Junior Civitan International

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Junior Civitan International
Image:Junior Civitan logo small.jpg
Founded 1927
Headquarters Birmingham, Alabama
Focus Developmental Disabilities
Method Community service through service clubs
Members 15,000
Slogan "Service Redefined"
Website http://www.juniorcivitan.org

Junior Civitan International is a student-led service organization for middle and high school students. There are 15,000 Junior Civitan members in 450 clubs in North America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.[1] It is a part of Civitan International.

Contents

[edit] History

The first Junior Civitan club was formed in 1927 by a school teacher in Maine. Unaware of the existence of Civitan International, she created a group for her students that promoted good citizenship and called it Civitan. When members of Civitan International discovered that their organization's name was being used by another group, they reached an agreement which allowed the school club to call itself Junior Civitan. Also, Civitan International agreed to informally promote the creation of clubs for students around the country.[2]

Several more Junior Civitan clubs formed across the country. In 1932, Civitan began to issue official charters to the Junior Civitan clubs.[3] It was not until 1939 that Civitan International passed an official resolution to adopt the Junior Civitan program.[4]

[edit] Service Projects

On a local level, individual Junior Civitan clubs undertake various service projects which benefit their local communities. Examples of club events include raising money to prevent the use of child soldiers in Uganda[5] and hosting events for the developmentally disabled.[6] Clubs operate independently of the international organization or other clubs, leaving them free to participate in whatever service they deem appropriate.

While individual clubs are free to pursue their own projects, on an international level Junior Civitan is focused on service to the developmentally disabled. This emphasis was adopted in 1956.[7] Many of Junior Civitans projects benefit the UAB Civitan International Research Center, the first institution of its kind to be focused solely on the research of developmental disabilities.

[edit] International Events

[edit] Sno-Do

Sno-Do is one of Junior Civitan's most important fundraisers; it is held annually in Barrie, Ontario. Participants raise money to participate in a snowmobile ride through the Canadian countryside. The event has raised more than $1.5 million for the research of developmental disabilities since its inception.[8]

[edit] Dance-a-Thon

Dance-A-Thon is Junior Civitan's second most important fundraising event. Any Junior Civitan who raises enough money can travel to Canada for participation in an international dance event. The event lasts for 12 hours, with particpants following a specially devised menu to provide maximum energy. This fundraiser has generated over $1 million for the research of developmental disabilities at the UAB Civitan International Research Center.[9]

[edit] International Convention

Junior Civitan holds an international convention once each year. Junior Civitans who attend the convention participate in international officer elections, business sessions, workshops, dances, and social activities.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Junior Civitan: Service Redefined. Junior Civitan International Website. Retrieved on 2008-05-27.
  2. ^ Armbrester, Margaret E. (1992). The Civitan Story. Birmingham, AL: Ebsco Media, 21. 
  3. ^ Junior Civitan History. Junior Civitan International Website. Retrieved on 2008-05-28.
  4. ^ Armbrester, Margaret E. (1992). The Civitan Story. Birmingham, AL: Ebsco Media, 47. 
  5. ^ Alpharetta students raise money for Uganda schools. Atlanta Journal Constitution (2008-05-21). Retrieved on 2008-05-27.
  6. ^ Abundant Living tries to 'meet folks where they are'. Salisbury Post (2008-05-02). Retrieved on 2008-05-27.
  7. ^ Leonhart, James Chancellor (1962). The Fabulous Octogenarian. Baltimore Maryland: Redwood House, Inc., 287. 
  8. ^ Junior Civitan Sno-Do. Junior Civitan International Website. Retrieved on 2008-05-28.
  9. ^ Junior Civitan Dance-a-Thon. Junior Civitan International Website. Retrieved on 2008-05-28.


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