It was a whirlwind weekend spent in Ajax, Ontario where JCI Durham hosted the 2014 JCI National Conference., conference chair.
Congratulations to Erin Guillemette, event chair, and your team for organizing
such a fantastic event!
Most of the 16 JCI chapters across Canada were
represented at this year’s conference, which serves to gather Canadian members
to share ideas and expertise, to take part in the General Assembly, earn
recognition in the National Awards Ceremony and cast their vote in the JCI Canada’s
National Board.
Of the many Canadian delegates who gathered to share,
learn and have fun, JCI Winnipeg was represented by Katrina Hueging, VP
Fellowship, Joel Mabon, Director, Natasha Fisher, VP Membership (EffectiveSpeaking Champion of the Americas) and myself, JCI President Danelle Hueging.
We also had the pleasure of welcoming JCI Senator Gord Kraushar and his wife
Arlene, who joined us for the JCI Senator’s conference taking place on the same
weekend.
Wednesday night’s opening ceremonies kicked off the
convention. We welcomed several USA Jaycees, along with a few JCI Senators. Always
fun catching up with members from across North America!
Thursday marked the formal aspects of the convention –
all Chapter Presidents and the JCI National Board were in General Assembly,
reviewing progress made with the 2014 strategic plan, reviewing budgets and
sharing updates from local chapters. JCI Durham, convention hosts, had planned
workshops for all other members not participating in General Assembly, including
sessions on entrepreneurship, fundraising and active citizenship.
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| JCI Winnipeg President Danelle Hueging addressing General Assembly. |
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This made for a very busy day full of networking and
the learning never stopped.
Thursday night we had an “All Aboard” theme night,
where everyone dressed up in their finest sailor attire! Between karaoke, some
bad sailor jokes and getting re-acquainted with fellow members from across the
country, a lot of great stories were shared and fun memories made.
One of my highlights from Friday was seeing our regional
Effective Speaking Champ Katrina compete in the National Effective Speaking Competition
– she did so well. Not to brag, but she also took home the award for Best
Impromptu Speech. Nicely done Katrina – we’re so proud of you getting to the
national stage!
Later, I accepted my nomination as National
Vice-President for the JCI National Board. I’m eager to begin working on JCI’s
national objectives and look forward to the development opportunities this will
bring for my fellow JCI Winnipeg members.
Friday evening was reserved for the JCI National Awards
Ceremony, which celebrates personal and chapter achievements, the highlight of
the National Conference! I’m so proud of the hard work our members put into the
projects, and we are bringing home the following recognition:
*Best Chapter Management Initiative (Communications)
*Best Local UN MDG Project (Winnipeg Harvest Food Drive)
*Best Community Impact Award (Roundtable Breakfast Club)
and GOLD Chapter Excellence for our chapter diligence!
Special congratulations to Natasha Fisher for being
nominated as Executive Board Member of the year, and to Simon Méthot for being
nominated as Best New Member of the Year – JCI Winnipeg was able to accomplish
a lot over the past year with strong team members like yourselves giving 110%!
JCI Members, these awards were won because of YOUR
hard work; for stepping up, getting involved and taking action to make a
difference. I am so proud of the positive impact you have in our community and
across Canada-keep up the great work!
Saturday, the delegates were invited to take part in a
‘community clean’, a gorgeous, sunny day for it. This was followed by the President’s
Gala, when the new National Board is sworn in for their term.
JCI Winnipeg took the opportunity to collect donations
for Effective Speaking Champion of the Americas Natasha Fisher’s bid for the
World Title. The finals are taking place in Leipzig, Germany in November 2014.
A 5$ donation would get you an official “Support Button”. Some chose to give
more, including Jean-Simon from Quebec and Shawn from Edmonton who gave 100$
each to help Natasha. And to everyone who gave, whether it was $5 or $50, your
generosity is second to none - thanks for helping us to help her make the trip to
represent Canada on the world stage.
Being a Jaycee really does take on a whole new meaning
when you step outside of your local community projects, and get involved on a
bigger level. I hope that everyone takes the opportunity to get involved in one
of these unforgettable events!
I’m already looking forward to the next one in Calgary
– see you there!
Danelle Hueging
President - JCI Winnipeg
National Vice President - JCI Canada
