Wow, I can’t believe it is already June. You know what that means? Yup, you guessed it, festival and signature project season. This definitely means that we will all be super busy trying to navigate our calendars with projects, GMM’s, as well as non-Jaycee events and vacations.
When most people think of “Learning through the Jaycees”, organized trainings come to mind. There are many benefits to this classroom style learning, however, learning through working on a project rounds us out as individuals.
Through my participation on committees, working at and chairing projects, I have learned a lot about myself and my fellow Jaycees. This is the “hands on” training that the Jaycees can offer our members. I have learned time, project, financial, and people management skills while working on or chairing projects.
While we all want our projects to run smoothly 100% of the time, that is almost never the case. Something goes haywire or Murphy’s Law generally kicks in. During these times of stress, this is actually the final exam! This is when you really learn what you are made of. While we may not all serve with grace under pressure (I’m definitely guilty of not being the most courteous in stressful situations); it is a learning experience that we all need.
When you are really under the gun, remember, there is someone out there who has experienced similar situations during a project. Working together with your fellow members will help to alleviate even the most stressful of situations and lead you to valuable learning and leadership development.
In Jaycees,
Steven G. Pickelmann
92nd President
Michigan Junior Chamber
For lack of better terms, I am an event planner by trade. I went to Central Michigan University and got my Bachelor’s Degree in Commercial Recreation and Hospitality Services. Since, at the time, there was not an “event planning degree,” my specialty or focus while earning my degree was on event planning and conference services. Of course they now have an actual degree in this, but 18 years ago this was how you pulled it off.
When I joined the Jaycees in 2001 I was not a fan of the Chairman’s Planning Guide (CPG). It was not the way my brain worked and admittedly I was a bit stubborn, thinking I knew better due to my school background and work experience. However, an old dog can learn new tricks and I soon discovered its immense value. The now Project Management Guide (PMG), is one of the greatest tools we have as Jaycees and is really what sets us apart from other young professional organizations.
Event planning does not come easy or seamless for everyone. This is where the PMG comes strongly into play. It’s meant to make you think… guide you through a project and provide documention to repeat it or kill it. Here’s the kicker, the PMG is not just for Jaycee projects. I have known several former and current Jaycees who have taken the PMG and used it to create their small business plan, to run a non-jaycee city festival, to plan their wedding, or navigate through the selling/buying/moving process.
Even with my event planning experiences, the Jaycees, along with the PMG have taught me much more about budgeting and measurable goals. It also guides me on how to train the next generation. Every time we chair a project, shouldn’t one of the main goals also be to train the next set of leaders and learn more about our own leadership style? I actually find the final questions in the PMG most helpful, forcing me to really think about what was great and what could be done better. THAT is where the most bang for the buck is and endless knowledge we get through this great organization.
Wow, where did the month of May go? It seems like only yesterday that we were enjoying Mackinac Island, now we are starting to enter the second half of the year.
I know we are starting to enter a busy time of the year for many of us but please don’t forget that you can start booking your rooms for LOTS, T2 Awards and Inauguration on November 12th at Great Wolf Lodge. We have a limited number discounted rooms for November 11th and 12th. Please come up a day early so you are ready for the early morning trainings at LOTS. The room price is $99 a night! When the event gets a little closer we will open registration for both events.
Summer is upon us, the busy season! We begin thinking what is the next step? We already know that "Service to Humanity is the best work of life". So now what can you and your chapter do to show other community members that it is the best work of life? Start with the JCI Active Citizens Framework and Needs Analysis. JCI USA provides excellence tools to help you with this this as well.
By logging in to USjaycees.org and going to http://www.jci.cc/projects/acf. Here, you are guided through the Active Citizens Framework and also are given a plethora of tools under the My Needs Analysis. Utilizing these tools will make you stronger as a Jaycee, your chapter stronger and your community stronger. I can't wait to see all the projects submitted using these tools in Trimester two!!
I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend! I am looking forward to the summer and some time off, even though in the Jaycee world we know summer is usually super busy for us! Just remember to make sure to take time to enjoy yourself….read a book, bbq with friends, hang poolside…whatever it is just make sure to always take some “you” time!
BIG NEWS…..CLOSEOUT IS NOW JUNE 28TH! That gives us plenty of time to hit growth this quarter! We are under 100 undecided! Let’s do this!
Thanks to everyone who bought Lugnuts tickets, I am looking forward to the game!
“Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching”-unknown
Trying new things can make you more creative
We’re wired to seek out comfort, which is why it’s so hard to let it go
Embracing new challenges can help you age better
But don’t push yourself too far
As always, if you need anything don’t hesitate to call or email me!
“STOP being afraid of what could go wrong and think of what could go right” - Unknown
Part of being a Jaycee is stepping out of our comfort zones and trying something new. Those new things can come in the form of Individual Development training opportunities, participating in competitions or becoming a JCI certified trainer. If your chapter would like some more information about some additional training opportunities, please let me know!
Are you attending conference? Would you like to jump into something new while you're there? Check out the JCI Poverty Simulation on Friday, May 13 at 3:00pm! If you would like to register for the training, please send an email to sgerds@mijaycees.org.
Not ready to make a large jump out of your comfort zone? No problem! I can also assist in scheduling JCI training sessions. There are plenty to choose from!
Maybe you have heard this before, or maybe you haven't, but extensive studies have been done about what makes the average person successful... what traits do successful people have in common? And the answer goes, "Success is not about IQ, it is about EQ."
What is EQ?
Emotional Intelligence.
Emotional Intelligence is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. Emotional intelligence is the key to both personal and professional success. Emotional intelligence is how we relate with other people - and let me tell you - there is no better place to work on your EQ than with the Jaycees.
Dealing with other people, learning how to motivate people, working with a team, and dedicating yourself to projects that enhance your community are going to give you multiple opportunities to relate and respond to others. It will be in these moments that we learn about ourselves and how we relate to others. We will find that some people are much further along on their journey to emotional intelligence than others, I hope that everyone will look at the Jaycees as their opportunity to learn and grow, and yes, some of that will be in dealing with uncomfortable moments too, but it is in those moments that we can work on applying our Emotional Intelligence.
I want you to remember the three skills that help toward achieving greater EQ:
Emotional awareness, including the ability to identify your own emotions and those of others
The ability to harness emotions and apply them to tasks like thinking and problem solving
The ability to manage emotions, including the ability to regulate your own emotions, and the ability to cheer up or calm down another person.
Relating to and getting along with others is a fine art, and one I have been constantly working on as a Jaycee for the past 12 years. It hasn't been easy- but I love the person I am today and I can't wait to see what lessons I have yet to learn in the future! I hope you will utilize your Jaycee Experience in this manner also!
Big Rapids- GMM Monday, June 13, 6pm @ Hemlock Park. From President Lasha Turner "Two special things going on with this meeting: 1. We will be grilling out and 2. We will be discussing the “revitalization” of our River Safety Program. One of our members works for the City of Big Rapids and she will be there to discuss the water safety towers that we have at various points along the Muskegon River. She will also be doing a demonstration of how they work."
One of the biggest takeaways we have from the Jaycees is the opportunity to learn. I love being a Jaycee because it's a safe environment to try new things - whether we learn that something was really great or maybe that something didn't work and we learn how to do it better next time. There are so many opportunities for us to learn new personal and professional skills.
I think most of us have learned a thing or two in a great training at Conference or in our chapters. What are some of the things you would really like to learn through the Jaycees? We have an amazing network of people. Take a moment and reach out to your Chapter President, your District Director, or your Training Director - Stephanie Gerds and let's see what we can help you learn!
As many of you probably know by now from Facebook, Thee Dirty lost one of our life members, senators, and past presidents, Doreen Arwood, suddenly yesterday. She was 45.
Doreen was one of those women whom EVERYONE called Momma. Not surprisingly, her roles both locally and at the state and national levels were always defined by a wonderful sense of hospitality. She was a PA for past president Cindy, she was ONTO chair more than once, she was a national program manager years ago; she was chairing this year's Amerada celebration. Saturday she was out walking in the rain at Relay for Life; yesterday morning she was prepping vehicles for the township's parade.
Many of the younger members on our team, I'm sure, probably never had the chance to work with her, but I know the other old timers are sure to echo my thoughts. Please keep Thee Dirty in your thoughts and prayers and be sure to say "I Love You" today to those you hold dear. You never know what tomorrow may bring.
Congratulations to the Burton Area Jaycees for having the most points in the Chapter Visitation Reward Program for the 1st Trimester. They had 7 chapter visits! The chapter that has the most points at the end of the year will get a pizza party. Check out the upcoming meetings and projects listed below and start planning your chapter visits for the 2nd trimester! Don’t forget, in order to get credit for the visit, you must have at least 3 people from your chapter attend and you must provide photo substantiation.
District Socials (15 CVR Points)
D5 Gourmet Gone Wild Social – Thursday, June 23 at 6:00 PM at Saginaw Field and Stream. RSVP to D5 Director Sarah Ellis by June 9. Cost: $5per person (paid at the event). We will have the opportunity to taste three different gourmet dishes made with wild game. Archery instructors will be available. The local Pheasants Forever chapter will also be bringing a BB gun shooting trailer for participants and donating an 8 person pheasant hunt. The 8 spots will be raffled off.
3rd Annual D5 Tubing Trip – Saturday, August 13 at noon at Hinchman Acres in Mio.
Volunteer Opportunities (15 CVR Points):
Mt. Pleasant: Craft Beer Festival. Saturday, June 11. Volunteers needed to pour beer. For more information, go to http://mpbeerfest.com.
Frankenmuth: Chicken BBQ – Saturday, June 11. Annual Event on the Saturday of Bavarian Festival. Chicken prep will begin at 6 AM. Meals will be served from 11 until the food runs out.
Midland: Midland County Fair August 15-20th. Most events start at 7 PM or later. Interested volunteers can e-mail midlandmijaycees@gmail.com to be added to the list to receive the e-mail for volunteer sign up.
June General Membership Meetings (5 CVR Points):
Auburn – June 22, 6:00* p.m. at City Hall – President Eric Roffe (*new start time) Guest Speaker Kristin Garstka will be discussing interviewing and resume tips
Burton Area – June 21, 7:00 p.m. at Latina Restaurant (Social at 6:30) – President Jessica Sproule
Clare Area – June 20, 7:00 p.m. at Shamrock Park – President Sera Henry - Ice Cream Social to celebrate their 1 year anniversary as a chapter!
Frankenmuth – June 13, 7:30 p.m. at Jaycee Pavilion, Heritage Park – President Brent Weiss
Midland – No meeting in June – President Lindsay Huppertz
Mt. Pleasant – June 20, 12:00 noon at Italian Oven – Presidents Mallory Goldner & Tara Leonard
Saginaw – June 28, 7:00 p.m. at Ace’s Bar inside Stardust Lanes – President Allison Dakos
Make sure you “like” our D5 Facebook page and join the MIJC D5 Facebook Group to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in our district!
For only $50 per ticket, don't miss your chance to win a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro*! Drawing will be held on September 24, 2016 between 8pm and 10pm at the Detroit Marriot Renaissance, 400 Renaissance Drive, Detroit, MI; 48243.
Proceeds from this raffle will go towards the Michigan Jaycees efforts to better our local communities. You can check us out at http://www.MichiganJaycees.org/raffle or catch us on Facebook and Twitter!
*If minimum 1,000 tickets are sold. If less than 1,000 tickets sold raffle will revert to a 50/50 Raffle. Do not have to be present to win. For complete rules please visit: http://www.michiganjaycees.org/raffle License Number R35085
Meet our amazing membership! We hope you are inspired by their stories and passions! To nominate an outstanding member contact Membership Director, Michelle Kelley.
Are you member of MIJC Post It Here on Facebook? If not, visit the page today to join.
This is the place for Michigan Jaycees to share events going on in their chapter, member updates and ask questions! It is a great channel for information from chapters around the State.
WE BELIEVE: That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;
That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations;
That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise;
That government should be of laws rather than of men;
That earth's great treasure lies in human personality;
And that service to humanity is the best work of life.
Our contact information: 600 South Walnut Street Lansing, MI 48933 Toll Free: 855.593.5323 www.michiganjaycees.org communications@mijaycees.org
