assigned to a number of countries as a mentor and support to their National Organisation. My role is to promote the JCI Plan of Action and key goals for the year. I also communicate successes and challenges from NOMs to the JCI Board of Directors so that they can be taken into account in strategic planning and agenda setting for General Assemblies.

Which counties are you assigned to?
Catalonia, Cyprus, Armenia, Turkey, Hungary, Portugal and Greece.

Is this a full-time role?
Like other JCI leadership roles it is voluntary and can be fulfilled alongside a full time job. I'm fortunate not to be working at the moment and therefore have been able to spend more time on visits - it definitely feels like a full-time job sometimes as I'm also active as Immediate Past President of JCI UK.

Which JCI events have you travelled to so far this year?
Travelling has taken up a considerable amount of my time this year so far! I've attended:

  • January Board Meeting at JCI HQ in St Louis
  • European Presidents Meeting in Varese
  • March - VP visit to JCI Catalonia
  • April - VP visit to JCI Turkey and JCI Armenia
  • May - VP visit to JCI Cyprus, JCI Greece and JCI Portugal
  • European Conference, Tarragona
  • JCI/UN Global Partnership Summit, New York

In JCI UK I've also attended the Senate Drumming Out weekend in Belfast, Inspiration Day in Reading, President and Deputies Day in Cambridge and National Board Meetings.

I hope to visit my assigned countries a second time before the World Congress in Brussels and will also attend the European Parliament Know How Transfer in October.

How many VP colleagues do you have in Europe?
There are 4 other VPs assigned in Europe with 17 in total on the JCI Board of Directors.

Has JCI Europe been growing in the last year?
I've been delighted to see growth and new local Chambers opening in my assigned NOMs. The actual growth will shortly be reported to JCI HQ and reported at the General Assembly at World Congress.

What other exciting tasks are you doing as VP?
VPs are expected to carry out support roles at international events in terms of facilitation of working groups and training sessions. I served as moderator at the Global Partnership Summit. We also take part in General Assemblies as members of the JCI Board of Directors. At European Conference I was delighted to Chair the First Timers Programme and the World Debating Competition. It was also exciting but nerve wracking to co-host the Awards Ceremony at the Gala Dinner evening!

How long have you been a JCI member?
7 years

If anyone is interested in taking on an international position within JCI, can you give them some tips?
Networking and getting yourself known at international JCI events is always a good way to meet members from other countries and to learn about the international scene. I would be very happy to talk to anyone interested in an international position as there are many different kinds of opportunities available. It is not always necessary to have been a member of National Board to be involved in an international project.

I would also recommend talking to your Local President and Alli Cowell, our National President who can advise on usual steps to take on international roles.

Who is a leader you admire?
I am very impressed by the 2011 JCI President Kentaro Harada.

How do you describe his values?
Dedication, selfless, humble, committed and visionary as well as being a warm and funny family man.

This is all against the backdrop of the tremendous tragedies suffered this year in his home country Japan where thousands have lost their lives, homes and businesses, including JCI Japan members.

Anything you want to say to end with?
JCI makes it's impact across the world by the work it does locally and the dedication of all it's members. I've been able to see so many examples of the hard work of local and national organisations and am very thankful for having the wonderful opportunity to serve as VP - I would highly recommend it!!Lesley Young and Myles Reilly, JCI UK at the welcoming ceremony at JCI European conference

Lesley Young and Myles Reilly, JCI UK at the welcoming  ceremony at JCI European conference

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28th Apr, 2011

60 second interview: Nadene Jones, Social Director, JCI London
by Sofie Sandell on April 28, 2011 08:17

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Can you tell us about your background? 
I have a rather mixed back ground in that I don't think I can say that I come from one place/country. I grew up in Zimbabwe, so had a very exciting time with some of the most unusual pets imaginable (I'm a mad animal person!). I moved to New Zealand where I studied Business and Computers at Uni and started my own trading business.

I caught a Travel bug while over in London a few years ago and decided to pack up and move to China for a few months, which was amazing! When I ran out of money I then moved to London and have been here 3 years now...there is never a dull/boring moment to be had in this Melting Pot of a city.Nadene Jones, JCI London

Why did you move to London? 
I moved to London to take advantage of the travel opportunities here. Travel around Europe is so much more accessible from London than it was in New Zealand and also I knew the job opportunities would help me gain the experience I need to get higher up the ladder given that there are so many more cultures to work with.

What's the benefits of being active in the JCI London council? 
Being involved in, not only the Local Chamber but also being allow an opinion in the National Board decisions. But for my role as Social Director I would say the biggest benefit is being able to develop other members who want to be involved and learn how to organise and host events. Giving them to the licence to be creative and empowering them which inspire confidence.

What was you biggest learning when you did JCI Presenter and JCI Trainer? 
I thoroughly enjoyed both of these courses! In just those three days I learnt so much about myself and other people. Biggest lesson that has stayed with me is, if your speaking in front of people and you know what you want to say, but it doesn't come out right or you make a mistake - it's not usually noticeable by anyone but yourself so just carry on as if nothing was wrong. Words flow easierly if your talking about something your passionate about and believe in.

What projects are you involved in in JCI London 2011? 
I'm involved in a project where we have invited our five twin cities (JCI in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Tallin, Paris and Berlin) to London for a weekend of British culture. This is one of the ways we encourage relationship building with our countries as we are international and we all have the same goals in mind for the our lives and saving the world.

Another really exciting project we're doing this year is creating a brand new London Chamber from scratch. This will mean we have two JCI chambers in London, giving the members an opportunity to be involved and double the benefit we can provide to our communities.

Why do you think more people should join JCI? 
It's just such a fantastic opportunity to be active and develop your networks but also to help other people. For me personally, I joined because I wanted to meet new people like me that would make a difference in my life and learn the skills to be confidence as I knew I needed it but, after being in JCI for a few months I have a real passion to help other people make the most of their experiences and their lives. JCI has a really supportive membership base that are always more than willing to help and offer their advice.

What do you think make JCI different from other networking groups in London? 
JCI is different because we have a wider focus which suits every one of our members, from community driven people to business driven people. There is always something out there which will interest everyone. We make a difference and we can see this with our Nothing but Nets Champaign where we have helped saved families in Africa from Malaria.

Who do you admire? 
There are so many people I admire for all different reasons, though the first person that came to mind is a JCI member for her passion, her Just-Do it attitude and her drive to succeed with the same values as myself. She has achieved a lot in her JCI career and there is always a new challenge that she's willing to take on. She's such a supportive and encouraging person. For me, she's one of those people I admire and would strive to have the same qualities, drivers and ambition and I which I am working on. This person was President of JCI London last year and will be President of JCI UK next year - Solveig Malvik.

What you biggest passion in life? 
I have two passions in life and both equally important to me, one is travelling - I love exploring and experiencing different places and cultures, there is always such wonderful learning experiences to be had. The second passion for me is helping people make the most of their lives. The way the world has changed, has left a lot of people struggling for some purpose and direction in life. The reward for me is seeing how much happier people can be once they are doing what they are passionate about and making the most of what they have.

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17th Apr, 2011

Jen Little from JCI Cambridge is not only an outstanding leader she is also an expert in how to use LinkedIn. As a recruiter she is always looking for new candidates and LinkedIn has in last couple of years become more and more important in the search for the right person for the job.Jen Little, JCI Cambridge

How has the way you use LinkedIn changed over the last couple years?
LinkedIn has risen in popularity over the last couple of years which is great as more and more people are using it. This makes it easier to connect to people and from a recruiters point of view it means we have a wider pool of people we can contact. At the bottom of your profile you are able to indicate if you are looking for a new job opportunity again which helps enormously! 

As more people have joined LinkedIn the use of the group function has also grown. We have used this to great effect within JCI Cambridge and gives us some fantastic visibility to non JCI members as well as being a great forum opportunity for discussions for our members. I have found the use of the status update section particularly useful in being able to advertise JCI Cambridge events to all of my contacts. 

You write and edit your own profile on LinkedIn, is it a trustworthy place for information? 
Absolutely! At the end of the day your profile can be viewed by your peers and your boss - in fact anyone! So if it isn't accurate then people will soon tell you!
 
What makes a LinkedIn profile look professional? Can you give us some tips?
Make sure you have a photograph on your profile, a head and shoulders crop is fine. Logos or you at a distance just don't work, especially if you are using the LinkedIn app on your smart phone when the photo is even smaller!

Always make sure you include any professional qualifications as well as it is easy to miss these off. And finally ensure that you mention JCI in your profile or hobbies section!

How important is it to have recommendations from others on your profile?
I would say very! Make sure you ask for recommendations from your clients, ex-bosses or even teachers. Just be weary of asking your current colleagues as this does look a little unprofessional.

Jen Little was one of the trainers at the JCI UK marketing Academy and involved in organising JCI Cambridge Business Skills Day earlier in April. 

You can find Jen Little on LinkedIn 

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12th Apr, 2011

Ismail Haznedar is JCI Vice President assigned to JCI UK. For many members that doesn't mean much and we tend to use lots of abbreviations in JCI. Ismail Haznedar, JCI Turkey

Here is a quick lesson how it works: JCI is present in over 115 countries and to keep all countries together and make them work toward our mission there are some "layers" of leadership.

So in short, we have our members, Local Presidents, Regional Group Chairmen, National President, International Vice President (IVP), Executive Vice President (EVP) and JCI World President. Lots of titles and people. In JCI you have one year to lead, one year to make an impact and one year to learn, develop and grow.

Ismail is from JCI Eurasia, one of the chapters based in Istanbul in Turkey (they have eight chapters in total) and JCI Turkey have been growing a lot over the last few years. He was National President 2010 and as IVP he is assigned to JCI UK, JCI Scotland, JCI Ireland, JCI Germany, JCI Switzerland and JCI Austria.

Ismail, how long have you been an active JCI member?
I discovered JCI in 2005 through a training event. After participating in the event I decided to be a member and took responsibility to be a project director.
 
What was it that made you put yourself forward for the role as IVP?
International Vice President position is a great opportunity to continue your development. I also have the chance to share my experience and best practices I learned during my membership and to help support JCI's National Organisations to accomplish their targets. Meanwhile, it also gives a chance to experience the international leadership and to create value within a global network.
 
I happen to know that there are some members of JCI who are aspiring to go for an international position within JCI, do you have any insider tips that they should follow?
Actually, the best advice is always to concentrate on your current responsibility. You can build a career just with a success story. If you can do the best and be open to serve in any position, then opportunity  finds you... Regardless of what it is, in JCI to be active and have a responsibility is a living mission and creates development opportunities.
 
Who is a leader you admire?
I had a great chance to meet, work and participate in academies where JCI World President's shared their experiences. Kentaro Harada, Roland Kwemain, Jun Sup Shin, Graham Hanlon, Scott Greenlee, Lars Hajslund, and other past World Presidents are great leaders, true global networkers and people of inspiration.  
 
How do you describe their values?
They are the ones who live the values of JCI and who realise the chance, first starting with themselves and then being an example for ourselves.
 
You seem to have a lot of energy, do you have any tips you would like to share on how to keep a high energy level?
When you are active and involved with something you love it gives you a positive energy. There's no secret, just keep doing the things you like most. I think that I am lucky to have that.
 
Do you have a favourite quote?
Joel Barker's quote ‘Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world' is one of my favorite quotes.

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10th Feb, 2011

Meet JCI UK's Newest Senator - Marco van den Heuvel
by Sofie Sandell on February 10, 2011 08:35

Comments

How long have you been a member?
I have been a member of JCI London since March 2005, so almost 6 years.

Why did you join JCI?
I was a Research Chemist at the time and convinced of my potential to be a good team leader at the company I worked for. However, they felt that as I didn’t have the experience they couldn’t give me the opportunity to demonstrate my abilities. That way I would never progress my career. Then I heard about JCI (by chance) and immediately recognised the potential to learn additional skills, get involved in projects and demonstrate (to myself as well as others) that I could indeed lead a team.

What is the most interesting JCI event you’ve been to and why?
That’s a difficult one, as I have been to so many interesting ones. Top of the list though must be the international events like European Conferences and European Capitals Meetings. My best training experience has been European Academy, which is aimed at incoming Local Presidents: excellent trainers and training events, fantastic people and networking opportunities.

Has JCI presented any unusual/interesting opportunities?
That has to be my career change. Although I joined JCI to increase my chances of career progression to team leader in Chemistry, I had acquired all these great transferable skills through taking on leading roles on (international) projects and by being Local President. Realising I would not be able to put them into practice at my company, I decided to look for another job outside chemistry. Chance had it that I met my next employer, Marcus Orlovsky, at the European Conference in Budapest in 2009 who was a very inspiring speaker and mentioned they were looking for more staff. His drive and passion to improve learning environments at schools in the UK matched my desire to create positive change through my work. If it wasn’t for the transferable skills I acquired through JCI that career change would simply not have been possible.

What do you enjoy most about being a JCI member?
The opportunities for continuous personal development, meeting people from all walks of life and hearing their personal stories, working with other driven members who volunteer their time to help others whilst developing their skill set, and above all the supportive environment to expand your comfort zone and to become the person you can be.

Is there anything you have done as a JCI member that you never would have thought possible before you joined?
Where to begin…? Leaving chemistry after my Ph.D. and 7 years industrial experience to a job for which I had no experience or qualifications. Having dinner at the House of Commons and House of Lords (and speaking at the House of Lords!). Taking part in public speaking and debating competitions (and being quite good at it). Having an extensive international network of people many of whom I can proudly say I call friends.

What does becoming a senator mean to you?
Whilst I still feel that I have not done enough for JCI to deserve this great honour, it has given me the perfect opportunity to do just that: continue ‘giving’ and taking part, and be part of this great organisation after I age out (which is not that far away).

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31st Jan, 2011

Meet Robert Illidge Marketing Director for JCI Manchester
by Sofie Sandell on January 31, 2011 17:31

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I had the chance to interview Rob Illidge from JCI Manchester. The Manchester branch has been growing a lot over the last year and Rob has been a key member of the team.

You are a member of JCI Manchester. What's your role in the chamber? 
As Marketing Director my role is central to the ambitious growth plans of JCI Manchester. I utilise my expertise in marketing, social media and other online strategies. I am responsible for web content, event promotion and PR, working closely with our external design agency - Rhino. I also ensure that the JCI message of growth, dynamism and change is spread far and wide.

What do you hope to get out of your membership?
Developing personally in a wide number of areas, as well as improving my public speaking skills. I also aim to grow the JCI Manchester brand, and improve on the already outstanding number of new members. Portraits » Robert Illidge, JCI Manchester
 
Which is your best JCI memory? 

The 2010 Manchester Talent Awards. Following the election of a new board in April it was our aim to revitalise the brand, bring in new members, and corporate partners. In November of that year 100 of the city's most outstanding young individuals were recognised, receiving awards ranging from philanthropy to international impact. The night was a great success, and we are all looking forward to recognising more talent in 2011.
 
What are you most proud of that you have achieved in life? 
Graduating was very proud moment; after all those years of education it was great to gain a sense of achievement, and take my first step onto the career ladder. I am also extremely proud of becoming Marketing Director for JCI Manchester.
 
Who do you admire?
A business idol would have to be Richard Branson for his entrepreneurial spirit, passion, and overall success. Personally, I also admire Sir Alex Ferguson for his commitment to the job and achievements.
 
What attribute of your personality are you most proud of? 
I am extremely ambitious, always striving to achieve more, and learn from mistakes. I would certainly say that I am passionate about my role as Marketing Director for JCI Manchester.
 
What is your hidden talent?
In the office this would have to be my typing speed, and outside of the office, ice skating!
 
If you could change anything in the world what would that be? 
The current unrest in Egypt, working on a long term strategy for world peace.
 
If you can invite any speaker to a JCI event who would that be? 
Barack Obama, a man who changed over 200 years of history using innovative ways of reaching voters, for example his YouTube and Twitter campaigns during the 2008 election campaign.

Are you planning to go to any international JCI events 2011? 
I am looking to attend the JCI Global Partnership Summit in New York, or the JCI European Conference in Catalonia.

Can JCI help you with anything? Contacts? Ideas? 
It would be great to speak to others in my role across the country. This way we could exchange marketing ideas and strategies strengthening the JCI UK brand.

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30th Jan, 2011

Meet Georgina Abbott- JCI Leeds Community Director 2011
by Gemma Fletcher on January 30, 2011 14:55

Comments

How did you get involved with JCI?
I first heard about JCI when I met the 2010 president of JCI Leeds ‘Claire Dempster’ at a bus stop. Claire was so enthusiastic about the organisation and the opportunities that it provided for volunteering and personal development that I was inspired to get involved. I am also very passionate about the work of the United Nations and since they have a strong historical link with JCI I saw this as a fantastic opportunity to get involved in some of their campaigns.Blog » Georgina Abbott- JCI Leeds Community Director 2011


What does your role involve?
I am the Community Director for JCI Leeds, which involves organising community events to help support local and international charities.


What are your plans for community events in JCI Leeds in 2011?
This year we will continue to raise awareness and funds for the United Nations Foundation's 'Nothing But Net's' campaign, which aims to help eradicate malaria. In particular, we are planning to organise a charity fashion.
We will also be continuing our work with Leeds Community Foundation and hope to arrange some volunteering days where members can give their time to local community projects.


What JCI community projects have you been involved in so far in your JCI career?
The first JCI community project I attended was to help a local charity in Leeds. We helped the charity, known as BARCA, to renovate its’ youth centre in the Lake District, which was very successful and helped with their marketing objectives. I am also involved in the JCI Leeds ‘Nothing But Nets’ calendar project, which so far has raised over £4,000.


What is your favourite JCI memory so far?
Attending the JCI Global Partnership Summit in New York, touring the United Nations headquarters and listening to the keynote address by Ban Ki Moon!

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