JUNIOR CHAMBER INTERNATIONAL (JCI) is a nongovernmental and not for profit organization with headquarters in St. In 2015, we’ll celebrate the 100th Anniversary of JCI's First Local Organization, originally established under the name of "Young Men's Progressive Civic Association (YMPCA)." Almost a century ago, Henry "Hy" Giessenbier, Jr., and a group of young people decided to take responsibility f
or their personal and professional development as well as for the progress and welfare of their community by helping tackle difficult problems around them. Together with other 32 young men, Giessenbier established the Young Men's Progressive Civic Association (YMPCA), JCI's First Local Organization, at the Mission Inn in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 13, 1915. Since 1915, countless dedicated young leaders like Giessenbier have ensured the organization's progress while contributing to the development of JCI members and the advancement of their communities. Their efforts and achievements must not be forgotten. JCI is a worldwide community of young active citizens aged 18-40 who share the belief that in order to create positive change we must take collective action to improve ourselves, and the world around us. With over 5,000 local groups in more than 115 countries and territories, JCI forms a vibrant international network of nearly 200,000 members.
