Do Good Anyway

Oftentimes, it seems like young adults and professionals get overly wrapped up in instant gratification service. It seems that the action that most want to take are those which can be done quickly in an afternoon. By the time it's over, they can walk away with a warm fuzzy feeling (a former professor of mine reminded us to never underestimate the power of a warm fuzzy). Yet, was the community problem or issue truly solved, or was it merely stymied?

JCI (Junior Chamber International) has examined this at length in terms of community service and impact as a business model. In their framework for active citizenship, local Junior Chambers are encouraged to analyze the needs of their community, plan a sustainable solution, execute with the help of community partners, monitor and measure the results, repeating and adjusting the plan as needed, until the community need or plan is addressed.

As an organization for young adults age 21 to 40, the Junior Chamber (also referred to as Jaycees), are focused on helping to develop tomorrow's community and business leaders by developing leadership through community development projects. Using the above framework, members can plan projects that help improve the lives of everyone in the community. Although a project might last a day, or run for several years, it's the overall impact and good that is done that provides the greatest benefit.

It's in providing lasting impact and the greatest benefit to their community that Jaycees work, and be best summed up as Mother Teresa once said, "The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway."

For more information about the Jaycees or JCI, please visit the Ypsilanti Area Jaycees or JCI-Junior Chamber International