Brief History of
Junior Chamber International

Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a global network of young active citizens committed to creating positive change in their communities and around the world. Its story began in 1915 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, when a young man named Henry Giessenbier Jr. and 32 of his associates established the Young Men’s Progressive Civic Association (YMPCA). Their goal was to provide young people with opportunities for leadership, civic involvement, and personal growth.

By 1916, the group expanded its reach and rebranded as the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees). The idea spread quickly across the United States, and soon, chapters were established in cities nationwide.

JCI’s influence grew beyond U.S. borders when the first international chapter was formed in Canada in 1923, followed by rapid expansion into Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. This growth led to the creation of a truly global movement.

This moment marked the birth of an organization that would connect young leaders worldwide under one vision: to develop responsible citizens who take action to create positive change.

Since then, JCI has grown into a global movement present in over 100 countries and territories with hundreds of thousands of members. It has engaged in projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), partnered with leading international organizations, and empowered countless young leaders to create lasting impact in their communities.

In 1944, delegates from eight countries—Panama, Mexico, the United States, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica—gathered in Mexico City to formally establish Junior Chamber International (JCI).

Henry Giessenbier Jr.

Founder

Today, JCI continues to embody its original spirit—helping young people become better leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. With its four areas of opportunity—Individual Development, Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Impact, and International Cooperation—JCI remains committed to building leaders for a better world.

4 AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY

INDIVIDUAL
DEVELOPMENT

BUSINESS &
ENTREPRENUERSHIP

COMMUNITY
IMPACT

INTERNATIONAL
COOPERATION

JCI Las Vegas’ Four Areas of Opportunity provide members with a dynamic platform to grow as leaders and changemakers. Through these opportunities, our members enhance their personal and professional skills, lead impactful projects that uplift the community, collaborate with peers across the globe, and foster innovation and business success. Together, these four areas empower young leaders in Las Vegas to create positive change locally and contribute to a better world.