Frequently Asked Questions about the Wilmington Jaycees
Q: What is the Wilmington Jaycees?
A: We are a leadership, community service and social organization for young adults between the ages of 21 and 40. We run projects and events in 4 different areas of opportunity: Individual Development, Community Development, Management Development and Membership Development. We help people and have fun doing it.
Q: Is there a minimum requirement for participation in events?
A: No. The Jaycees is a unique organization that does not require participation in events. We have a saying around the Jaycees, “You get out of the organization what you put into it”. You decide your level of participation. Any amount of time is appreciated and it is well worth getting involved. It is recommended that you attend one monthly meeting and consider being part of at least one committee. Every chapter is different, but we realize your time is valuable.
Q: How much are membership dues?
A: Membership dues are $50.
Q: How can I become a member?
A: All you have to do to become a member is fill out a membership application, pay your first year’s dues ($50) and be sworn in by the Wilmington Jaycees President.
Q: How often are general membership meetings?
A: We meet once a month at 6:30 pm on the 3rd Wednesday at Corporation Service Company located at 251 Little Falls Dr. Wilm. DE 19808 – Directions.
Q: What goes on at a general membership meeting?
A: We will sometimes order pizza or have hors d’ouevres and beverages. The meeting begins at 6:30 pm and is usually kept to an hour. The Jaycee President facilitates the meeting and follows an agenda. We sometimes have a guest speaker at the beginning. Then we informally go over our upcoming events and announcements. You will have a chance to sign up for events and ask questions. Sometimes we have a raffle or present awards and member rewards. New members are sworn in and then we adjourn, and usually socialize.
Q: Who can come to the membership meetings?
A: Everyone is welcome to attend our membership meetings. We encourage you to bring friends. The more the merrier.
Q: Do you have to be a member to attend a Jaycee event?
A: No. Our events are open to everyone. If there ever is an exception to this, we would publicize the event as “members only”.
Q: I have another obligation on Wednesday nights and cannot attend the membership meetings. Can I still be a member?
A: Of course. There is no attendance requirement for meetings. We have several events each month and you can participate in as many or as little as you like.
Q: Do you have to live in Wilmington to be a member?
A: No. We have members from all over the area.
Q: Is there an age requirement to be a member?
A: Yes. Wilmington Jaycees members have to be between the ages of 21 and 40.
Q: What happens when you turn 40?
A: Members can renew their membership until their 41st birthday. You can become an associate member if you are 41 years when it time to renew your membership. You can still participate in events, but are not permitted to coordinate a project. Also, annual dues decrease to $25 per year.
Q: Are there other Jaycees chapters in Delaware?
A: Yes. There is a chapter in New Castle. Both chapters combine to make up the Delaware Jaycees.
Q: Are there Jaycees in other states?
A: Yes. There are Jaycee chapters in 48 states. The combined states make up the U.S. Jaycees or JCI USA and the international organization is the Junior Chamber International (JCI).
Q: Are the Wilmington Jaycees affiliated with a political party?
A: No. We are not a political organization.
Q: Are the Wilmington Jaycees affiliated with a religion?
A: No. We are not a religious organization. We welcome people of all religions.
Q: Do I have to sign up to attend an event?
A: Signing up for an event is not required, however it is strongly recommended. Signing up will help the project coordinator know how many people to expect and they can plan accordingly. This allows the project coordinator to assign tasks or know how much food and beverage to buy etc.
Q: How do I sign up for an event?
A: You can put your name on the sign up sheet provided at a general membership meeting, or you can contact the project coordinator by phone, e-mail or in person. Contact information for the project coordinator is usually made available on the web site and the calendar of events e-mail sent by the Jaycees President.
Q: I signed up for an event but something has come up and I can no longer attend. What should I do?
A: Contact the project coordinator to let them know you will not be attending.
Q: Does the Wilmington Jaycees rent their building out for private functions?
A: We no longer offer our facility for rentals.