Jaycee: Developers of People, Builders of Communities

Book appears un-read and the jacket has a tiny hint of shelf wear only. In its heyday, Jaycee was one of New Zealand's liveliest service organisations, with members who were both 'developers of people' and 'builders of communities'. The organisation made an impressive contribution to the social infrastructure of New Zealand after World War II and later. Almost every community has amenities built or aided by the Jaycees. The organisation's role in training leaders in politics, local government and business is less well known but many a parliamentarian and mayor learned public speaking and meeting procedure in a Jaycee chapter. Jaycee was also an international movement that looked to foster world peace through democracy, trade and international brotherhood. New Zealand Jaycees boxed far above their weight in the international body, taking a strong lead in the Asia-Pacific region. But, like the whole voluntary sector throughout the western world, Jaycee lost ground as new forces in society and the economy invaded its niche. By century's end the decline in social capital and social cohesion emerged as a worldwide concern. As the New Zealand movement celebrates its 75th anniversary it faces reinventing itself in this new situation. This readable and well-illustrated book remembers the fun times and the more serious times, while making an important contribution to New Zealand history and the international study of service organisations. (Source:Google Books 5/2/17).…