December 11 marked the second celebration of JCI Active Citizen Day since the change from JCI Day and this year members made an important step toward advancing the UN Millennium Development Goals (UN MDGs) in their communities.
JCI Italy Encourages Creativity
In accordance with UN MDG number eight, JCI Italy organized the Creative Young Entrepreneur Award (CYEA) National Ceremony to honor young people who think innovatively in their business endeavors. These CYEA honorees use their own skills along with the support of partners to develop sustainable business plans for their start-up ventures. Members of JCI Italy have seen an increase in young people who are not well educated, trained or employed in their communities. JCI members use CYEA as a way to improve this statistic and promote young people who are successful in the work force by making positive decisions for their education and business paths. Following the ceremony, JCI Italy members gathered for their annual holiday party.
JCI Guyana Paints for a Cause
Members of JCI Guyana observed JCI Active Citizen Day by conducting a variety of community outreach projects. In an effort to improve their community, these young active citizens painted pedestrian crossings in front of different buildings around their towns. These painting projects also involved outside volunteers and even city employees. Members celebrated while contributing to the safety of their fellow citizens.
JCI Monaco Spreads Community Cheer
This JCI Active Citizen Day members from JCI Monaco came together to celebrate in an exciting way. These young active citizens gathered at a busy, local shopping center to promote the UN MDGs and raise awareness for these global goals.
JCI World Headquarters Welcomes New Leadership Changes
On December 11, 2011 JCI President Kentaro Harada joined by other members from JCI Japan, along with JCI President elect Bertolt Daems and his team visited the JCI World Headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. The week prior to JCI Active Citizen Day included planning, collaborating and lively discussion of upcoming adventures for JCI on the local, national and international level in 2012. All the hard work culminated at the JCI Handover flag raising ceremony on December 11. President Harada lowered the Japanese flag as President elect Daems raised the Dutch flag to fly all year in representation of his home country, the Netherlands. This display of JCI tradition is an inspiration to members around the world to lead their communities and create positive change in the new year.
What is your Organization doing for your UN MDG project in 2012? Tell us on the JCI Facebook page.