Bridge the Gap

Written by Kevin Hin

2020 marks the start of a new decade, therefore, making it time to take a step back and reflect on all that we’ve achieved since the turn of the century. As we reflect, it’s also important to focus on the work that still needs to be done in order to reach our goal defined in 1915 by our founder, Henry Giessenbier, to reach a permanent and everlasting world peace. JCI members have been working toward this goal at the local level so we can end poverty, climate change and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

It is time for us to step up and become true actors in building a better future by becoming better leaders, generating positive change. This is where JCI stands out as the global organization that provides development opportunities for young leaders to shine and become agents of positive change through business skills, individual development, international networking and community action.   

I am proud to have the opportunity to lead the talented international team at JCI World Headquarters this year and this new decade as we follow the theme of the 2020 JCI President Itai Manyere—to Bridge the Gap. More than ever, the JCI World Headquarters role will be to support and serve our members working at the grassroots level who create sustainable impact every day. As JCI Secretary General, I will hold this team accountable for being transparent with, showing support to and empowering our members while holding their interests in mind. 

As defined in the 2020 Plan of Action, we will carry on engaging various partners from civil society and building on relationships that can benefit our members. We will help JCI Local and National Organizations to consolidate links with government officials and building new relations with businesses and corporations that share likeminded values as our organization. 

We will showcase the most impactful projects around the world by highlighting the projects and impact of our members while sharing best practices for JCI Programs and sustainable development at the local level. We will emphasize successful and useful tools, such as the Active Citizenship Framework, not just for community projects, but for initiatives that cover the business, individual and international areas of opportunity.  

We will carry on with being advocates for peace and global leaders in the different areas of the world by pushing out a new campaign that is close to the heart of our 2020 President. We will bring the fight to a disease that has been a major cause of mortality around the world for decades with the Tougher Than Cancer campaign. Our actions will highlight to communities, especially young people, the causes of the illness, the importance of prevention and early detection to increase the possibility of a full recovery. Look forward to learning more about this campaign in 2020! 

The JCI World Headquarters team is very excited to serve our members effectively this year. I firmly believe that for JCI, the best is yet to come, and we are here to play our part!