Frequently Asked Questions about the Jaycees
Answers for Young Professionals
The Jaycees is an organization of active young people learning civic consciousness and improving their leadership ability through constructive action in projects of community service and leadership training courses.
What is a Jaycee?
Jaycees is short for Junior Chamber of Commerce. Jaycees are volunteers. All across America, Jaycee chapters are running projects from local blood drives to the community Agricultural Fair or local Christmas Parade. Jaycees commit their time and energy towards making cities and towns better places to live.
Who can be a Jaycee?
Anyone 21 to 40 years of age may become a member of the Craven County Jaycees
What types of activities are the Jaycees involved in?
We have three primary types of events: Community service, individual development and social.
- Community service events have included the following: Cystic Fibrosis Telethon, Hurricane Floyd Relief, ShoeBox Christmas, Kid's Care ID Projects, New Bern Christmas Parade, A Day at the Fair for the Exceptional School Age Children of Craven County, Cystic Fibrosis Golf Tournament, "Here Comes Santa" (purchasing, wrapping, and delivering toys for the exceptional children of Craven County), Thanksgiving Baskets to needy seniors, Relay for Life, and many other projects.
- Individual development events have included the following: wine tasting, Self-Defense Skill Training, NAV Training, North Carolina Jaycees state conferences, tax seminars, political debates, and various athletic activities.
- Social activities have included the following: Chamber After Hours, member parties, camping trips, retreats and bowling nights.
How much time do I have to commit?
We have no time requirements for our members and we encourage everyone to attend as many events as they would like. As with any organization, you get out of the Jaycees what you put into it.
How much does it cost to join the Craven County Jaycees?
Dues are $65 for new members and renewals for current members are $60.
Who can come to Jaycees meetings?
Visitors and guests are welcome at all Jaycees meetings.
How many members are in the Craven County Jaycees?
There are approximately 30 active members in the chapter presently.
How do we give back to our members?
Our members enjoy the following benefits:
- A portion of your Jaycees annual dues goes to pay for a part or all of many of our social events.
- The Craven County Jaycees are affiliated with the New Bern Area & Havelock Chamber of Commerce. By joining the Craven County Jaycees members can enjoy the benefits of attending New Bern Chamber events, networking functions, and participate on committees at the same cost as the New Bern regular members.
- Jaycees also enjoy many national benefits such as discounts on rental cars.
The Jaycees Are:
Young people (ages 21-40) of any race, religion, or gender.
- Dedicated to community improvement and personal betterment.
- The fastest growing young people's organization in the world.
- A stimulus to community spirit.
- A group that will readily accept the challenge of different community projects.
- International, Jaycees are in seventy countries in the free world.
- Recognized by government and business leaders at every level as an organization, which develops new community leaders, through constructive action.
The Jaycees Are Not:
A Chamber of Commerce (although we often work together).
- A political organization (although many members, as individuals, become active in their chosen political parties).
- Restricted as to the type of projects, or required to conduct specific projects.
The Benefits of Jaycees Membership Are:
- Associate with other young people in the community.
- Leadership development through active participation.
- The opportunity of helping to improve the community.
- Knowledge of public affairs and community problems.
- An opportunity to become a community leader.
- Fellowship, on an individual basis and family basis.
- Practical knowledge of public speaking, parliamentary procedure, budgets finance and public affairs.
- The opportunity of having a voice in the affairs of the community, the State and the Nation.
- Self Satisfaction, the greatest reward of all.
Many individuals review our website and are unsure of where to start with their potential Jaycee interest. Below are some suggestions as to how you can start your Jaycee participation.
Membership Meetings
Our membership meetings are always open to guests. They occur on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month with rare cancellations (usually only if a holiday, like Thanksgiving and Christmas which usually occurs on or around the 4th Thursday of the month). Membership meetings being at 7:00 PM at the Craven County Jaycee Fairgrounds. If you would like to speak with someone prior to coming to a meeting, please send an email or complete the our contact form at the top of this page.
Craven County Jaycees
Post Office Box 3471
3700 Hwy. 70 East
New Bern, NC 28564
Visit Craven County Fairgrounds
Board Meetings
The Craven County Jaycee Board of Directors meet on the 4th Thursday of each month. Typically, it is not recommended for a potential member to attend a Board meeting as their first Craven County Jaycee event -- these meetings may not give the potential member a good understanding of the Jaycee organization since the meetings are typically very business like and shorter than membership meetings (with fewer participants, too). However, if a potential member would like to attend a Board meeting for a specific reason, please email our President to find out when the next meeting is and where it will be held.
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