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Projects for Progress
The 20th century finds mankind in a world of rapid change. There is a meeting of the sophisticated and the backward. People everywhere are demanding a better life and a greater share of the good things. This is the turbulence that we find today in the world community. It is widely known, however, that the power to advance lies in the hands of the people. All that is necessary to satisfy these human aspirations is leadership! Leadership is a quality that Junior Chamber members are best equipped to provide. So the call goes out to thousands of Junior Chamber chapters in more than 100 countries and territories to identify themselves firmly with the hopes and needs of their communities. To do so we must not think in terms of community service but in terms of Community Leadership.
Ever since the formation of the Junior Chamber movement in 1915 in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A., members have made leadership in the community one of their major objectives. Since then, local Junior Chambers have expressed their concern for the welfare of their fellow citizens by conducting hundreds of projects that have formed the basis of Junior Chamber activity throughout the world. This activity has developed into an all-compassing program we call Community Development. The highest form of community leadership is known as the “catalytic action” project, whereby the chapter coordinates a group of people and organizations to achieve a major community objective previously considered to be beyond its capability.
Projects for Progress will guide you and your chapter toward the realization of a community leadership role through the effective implementation of a balanced community program. This balance should be maintained between the more comprehensive catalytic action and the smaller, direct action projects. As well, there must be a balance between projects that care for people and those that care for the environment.
This manual is designed to assist you in becoming more effective in your role as a community leader. It includes guidelines for members working on community projects at local and national levels. It is developed particularly for national and local officers and project chairmen in charge of Community Development programs. This manual intends to provide members with the necessary tools to prove that grass-roots efforts can make a difference locally, nationally and internationally.
Projects for Progress is one of several publications prepared by the Junior Chamber International World Headquarters. It is our hope that you will find these guides valuable in your chapter’s efforts to conduct better community projects. We welcome your comments, criticisms, and suggestions so that we may continually improve our services to you. Let us know your chapter’s needs, and our professional staff will be happy to assist you. Please be specific in your requests so that we can provide you with pertinent suggestions, publications, and advice. We are here to help you in whatever way we can. Follow this manual and achieve the greatest satisfaction of all . . . making your community a better place for your family, your neighbors and yourself!
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