Our membership consists of men and women between the ages of 21 and 39. Our organization provides leadership training through a wide array of community service projects in Salinas and Monterey.  In order to help provide balance in our often hectic lives, the Salinas Jaycees also provide many opportunities for social and business interaction.

We are the premier organization for young professionals; just ask any of our existing members. Our members are proud to be a part of the "Salinas Jaycees".

Ready to join the Salinas Jaycees?  Click here for Member Application

Who Are The Salinas Jaycees?

The Jaycee organization is "a constructive action organization of young persons who devote a portion of their time to community service in the public interest, developing young persons as leaders of the community." (from The U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce Bylaws and Policy Manual.)

The Jaycees is the premier young person's organization in Salinas. We are young people, ages 21 through 39, who share the common goal of improving our community, ourselves and helping others through chapter programs.

YOUNG PEOPLE IMPROVING THE COMMUNITY AND HELPING OTHERS.
 

The Salinas Jaycees Chapter History

The Salinas Jaycees were charted on September 10, 1948. Originally comprised of sixty young men, the chapter soon became a powerful force in Salinas.

The chapter was founded on the basic Jaycees concept of training young leaders through community service. Today in positions of leadership in local business or government, you'll find a past or current Salinas Jaycee.

The first Chapter President was Bob Bello, who was a prominent member of the Salinas Community. Bello's administration planted the seeds for the Children's Christmas Shopping Tour, today our most time-honored project. In 1952, the Chapter revived the Colmo Del Rodeo Parade, which the Chapter ran for over twenty years.

The Chapter has consistently been a force in local government. Alva Andrus was the first Salinas Jaycee to be elected Mayor of Salinas, with Sid Gadsby following. Mickey Burke went from Chapter President to a City Council seat. Other members sit on the City Council, County Board of Supervisors, State Assembly and even Congress. The Salinas Jaycees were also influential in the passing of bond issues to fund construction of San Antonio and Nacimiento dams.

The fist Salinas Airshow (now California International Airshow) was conducted by the Salinas Jaycees and almost every Airshow President has been a past Chapter member, as have most members of the California Rodeo Association.A bit of Chapter trivia notes that actor James Dean was killed while driving to the drag races at the Salinas Airport, which were put on by the Salinas Jaycees. (We're not too proud to be connected with Dean's death though.)

The drag races evolved into the agri-games in the 70's and then into the 4x4 Pulls and Monster Truck races of today. The Salinas Jaycees also conducted the Salinas Junior Miss Scholarship program for over 20 years, and in 1985 instituted the All-Star High School Football Game, which generates funds for local high school athletic programs.
 

Are the Salinas Jaycees Affiliated With A State, National, Or International Organization?

Yes. The Salinas Jaycees is one of numerous chapters throughout California. At one time, we were one of the top chapters in the state, with close to 200 members. The U.S. Jaycees boasts over 4500 chapters and approximately 150,000 members. The International Jaycees organization has chapters throughout the world.

JAYCEES IS AFFILLIATED WITH A STATE, NATION, AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION.
 

What Can You Expect From The Jaycees?

The Jaycees has opportunities dealing with different levels of involvement. Community, individual, management and membership development are just a small part of what the Jaycees can offer you.

PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE YOURSELF, TO FINE-TUNE MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS, PROJECTS THAT IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY, NEW FRIENDSHIPS, NETWORKING AND MEMBER VISIBILITY.
 

What Do The Jaycees Expect From You?

The Jaycees success depends on the participation of its members. As a new member, the choice is yours as to the extent of your commitment. You can participate as little as one hour per month or as much as your schedule permits. The programs and projects offered will benefit you only if you participate in them. These projects are designed to develop your leadership skills while they help your community.

As a chapter member, it is your responsibility to participate in activities, projects, chapter social functions and learning opportunities. It is up to you to take advantage of all the Jaycees have to offer.

YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE JAYCEES IS IMPORTANT TO THE JAYCEES GROWTH AND YOURS.
 

What Is The Purpose Of The Jaycees

The purpose of the Jaycees is to "promote and foster the growth and development of young persons' civic organizations in the United States, designed to inculcate (to teach and impress upon) in the individual membership of such organization a spirit of genuine Americanism and civic interest, and to provide them with opportunity for personal development and achievement and an avenue for intelligent participation in the affairs of the community, state, and nation, and to develop true friendship and understanding among young persons of all nations." (The U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce Bylaws and Policy Manual.)

Simply put, to fulfill our chapter purpose, we determine the needs of the community and provide projects to meet those needs. Through hands-on experience running projects, members develop leadership skills, enhance their visibility in the community, and promote the chapter, all the while making friends and having fun.

TO REMAIN A FORCE IN THE COMMUNITY
 

What Is The Jaycee Creed?

The Jaycee Creed

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 earths great treasure lies in human personality;

And that service to humanity is the best work of life.
 

What Opportunities Are Available Through The Salinas Jaycees?

Community Development:

Community service plays a vital role in the Salinas Jaycees. The Children's Christmas Shopping Tour and the All-Star Football Game are just two of the many projects we run to benefit our community.

Individual Development:

Speak Up, Write Up, parliamentary procedure, effective communication sessions, leadership development, family life programs and handling stress are just a few of the programs that can help you develop individually.

Management Development:

Management programs serve the dual purpose of keeping the Chapter financially solvent while providing members hands-on experience in planning, financial ad organizational management. The Northridge Mall Decorations and All-Star Football Game Concessions are two unique Jaycee projects.

Membership Development:

Sharpen your sales and presentation skills by recruiting new members and making corporate presentations. In addition to benefiting our Chapter, you will meet other young people, work with business leaders and enhance your visibility in the community.

JAYCEES OFFERS YOU COMMUNITY, INDIVIDUAL, MANAGEMENT AND MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.
 

What Advantage Do The Salinas Jaycees Offer The Employer?

Advantages the Salinas Jaycees Offer Employers

Management and leadership development in a "no risk" environment;

Opportunities to meet and work with area business and government leaders;

Knowledge of the Salinas Community, its People and areas of needed service;

Development of business contact;

Visibility in the community and enhancement of your company's image;

An opportunity to evaluate and recognize your employees

 

Ready to join the Salinas Jaycees?  Click here for Member Application