Junior Chamber International · Delaware
Delaware’s young leaders, doing good together.
JCI Delaware is home to two local Jaycees chapters, in Wilmington and New Castle, where people ages 18 to 40 build leadership skills by running real projects in their own community.
1941
Wilmington Jaycees founded
1958
New Castle Jaycees founded
100+
countries in the JCI network
Two chapters, one mission
Each chapter runs its own meetings, projects and socials. Pick the one closest to where you live or work, or come to both. You’ll be welcome either way.
Since 1941
JCI Wilmington
City of Wilmington
The longest-running leadership development and community service organization in the city. Members run the Thanksgiving food basket drive at West End Neighborhood House and present the Outstanding Young Wilmingtonian award.
Since 1958
New Castle Jaycees
New Castle area
First organized on February 10, 1958, at the Goodwill Fire Company. The chapter develops young professionals through training, service projects and partnerships with other local organizations.
A century of young leaders
The Jaycees started with one idea: young people shouldn’t have to wait until their forties to lead. Delaware has carried that idea for more than 80 years.
“Harvard gave me an education, but Junior Chamber gave me an education for life.”
John F. Kennedy
1915
It starts in St. Louis
Henry Giessenbier and 32 young men form the Young Men’s Progressive Civic Association.
1920
The U.S. Junior Chamber
The national organization forms with 3,000 members. Today it’s JCI USA.
1941
Wilmington Jaycees
The city’s chapter begins decades of food drives, awards and civic projects.
1958
New Castle Jaycees
Founded February 10 at the Goodwill Fire Company in New Castle.
Today
Part of a global network
Delaware members connect with JCI USA and Junior Chamber International in more than 100 countries.
What membership gets you
Membership is open to anyone ages 18 to 40. You join through a local chapter, and that also makes you a member of JCI USA and JCI worldwide.
Lead
Chair a project, run a committee or serve on the board, often in your first year.
Serve
Hands-on projects that feed families, honor local leaders and support neighbors.
Connect
Meet other young professionals locally, then at state, national and world events.
Grow
Training in public speaking, project management and facilitation you can use at work.
1
Pick a chapter
Wilmington or New Castle, whichever fits your week.
2
Come as a guest
Drop in on a monthly get-together. No commitment.
3
Join
Pay annual dues through your chapter and you’re in.
Ready to get involved?
Reach out to the chapter nearest you. Someone will get back to you and invite you to the next event.