The Power of Joining JCI: Empowering the Leaders of Tomorrow

By Mitchell Westra,
JCI United Kingdom, Director of Growth and Development

As we step into 2025, I am delighted to send a message of greeting, and to reflect on something that unites all members of this exceptional organisation: the shared belief that young people can – and should – be the driving force for positive change. It’s a belief that has brought many thousands of individuals to JCI since its inception in 1915, and it's what has kept our network vibrant and dynamic for 110 years.

I joined the board of JCI Melbourne in 2015 because it offered the opportunity to lead on issues that are important to me. JCI provided me with a platform to step up, take on responsibility, and develop essential leadership skills that have served me well throughout my career. Whether you’re leading a project, organising an event, or collaborating with like-minded individuals, JCI allows you to grow as a leader and build a legacy in your community.

But leadership opportunities alone are not enough. Another reason many of us join JCI is to make a tangible impact. At the heart of JCI’s mission is the desire to create positive change. Whether it's addressing local challenges like poverty and inequality, or global issues such as climate change, JCI empowers you to be part of real-world solutions. As a member, you have the tools and support to turn your ideas into action and see the difference you can make.

And let’s not forget the importance of community. JCI connects young people from all walks of life, across countries, cultures, and backgrounds. It’s a space where diverse perspectives come together to solve problems, share experiences, and build lifelong friendships. The relationships you form within JCI are some of the most rewarding, as they not only help you grow personally, but also expand your global network in ways that will open doors for you both professionally and personally. Having worked as a consultant across three continents, I know how important and valuable that global network can be.

In 2025, as JCI continues to strengthen its impact, I encourage each of you to remember why you first joined. Whether it was to develop your leadership skills, to contribute to meaningful change, or to build connections that will last a lifetime, the opportunities that JCI offers are only limited by your ambition.

As we embark on our 110^th year, I challenge each of you to embrace these opportunities fully. Lead with courage, serve with passion, and above all, never underestimate the difference you can make. Together, we can ensure that JCI remains a beacon of inspiration and action, not just in the United Kingdom, but around the world.

Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, collaboration, and transformation – for each of us, for JCI, and for the communities we serve.