From July 1 to 8, JCI delegates gathered to sharpen their leadership skills, participate in a learning experience and expand their global network. Coming from 59 different countries, 130 delegates attended the 2011 JCI Academy. This annual event introduces JCI national leaders to new and diverse ways to successfully lead their Organizations and their communities. This year’s Academy was based around the “Shin-shu” spirit, meaning an enterprising spirit toward the future. Embarking on a Cultural Exchange Before the JCI Academy even began, delegates participated in a three-day home stay with a local Japanese family. Each delegate became part of the family’s home and lifestyle. The families immersed the delegates in cultural traditions such as cuisine, etiquette and Japanese language. Academy participants also explored the town where their host family lives. This home stay experience was eye opening and challenging especially if the family did not speak the delegate’s native language. Living with a local family is the ultimate way to become immersed and educated in Japanese culture and daily life. After these unique three days, delegates returned to begin the training part of the Academy at the Toyama International Conference Center. Learning Through Shared Ideas The 2011 JCI Academy consisted of 11 modules, which included a series of trainings, seminars and open discussion used to identify the delegates’ strengths and weaknesses when working with others. The modules focused on teaching the participants how to use their strengths to form a good team and tackle challenges in their Local and National Organizations and in their community. Academy participants also engage in an important role by discussing the 2012 JCI Plan of Action. The delegates separate into groups and brainstorm the present state of JCI as a global organization and where they would like to see JCI in the future. After exchanging ideas and discussing future goals of the organization, each group makes a presentation. One common theme communicated by the delegates included their desire to see more communication and sharing of ideas between Local and National Organizations. The delegates expressed their need to know more about the different projects and activities that are happening in Organizations around the world. This open communication and exchange of ideas will increase the global influence of JCI and give all JCI Organizations new ways to create sustainable positive change. All ideas and goals from the Academy formed the basis for the 2011 JCI Academy Commitment to Action. The delegates assume the responsibility to take these actions back to their community, promote and implement them in the coming year. The actions are:

1. To encourage each Local Organization to utilize the JCI Active Citizen Framework to implement a new community project that addresses a relevant local community issue and report back on the number of new projects at JCI World Congress in 2012.
2. To achieve at least a 20% increase in the level of public relations coverage in TV, radio and newspaper, as well as engaging in social media, to promote JCI.
3. To start new projects or increase the number of existing projects that educate young people up to the age of 18 years about active citizenship and the concepts of OMOIYARI and the Shin-Shu spirit.

Exploring Toyama Academy participants seized the opportunity to explore the city through Toyama excursions. Delegates took part in a food and culture experience tasting traditional cuisine such as sushi, tempura and rice cakes. They also spent an afternoon visiting a Japanese temple and participating in Zen meditation along with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. An excursion to nearby schools allowed delegates to interact with local children and encourage Active Citizenship at a young age through board games and crafts. The last cultural experience included a lesson on Japanese calligraphy. By implementing the JCI Academy Commitment to Action in your own Local Organization, you too can increase the global influence of JCI and encourage the sharing of successful projects and ideas between JCI Organizations across the world. Download the 2011 JCI Academy Commitment to Action now.
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