"JCI" most commonly refers to Junior Chamber International , a global non-profit network empowering young people (18-40) to create positive change through leadership, entrepreneurial, and community development programs.
JCI’s story begins with Henry Giessenbier Jr., a young man living in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, during a time of incredible growth and change. Giessenbier recognized the talents and passions of the young people around him, and envisioned the positive change they could create if they had the right resources. To provide these tools, in 1915 he founded the first JCI movement in the St. Louis area. What began as a local movement spread quickly, and with enthusiasm. Young people across the United States and then across the globe joined together to create positive forces in their communities on a local, national and international scale.
Giessenbier saw JCI as an organization that could harness the energy of young leaders to overcome a variety of civic challenges. JCI members would have the opportunity to develop as individuals, contribute to the prosperity of economic infrastructure through entrepreneurship, understand and appreciate the social dynamics that enable community problem-solving and promote goodwill, cooperation and understanding amongst all people. That enduring vision lives on through the organization today.
“JCI was born from a vision to harness the energy of young leaders to overcome civic challenges and drive global change.” - Henry Giessenbier
JCI develops young leaders by empowering personal growth, creating community impact, fostering international cooperation, and supporting business and entrepreneurship. Through these four areas, we shape active citizens who drive positive change locally and globally.
What do we do?
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- International Cooperation
- Individual Development
- Community Impact
- Meetings and Conferences
A worldwide federation with members in over 120 countries, including a significant presence in Nepal (JCI Nepal).