THE YOUNG GAME CHANGERS OF JCI BANGLADESH

The inception of the Jaycee movement in Bangladesh commenced in the year 1972 by young active citizens who were determined to identify problems in the existing social structure and create sustainable impact. The spirit of these young active individuals was mirrored rapidly by similar minded people and thus the first network of active citizens in Bangladesh was formed.
In the 90’s JCI Bangladesh went through extensive uplifting and enhancement. In the year 2000, JCI Bangladesh received its full affiliation status. Currently, JCI Bangladesh has 14 Local Chapters with nearly 800 members in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet. Till date, we have had seven JCI Vice Presidents from Bangladesh. JCI Bangladesh received the 100% efficiency award for consecutively three years.

Local Chapters of JCI Bangladesh contribute extensively towards the betterment of the society and community. The underprivileged population of Bangladesh is benefitted extensively by the impactful activities by the local chapters that have been appreciated tremendously by JCI members worldwide. Our members have made JCI Bangladesh proud in many international conferences and events. The 2017 National Governing Board consists of eight executive committee members, two directors, and eight committee chairs.
There have been many activities and events organized by JCI Bangladesh for our members this year including the first ever Family Day Out, Peace is Possible Award Night, NGB- LP Fellowship, Public Speaking and Debate Championship and many more. More than 25 projects have been carried out by Local Chapters in the year 2017 along with 28 pieces of training.

OVERALL PICTURE OF JCI AND JCI BANGLADESH
In the present world order, how relevant is JCI and JCI Bangladesh? Is it living up to the expectations?
I genuinely believe that young people are at the heart of every society. They are the change makers and can make an extensive positive contribution to the development of the world. The members of Junior Chamber International (JCI) are the young people. Hence the contribution and importance of JCI in Bangladesh and worldwide are paramount. The JCI Mission states “to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change,” and I sincerely believe that JCI members are creating sustainable positive changes wherever they are, as it is the biggest platform of young active citizens. JCI has over 200,000 members, 5,000 local organizations and over 100 national organizations.

Could you briefly tell us about your journey to JCI Bangladesh so far?
The journey has been nothing short of astounding. From membership growth to international recognition the curve for JCI Bangladesh has been upward moving. At the moment we have fourteen local chapters operating in Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chittagong. Currently, we have eight hundred plus members who are continuously creating impact. Local Chapters are playing a unique role in implementing very impactful projects, engaging events and building a fantastic network around the globe. JCI Bangladesh has had a significant impact in bringing positive change to many lives through the projects carried out by Local Chapters; members also go through different training programs for their self-development and the journey continues.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF JCI BANGLADESH
Could you detail international standard criteria that JCI Bangladesh and its various chapters have to fulfill every year?
JCI sets out some specific criteria that need to be followed by JCI Bangladesh and the Local Chapters. National organizations throughout the world are given certain criteria every year that need to be fulfilled by the national organization (JCI Bangladesh) to achieve 100% efficiency. In alignment with the criteria, JCI Bangladesh also sets out some specifications that need to be met by the Local Chapters to achieve 100% efficiency. The success of a national organization significantly depends on the success of the local chapters.

What is the international recognition of JCI Bangladesh?
Over the years, JCI Bangladesh has extensively been applauded and appreciated globally. We have had seven JCI Vice Presidents and we also continuously serve in many international positions including APDC. JCI Bangladesh has received the 100% efficiency award for three years in a row. Our projects have been recognized and praised in the International events. Our national and local officers have an excellent standing in the international community and are portrayed as examples of commitment, dedication, and passion for JCI. We have regular visits by JCI President, Executive Vice President, and Vice President to Bangladesh and they appreciate the work we do.

COLLABORATION WITH DIFFERENT CORPORATE IDENTITIES
JCI has set a new bar when it comes to organizing various meaningful events with corporate affiliations. What’s the recipe for success?
One philosophy that we all truly believe in JCI is creating a partnership and working in collaboration with different stakeholders of the society. In JCI Bangladesh, we believe not only in recognition of our members, but we value and recognize the positive contributions made by different individuals in Bangladesh to make this world a better place for us. And when it comes to the recipe for success, I guess the answer lies in your question, we organize meaningful events that positively impact our society and the youth.

What would be your advice for young JCs to ensure successful corporate collaborations?
Doing the homework is imperative. By that I mean you should have a detailed idea about the cause (events, projects) and the organizations that you want to develop collaboration with. We must understand the philosophy of an organization and find common ground with the philosophies and beliefs of JCI. It is also important to follow specific guidelines while developing a proposal or a presentation. One must always remember that a significant cause can bring great collaboration.

LOCAL EVENTS AND TRAINING
What are the various training programs different Local Chapter and JCI Bangladesh organize? What is the impact of these training programs?
There are some ‘Official’ and ‘Recommended’ courses of JCI, which members need to complete to have a better understanding of JCI, its mission, vision and also to become a trainer. These training not only increase members’ knowledge about JCI but also have a very positive impact on a member’s personal development. This year JCI Bangladesh is organizing all the training in collaboration with the Local Chapters. After completing a course, a member needs to pass an online test. Many soft skills training are also organized by the Local Chapters. We already have a pool of world-class JCI Trainers, and we believe in increasing this number over the years.

Could you elaborate on the events organized by JCI Bangladesh and Local Chapters?
JCI Bangladesh has some signature events such as TOYP, Peace is Possible, Leadership Academy, Public Speaking and Debate Championship, National Convention that not only focus on our members and fellowship but also recognizes the contribution made by young people towards the betterment of Bangladesh. Apart from that we also organize an annual Iftar program, Family Day Out, etc. This year, in particular, JCI Bangladesh will organize two grand events that will focus on the youths of Bangladesh. Local Chapters organize many meaningful and impactful events throughout the years that focus on their members and also different communities in needs.

APDC AND INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
How does JCI Bangladesh ensure a good international collaboration with counterparts in abroad?
JCI members are well connected by their common mission and vision statement around the world. But apart from that JCI members exchange their ideas, views, etc. through the international conferences, twinnings and meeting with other chapters. JCI Bangladesh ensures good international relations by participating international conferences, twinning agreements, inviting other JCI member to local events, etc.

What is APDC? Could you detail the council’s (APDC) purpose?
APDC stands for Asia Pacific Development Council. APDC consists of a group of people who works for the development of JCI in those countries where JCI is not present or with the national organization who are struggling to establish JCI in the Asia Pacific region. Each year JCI Bangladesh nominates its members to work on the international platform where the members get the chance of self-development and also to contribute to other communities as well. By being an APDC member, JCI Bangladesh members can highlight JCI Bangladesh in the international arena, and they can use their experience in Bangladesh to make our local community a better one.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS, RULES AND REGULATIONS
What are the international events that JCI organize worldwide? Briefly detail the goals and objectives.
Being a global network of active citizens, JCI holds area conference for respective four areas: Asia & Pacific, the America, European Conference and Africa & Middle East during mid-May till June. This year Asia & Pacific Conference in Japan. Global Partnership Summit in United Nations HQ in New York in July and World Conference in end of October in Goa, India to elect and select the new board for the upcoming year. As globally-minded young people, we all have rights, responsibilities, and share goals. We find targeted solutions to local issues benefiting our communities, our world, and our future.

How do you ensure that individual chapters of JCI are abiding by rules and regulations that are set up by the international body?
JCI has its constitution, and we have a guideline so that every National Organisation and Local Organisation is aligned with the JCI constitution. And as a JCI member we take the oath to serve as a JCI member faithfully and to the best of our ability serve as a living example of the organization’s philosophy, and belief and any member failing to do so go through Disciplinary Committee.

PROJECTS AND ACTIVE CITIZEN FRAMEWORK
What is Active Citizen Framework? Why is it important?
The JCI Active Citizen Framework is a methodology for running sustainable, needs-based projects that create measurable results in communities. The process starts with assessing local needs, engaging partners to share resources and strengths, conducting action-oriented projects and finally monitoring and evaluating results to ensure tangible, effective positive impact. The JCI Active Citizen Framework empowers young people to create impact for a better world.

What are the topics that need to be remembered while projects are being designed?
JCI members use the three stages of community development, health and wellness, education and economic empowerment and sustainability to determine local needs, form solutions and take action. While developing a project we need to determine the community needs, find out the cause, carry out regular activities to have a sustainable impact and evaluate the project. It must be noted that we should always choose a local community where we have good access and rapport.

MEMBERSHIP AND UTILIZATION OF FUNDS
Could you elaborate on the members and membership growth in different Local Chapters?
At present, we have 14 Local Chapters, and currently, we have over 800 members. Each Local Chapter has its uniqueness. All the members truly believe in the mission, vision, and creed of JCI. The Chapters are carrying out different events, projects, etc. that generates interest of the youths of Bangladesh, and they become involved with the Local Chapters. Over the years we have witnessed a considerable increase in the number of our members.

What are the financial aspects of this chapter?
It is essential to present a treasury report at the meetings so that all the members are aware of the financial standing including the expenditure and the income. The process is a lengthy one and needs a lot of explanation. Just to keep it simple it must be remembered that proper utilization of funds is necessary and we have to ensure that the maximum impactful output is achieved, while we are making any decision regarding expenditure.