Established in 1920 (the Coopersville chapter was established in the 1980s) to provide opportunities for young men to develop personal and leadership skills through service to others, the Jaycees later expanded to include women, reflecting the growing influence and leadership of women in America.

For the past 83 years, Jaycees have been a force for good in America and around the world. Jaycees helped establish AirMail services in America with Jaycee Charles Lindbergh, and have raised millions of dollars for causes such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the March of Dimes. They have built parks, playgrounds, hospitals, ball fields, and housing for the elderly while conducting service and support programs in thousands of communities nationwide.

Jaycees can be found in all walks of life: governmental leaders such as past Presidents Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford, business tycoons such as Domino’s Pizza mogul Tom Monaghan, registered nurse and former Miss America Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson, sports heroes like basketball great Larry Bird – name the field and Jaycees can be found at the forefront.

With the focus of the nation on volunteerism, from the smallest towns to the largest cities, the Jaycees are enlarging areas of opportunity for young people.

Looking for a Jaycee club in your area? Try here. (if you don't see a chapter in your area, try your state's website).

Members are encouraged to get involved with local projects. Members are also encouraged to develop their leadership skills by taking on a position in the managment of the chapter. That leadership development can even be taken further to managing the state, national, and international organization.

Although there are numerous benefits to membership in the organization, there are also some concrete and tangible benefits as well. Click here to learn about the other member benefits.