OUTSTANDING YOUNG FARMER

The roots of the Outstanding Young Farmer (OYF) program date back to the founding of The U.S. Junior Chamber. In 1920, in his first speech as National President, founder Henry Giessenbier stated that one of two national concerns on which the Junior Chamber should focus its attention was the improvement of conditions for the farmer and better urban-rural relations through a keener understanding of agricultural problems. In 1951, Jaycee Dale Spears, of Shenandoah, Iowa, put Giessenbier's challenge into action in designing a program to honor Shenandoah's Outstanding Young Farmers. It was soon conducted as a statewide program by the Iowa Junior Chamber and, in 1954, was adopted by The U.S. Junior Chamber as a national priority program. The purpose of the Outstanding Young Farmer program is to bring about a greater interest in the farmer, to foster better urban-rural relations through the understanding of the farmers' problems, to develop an appreciation of their contributions and achievements, and to inform the agribusiness community of the growing urban awareness of farmers' importance and impact on the American economy.

Check with the State Executive Team for more information!!

TEN OUTSTANDING YOUNG AMERICANS

The Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) project exists to recognize and honor ten Americans each year who exemplify the best attributes of the nation’s young people, aged 18 through 40. The Ten Outstanding Young Men program was officially adopted in 1938 and has been conducted annually since 1940. In 1984, The U.S. Junior Chamber admitted women as members and, in accordance with this change, reorganized this awards program to reflect the organization’s membership. In 1985, the program was officially changed to Ten Outstanding Young Americans, recognizing the accomplishments of young women and men. Winners are selected on their achievement or contribution in at least three of the following areas: personal improvement or accomplishment; financial success or economic innovation; social improvement to major contemporary problems; philanthropic contribution or voluntary service; politics or government service; scientific or technological contributions; legal reform; cultural achievement (literature, history, education, arts); academic leadership or accomplishment; moral and religious leadership; athletic accomplishment; success in the influence of public opinion; any other important contribution to the community, state, or nation. Copies of all entries are sent to screening judges who independently select and rank the twenty semi-finalists. The entries of the semi-finalists are sent to finalist judges who independently narrow the selection to the ten men and women selected as TOYA honorees.

Of the more than 600 young Americans honored, many were recognized before the achievements for which they are now known: John F. Kennedy, Gerald R. Ford, Ann Bancroft, Gale Sayers, Elvis Presley, Dan Quayle, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, Larry Holmes, Bill Clinton, Jeanna Yeager, Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson. Refer to the USJC website for a complete listing of the past honorees.

Check with the State Executive Team on how you can nominate an Outstanding Young American in your area!!

GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT

The United States Junior Chamber has a long history of impacting the nation through projects specifically directed at action and involvement with local, state, and national government agencies. From the original Get Out the Vote campaign in 1923 to working to ensure statehood for Alaska and Hawaii in 1959. In 1962 Jaycees also urged adoption of Uniform Vehicle Code, with emphasis on state action resulting in adoption nationally. Jaycees have also used the skills and contacts made through Govermental Involvement projects to run for various elected offices including President of the United States. (Bill Clinton, Arkansas Jaycee and past honoree of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans) Listed below are three ways in which your chapter can impact your community through involvement in your government. The United States Junior Chamber has a long history of impacting the nation through projects specifically directed at action and involvement with local, state, and national government agencies. From the original Get Out the Vote campaign in 1923 to working to ensure statehood for and in 1959. In 1962 Jaycees also urged adoption of Uniform Vehicle Code, with emphasis on state action resulting in adoption nationally. Jaycees have also used the skills and contacts made through Govermental Involvement projects to run for various elected offices including President of the . (Bill Clinton, Arkansas Jaycee and past honoree of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans) Listed below are three ways in which your chapter can impact your community through involvement in your government.

Get Out the Vote

The United States Junior Chamber and chapters across the nation encourage Americans to "Get Out the Vote." Americans are given the freedom of choice - to choose which candidate to elect or whether to vote at all. An alarming number of citizens are choosing the second option, leaving only a handful of people to decide who will run our country. Through the exciting Get Out the Vote program, Jaycee chapters throughout the country will combine efforts in their communities to educate and encourage people not only to register, but also to cast their vote on election day. Projects include candidate forums, voter registration campaigns, town hall meetings, and other projects designed to inform and educate the local electorate and encourage an increased participation in the process of democracy. Click here to download a copy of the most recent Get Out the Vote Manual.

Social Security Reform

The United States Social Security program is on a path to economic insolvency. A recent poll shows that only 25 percent of young adults believe Social Security will exist when they retire. As America's largest grassroots organization for young people, The U.S. Junior Chamber is committed to a search for realistic solutions to the growing problems with Social Security. Local Jaycee chapters are encouraged to spearhead town hall meetings to stimulate the debate, develop solutions, and gather additional input.


Government Affairs Leadership Seminar (GALS)

Since being welcomed to the first Governmental Affairs Leadership Seminar (GALS) in 1962 by then-Representative Gerald Ford, the leaders of The United States Junior Chamber of Commerce have met annually in the nation’s capital to hear from White House officials, Cabinet secretaries, and Members of Congress about issues of importance to America’s young people. GALS is designed to offer Junior Chamber leaders the opportunity to meet with the women and men responsible for making public policies that guide the nation’s course of action. Special briefing sessions have also been held with Junior Chamber members. In the past, these sessions have focused on such issues as the Panama Canal, former President Jimmy Carter’s budget proposal, the 1980 energy crisis, the downing of Korean Airlines 007, and U.S. - Japan trade relations. Special interest seminars have been designed to help Junior Chamber members understand complex issues regarding international trade, American business policy, and foreign and defense matters. Practical tips regarding lobbying elected officials and conducting election-year activities have also been featured. As a result of information gathered at GALS, the Junior Chamber’s National Board of Directors has adopted several external policies concerning such issues as a balanced federal budget, the presidential veto, term limitations for elected officials, and volunteer liability legislation.

To get involved, contact:
United States Junior Chamber
15645 Olive Blvd, Suite A
Chesterfield, MO 63017
phone: 636-778-3010
fax: 636-449-3107