It is hard to believe we are through one month of 2016 already. The first month of the year is one that is action-packed full of planning and prepartion. I hear your local boards of directors are putting together great plans for 2016. Looking ahead, I encourage you to personally ask yourself if you are making an impact in your community? My hope is that the answer to that question is yes. I challenge each of us to take our plans and put them into action working individually as well as collectively as Jaycees.
I am happy to see the great impact our chapters have made in their communities in the past year, and now into this first part of the new year. One of the areas our organization can make great contributions will be with efforts to ease the affects of the Flint Water Crisis. I'm happy to see that there has been great partnership and collaboration across our state and other Jaycee states. Please keep up the great ideas and work to positively impact our fellow citizens.
The first month of the year was a busy one for me, with a great amount of travel. I enjoyed visiting 1/2 of our chapters in the month of January, my plan is to be able to get out to the other 1/2 of chapters in February. I look forward to seeing or meeting you soon, either at the Leadership Conference in Grand Rapids or in your local communities. Keep up the great work, and make sure that as you continue to impact your communities that you Ignite Your Passion along the way.
In Jaycees,
Steven G. Pickelmann
92nd President
Michigan Junior Chamber
One month down, there is no turning back! Your new leadership is up and running, your chapter is already putting plans in place for your signature projects, socials, recruitment & activation for the year. What are you doing to help?
It’s always a unique experience seeing the transition from one year to the next. To be an organization of choice for young people today, you need to actively be a part of it. We all have varying levels of how we can do that. Throughout our lives those levels will change – mine certainly have fluxuated. Sometimes we can give more, sometimes we can give less. The point is we never stop giving – our time, our talent or our treasure.
I’m excited to celebrate all our time, talent & treasure from this past year, and see new and familiar faces in my home town of Grand Rapids at the February Year End Conference! Don’t forget support your Jaycees by sporting exclusive Michigan Junior Chamber gear! Check out our pride shop and get your items today! http://jayceesmiprideshop.logoshop.com/
The Friday night theme is Thrift Shop Formal. Who can put together the best look with vintage or recycled clothes? We will also be celebrating the third trimester with awards and recognition.
Saturday night is the Presidential Gala. Find out who is truly the best of the best at our 2015 year end recognition ceremony. This all takes place February 19th through 21st at the Grand Rapids DoubleTree.
The first 2016 Leadership Conference is scheduled for May 13 through 15, 2016 at Mission Point on Mackinac Island. You can reserve your rooms now by calling 1-800-833-7711. The hotel block closes on April 4th. Mission Point does require you to pay for 1 nights stay as down payment. Join us on the island to show everyone how you have begun to “Ignite Your Passion” in 2016!
Can you believe your are already a month into the year?! How is your programming shaping up? Has your board had a chapter session to complete your chapter plan? Chapter plans are due February 28th. But feel free to submit them prior too. Send them to programming@MIjaycees.org . The earlier you submit them, the earlier you will have feedback. I will also be available at February conference for "office hours" to discuss programming and the plan reviews!
I am getting super excited for Year End Conference in Grand Rapids! I hope everyone is planning on attending.
The District Director team is hosting a training at conference - "How to Make the Most of Your Membership"! We will be discussing a variety of topics that every member can relate to from Program Management Guides, the Passport Program, to member retention. We will also be discussing some goals the District Directorship team would like to accomplish in 2016. This training is open to all members, so please join us!
For those members who are on the montly payment plan please check your paypal account and make sure all your information is updated ie: credit cards and phone numbers.
Nationals will be hosting a webinar on Feb 24th at 8pm Central on JCI USA Programs that can benefit your membership. This is open to all members if you would like to join the conversation.
Closeout for the trimester is March 25th!! Make sure to get your new members signed up by then!
Lastly, in this newsletter and future communications you will find links to local member spotlights. These members are Jaycees just like you who have a passion for service to humanity. We hope you will enjoy reading a little about them and be inspired. If you know of a member who has been very helpful to you or your chapter, a member who stands out in service, or is just plain outstanding in some way, contact your District Director to make a nomination for that person to be featured in our upcomming publications.
As always, if you need anything or have questions don’t hesitate to email me.
Regular registration for Year End Conference may have ended, but there is still time to late register and take advantages of the training sessions at conference!
Still haven't decided which training sessions to attend? Here are the sessions offered:
Training Session 1:
"Focus and Breakthrough" a President's Training with MIJC 92nd President Steve Pickelmann and 2016 Presidents Coach Steve Fappas - There will be demonstrations on the power of focus as well as interactive training on breaking through barriers. Other topics will include getting the most out of Conference, Presidents remarks, and an in depth question and answer period.
"Self Defense, Be the One That Gets Away!" with Jennifer Mansfield - Learn how to protect yourself before and after you are approached by a “bad guy.” This will be an introduction to self-defense and will be a hands on program. Gentleman, this is not just for the ladies!
"Making The Most of Your Year as VP Through JCI Tools with VP Erin Poltorak and the 2016 Programming Team - There is an abundance of JCI Tools available to you and your chapter. We will discuss where they are, what they do and how you can utilize them to make the most of your year. Tools we will discuss are the Active Citizens Framework, Trainings, National Programs, etc. You should attend as a VP or as a member interested in learning more about JCI tools available for your sucess and development.
Training Session 2:
"How To Make The Most Out of Your Membership" with Membership Director Michelle Kelley and the 2016 District Director Team - Do you have questions like: What's a PMG? What's this passport thing I've heard people speak of? I want to share and get more young people involved, how do I do that? How do I help other members become active and involved? Your 2016 Membership team will give you the answers and show you the tools to become the best Jaycee you can be. Bring your questions, and project ideas as there will be time for us to bounce ideas off one another too.
"Standing Out in 6 Seconds: Resume Writing" with Kristin Garskta - Did you know that it takes HR just 6 seconds to scan your resume and determine if you are worth a deeper look? That may sound shocking, but take it from an HR professional, it's true! Do you ever wonder how people make it to the next round? In this training, learn how to make an impression and jump in front of other candidates! Be sure to bring your current resume to make real-time modifications.
"Strategic Marketing for Non-Profits and Small Businesses" with Reagan Marketing - Join representatives from Reagan Marketing as they present on Strategic Marketing for Non-Profits and Small Businesses. This presentation will cover an overview of traditional marketing- what tools are effective, including search engine optimization and marketing as well as a discussion on social media, content marketing and search engine optimization in today's digital world.
Training Session 3:
"Model Legislature Informational Session" with Heather Harris and Anna Versalle - This informational session provides an opportunity to go over how Model Legislature is run. Topics to be covered include how to read a bill, basic parliamentary procedure, and selection of Party Leaders. Members who attend the info session will receive a discount code off of registration.
I am happy to be serving as your 2016 Training Director and I hope to see all of you in Grand Rapids!
Cheboygan: Easter Egg Scramble, March 26th 12:30 pm, Cheboygan Area High School, 801 W Lincoln Ave, Cheboygan, Michigan 49721
Delta County: General Membership Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of every month, 5:30 Social, 6:00 Meething @ Ernie's Irish Pub, 1322 Ludington Street, Escanaba, MI *Ernie's provides discounts on drinks for Jaycee members during our meeting!
Ludington: Ludington Lake Jump to Support the Mini Golf Renovations. March 19th @ 11am, Stearns Beach, Ludington
Manistee: Manistee County Outstanding Young Citizens Service Awards. March 10th @ 6pm, Location TBD
I am very happy that year end Conference is in our District. It's a great opportunity for you all to see what we are all about and try some great craft beers from the west side of the state! I hope everyone is excited to spend some time together at conference, I know I am.
Community Events:
Kids Kicking Cancer - Allegan/Grand Rapids/South Kent chapters have been working towards bringing Kids Kicking Cancer to West Michigan. We have raised $15k and working on a match option of $25k. We are still looking for more committee members. The next committee meeting is Feb 23 at 6pm at the Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation Building.
Those not attending conference should get your best 80's gear on and head to Lakeview. Lakeview Jaycees are hosting a 80's hair band "Glamhammer" for Lakeview's Winterfest February 20th 8pm at Alley Cat Bar and Grill. 80's Attire encouraged. Cover at the door and a percentage of sales proceeds will benefit Lakeview Jaycees Summerfest Fireworks.
The Lakeview Jaycees have another firework fundraiser coming up. Scotch doubles black light bowling tourney with silent auction. Saturday March 19 $30 per two person team, more details to come.
Conference Happenings in Grand Rapids:
Grand Rapids Jaycees will be collecting many new items for Operation Care for our troops for care packages toothbrushes, toothpaste, hygiene products, instant oatmeal, powdered Powerade, beef jerky and anything else you think they might miss from home at conference.
South Kent Jaycees will be having a ribbon cutting ceremony with the South Kent Chamber at conference Friday night 7:45pm. To help celebrate and honor the name change from Kentwood to South Kent Jaycees. Attendance by all is welcome and encouraged.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Special Olympics of Michigan Basketball Tournament. Come volunteer for an event where you can meet the most amazing athletes in Michigan, much help is needed during the weekend of March 18.
General Membership Meetings:
Allegan - 1st Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. at The Grill House, 1071 32nd St.
Grand Rapids - 2nd Thursday of the month, 5:30 p.m. social hour; meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Celebration Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Dr. NE.
Greater Muskegon - Last Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m., location changes – follow them on Facebook for up to date information.
Lakeview – 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m. at Alley Cat Bar & Grill Inc, 9775 N. Greenville Road.
South Kent – 2nd Sunday of the month, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, 355 48th St. SE.
Join the Kalamazoo Jaycees every month for the "3rd Friday", a social event to experience different Breweries around town.
The Ann Arbor Jaycees and the Ypsilanti Jaycees have teamed up for Ypsi-Arbor Fork - the last Friday of each month they will check out a new eatery in Ypsilanti or Ann Arbor.
Ionia Jaycees are gearing up for their big Mom 2 Mom sale on April 23rd! They are looking for vendors and would love to help you sell your items.
The Lansing Jaycees have started planning for the Egg Hunt on the Capital Lawn. This is a great event and is so much fun to participate in. I know many chapters have their own Egg events on March 26th but if you can sneak away for this one, the experience is well worth it!
GMM Schedule:
Lansing: 1st Tuesday of the month 6pm social and 7pm meeting @ Trippers Sports Bar 350 Frandor Ave Lansing, MI 48912
Ann Arbor: 1st Thursday of the Month 6:30 pm at the Arbor Brewing Co. 114 East Washington Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Ionia: 2nd Thursday of the month 6:30 pm at The Alibi Bar & Grill 1394 Riverside Dr. Ionia, MI 48846
Ypsilanti: 3rd Sunday of the month 2:30pm social 3:30pm meeting at The Ypsilanti Senior & Community Center 1015 North Congress St. Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Kalamazoo: 3rd Wednesday of the month 6:30 pm social 7:00 pm meeting at Theo & Stacy's Restaurant 5225 Portage Road Portage, MI 49002
If you have any questions about an event coming up in D3 please don't hesitate to reach out to myself or one of the chapter presidents.
Being a Jaycee is no simple task. If it were, everyone would do it. With that said, there are a lot of people out there who simply do not know about this organization and that is unfortunate. I am one of those that didn’t find the Jaycees until well into my 30’s and it took two years before I became more involved. I think when we look into ourselves, it is not hard to find some answers to our membership decline in the younger segment. We aren’t showing the value proposition.
This is an organization that offers social outlets, opportunity for professional development, and effective networking. Working hard to address each need individually, as opposed to picking one or the other can be the key. It will be exciting to see how this year's crop of new leaders will help usher in a new mindset and focus on these core areas. With value, comes interest. With interest, comes growth.
Another often overlooked benefit is our influence in this organization. While some chapters may only have 20 or so members, their loud and respected voice within their community is very much present. On the district levels, we have hundreds of young active citizens who command an audience and can accomplish amazing things when working together. Collectively, we are also ALL Michigan Jaycees. An organization of nearly 1000 members who can make a very loud statement and impact when we work together.
As we all continue our planning for 2016, let's address some big problems together and use some critical thinking to make some big impact! We are plenty big enough to not only give a man a fish, but to teach him how to fish as well.
GMM Schedule and Presidents for D5:
Wyandotte: 2nd Tuesdays @ the Copeland Center, President: Elizabeth Mullins
Westland: 7PM, 1st Tuesdays @ the Westland City Hall, President: Sarah Austin
Redford: 3rd Mondays @ the Redford Jaycee Hall, President: Dan Borsuck
Livonia: 3rd Tuesdays @ the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, President: John Badeen
Central Woodward: 7PM, 3rd Tuesdays @ the Salter Center, President: Taryn Anderson
Rochester Area: 2nd Thursdays @ the Rochester Community House, President: Beth Michaels
South Lyon: 1st Mondays @ the South Lyon Hotel, President: Nikki Gilinski
Plymouth Canton: 4th Wednesdays @ the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, President: Leslie Botts
Frankenmuth Jaycees are looking for course volunteers for their Winterläufe 8k. The race starts at 10am. Contact Danielle Daugharty @ 989-529-9926 if you’re available to help out!
Volunteer registration will open February 2nd for the 2016 World Expo of Beer see the volunteer tab on http://www.worldexpoofbeer.com Saturday evening shifts will count as double again for 2016! Sign up today so you don’t miss out!
Upcoming Projects (10 Chapter Visitation Points):
Frankenmuth Chili-Cook-off – March 13 @ 12pm at Tiffany’s. Got a special recipe and want to enter? Contact Andy Rogner @ 989-233-7353 or arrogner@stonebridgetech.com for more info!
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
