By Scott Ogden
“That’s the way we’ve always done it.” This phrase is a double-edged sword. On one side, it signifies a strong foundation built on repeated successes. On the other, it imposes a limitation on the growth and development of new ideas. The best path forward for JCI USA involves looking back at where we came from, blending our core beliefs with fresh perspectives, and incorporating the energy and vision of today’s youth. By doing this, we can learn from past mistakes without needing to rebuild the solid foundation created by over 100 years of leadership.
Henry Giessenbier founded this organization because he refused to let the generations in power dictate his life. Why do we accept this practice now? We are called to be change-makers, thought leaders, and all the other colorful terms we use to describe our impact. We accept the status quo because we’re afraid. We’re afraid to stand up to those who came before us. We’re afraid our ideas aren’t good enough. We’re afraid we won’t be able to stand on our own. We’re afraid we’re going to fail.
Confronting Fear and Embracing Leadership
My question to you is, so what? So what if you fail? So what if your idea doesn’t work? So what if you don’t have a personal relationship with a particular person? So what if your idea revolutionizes a process? So what if you build a strong relationship with a Senator? So what if you succeed beyond all expectations? I challenge you to get out of your own way and take that leap.
Failure is not a reason to cling to outdated methods or to shy away from innovation. It is a stepping stone to growth and improvement. Each failure provides a learning opportunity that brings us closer to success. When we hold back out of fear, we do a disservice not only to ourselves but also to the legacy of our organization and to future generations.
The ability to inspire and guide others, set strategic direction, and make decisions that align with the organization’s mission and goals is at the core of effective leadership. This includes coaching, mentoring, team management, decision-making, and building and utilizing credibility. These are the pillars on which we can build a stronger and more resilient JCI USA.
The Unique Structure of Jaycees
The Jaycees have a unique structure, one that very few other organizations face: we lose members simply because of a number on a calendar. Some see this as a challenge, but I see it as a perfect opportunity to engage new members and give them the chance to build leadership skills. Many chapters and states have a pool of senators and alumni who just want to help the organization succeed, offering guidance, effort, and a safe space for the current leadership to vent.
Despite our membership rule, being between 18 and 40, we still have individuals trying to influence this great organization after their time is done. To those individuals, I suggest exploring other organizations like the Lions Club or Kiwanis, which share similar values and impacts. Leave the Jaycee-ing to us. By refusing to relinquish power, you are directly disrespecting the founders of the organization.
Embracing New Challenges with Resilience
Leading today presents new challenges that we need to address in various ways. The steps we take today will impact generations to come. Generations of Gen Z and Gen Alpha are more informed, more connected, and more advanced technologically than we could have ever imagined as Millennials. We need to move towards a global scale, become more socially aware, and catch up with today’s technology. We cannot offer the same things and expect new generations to join us as Baby Boomers and Gen X did. If we do not take these steps now, we will not be equipped to meet these people where they are, and we will continue to lose members and be forgotten in history.
The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and bounce back from setbacks is crucial in the dynamic environment of JCI USA. This resilience will enable us to navigate the complexities of modern leadership and remain relevant in a rapidly evolving world.
The Urgency of Action
I am not attempting to sound alarmist, we know the sky is falling. My goal is to launch our plan, whatever it is. Analysis paralysis is real—the longer we take to decide, the further behind we will be. We should partner with every college in our areas, including junior/community colleges and vocational schools. These young, impressionable people are looking to launch careers, build new networks, and make an impact on their community but lack an outlet. We should also partner with other organizations in our community. We lose good Jaycees every day, but they could apply their experience to another outstanding group. We are a place for young people to learn how to lead, and other organizations should be eager to collaborate with us.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Simply put, we are eternally grateful for the foundation that was built, but now it’s our time to build the awesome structure on top. We cannot keep doing the same thing and expect different results. I think there’s a name for that—what is it? That’s right, insanity.
A New Vision for JCI USA
The vision for JCI USA should be one of adaptability and inclusivity. As we move forward, we must integrate the lessons of the past with the innovations of the present. This means creating a dynamic organization that not only respects its heritage but also embraces change. We must focus on several key areas to ensure our future success:
- Innovation and Technology: Embracing new technologies is not optional; it’s essential. We need to leverage social media, digital tools, and innovative platforms to connect with younger generations. Virtual meetings, online collaborations, and digital outreach should become standard practices.
- Global Awareness and Social Responsibility: Today’s youth are more socially conscious than ever. Our programs should reflect a commitment to global awareness and social responsibility. Initiatives that address climate change, social justice, and community development will resonate deeply with Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
- Partnerships and Collaborations: Building strong partnerships with educational institutions and other organizations will help us expand our reach and impact. By working together with colleges, universities, vocational schools, and community groups, we can offer more opportunities for leadership development and community involvement.
- Leadership Development: Our core mission of developing young leaders must remain at the forefront. However, we need to update our leadership programs to include skills relevant to today’s world, such as digital literacy, global citizenship, and social entrepreneurship.
- Membership Engagement and Retention: To maintain and grow our membership, we must create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. This involves listening to our members, addressing their needs, and providing meaningful opportunities for involvement and growth.
The future of JCI USA is bright, but it requires us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace change. We have a strong foundation, thanks to the visionaries who came before us. Now, it’s our turn to build on that foundation with innovation, inclusivity, and a forward-thinking mindset.
Let’s not be afraid to fail. Let’s not be afraid to challenge the status quo. Let’s embrace the energy, ideas, and vision of today’s youth to create an organization that not only stands the test of time but also leads the way into the future.
The time for action is now. Let’s rise to the occasion and take that leap of faith. Together, we can transform JCI USA into a beacon of leadership, innovation, and positive change for generations to come.