Active Citizen Experience (ACE) is the new award programme from JCI United Kingdom that that recognises JCI members volunteering their time, both inside and outside of JCI and in their, local community. Next week at JCI UK National Convention in Sheffield,  JCI London Communtiy Team has two members collecting ACE awards next weekend (25-27 November). You met our first Active Citizen Mehnaz Siddiqui earlier on in the year, we would like to introduce our second community team member Frene Angeli, read about what motivates her to volunteer in the local community and JCI.

How long have you been a member?                                                                 

I have been a member for nine months now.


Why did you join JCI?

I was originally looking for somewhere I could learn new skills and be involved in different projects. When I found out more about JCI I was taken aback by how much of it reflects my own personal interests:business, training and serving the community, in particular. I studied European languages at university and have a keen interest in theinternational dimension. I really enjoyed being part of the International Team this year, helping to organise the Twinning Weekend in London this September.
I will be supporting Mehnaz Saddiqui as the Deputy Training Director in 2012, which I am really looking forward to. I am hooked on personal development and looking forward to developing my skills by being on the JCI London Council and organising more events.

What community projects have you been involved in outside of JCI and work?

This year, I had the opportunity to be involved in recruiting volunteers for the London Olympics. This was a great opportunity to
learn new skills such as interviewing candidates and facilitating group selection activities. Not only that, I got to meet all kinds of
different people and, of course, got a great sense of fulfillment from having a positive impact on the community. Volunteering doesn't necessarily need to take up a lot of your time. I have recently discovered an organisation (Hands On London) that promotes a calendar of different volunteering activies happening every day in London. Anyone can give up the occasional few hours at the weekend and the personal rewards are so great.

What advice would you give to other JCI members wanting to get involved in their local community?

Go for it! We all lead busy lives and some may be under the impression that it would take up a lot of time. This isn't the case. I would recommend people search for opportunities on www.do-it.org.uk or their local borough's volunteer centre.

What do you enjoy most about being a JCI member?

I love the fact that I have met so many great people this year. It is refreshing to be in an environment where people are so positive and interested in developing themselves and those around them. There is such a great programme of events and activities, with so many opportunities to learn and to meet new people. I only wish that I had discovered JCI earlier in life!

Frene Angeli JCI London Community Team Member

JCI London Deputy Training Director 2012

Why not come along to the next community team meeting to find out more about how we can help you make an impact in your local community and JCI.

Dates of our team meetings:

Tuesday 22 November, sign up here

Tuesday 13 December, sign up here