To join JCI in the Philippines, you need to be 18 to 40 years old and become a member of a local organization, the JCI chapter in your city or province. Find a chapter near you, attend its orientation for prospective members, join a project, and pay the chapter's annual membership dues. You do not need leadership experience. Training is part of being a member.
JCI, or Junior Chamber International, is a global network of young active citizens. If you are new to it, start with our explainer on what JCI means. This guide covers the practical side: who can join, the steps, and what your first year looks like.
Who can join JCI?
JCI is open to young people aged 18 to 40. Members come from every walk of life:
- College students and fresh graduates
- Employees in private companies and government offices
- Professionals such as nurses, engineers, lawyers, teachers and accountants
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners
Each local organization sets its own focus and culture. Some chapters accept everyone, while others are for men only or women only. JCI Roxas Halaran, for example, is an all-male chapter open to men aged 18 to 40. If one chapter does not fit you, another nearby may.
Members named JCI Senators for outstanding service keep a lifetime membership after they turn 40.
How to join JCI: step by step
- Find a local organization. JCI Philippines has chapters in cities and provinces across the country. You can browse its list of local organizations, or fill out the Join Us form on the JCI Philippines website, and the national office will refer you to a chapter near you. Searching Facebook for "JCI" plus your city also works, since most chapters post their activities there.
- Reach out to the chapter. Message the chapter's page or email its officers. Ask when their next orientation or project is. The officer in charge of new members is usually a vice president or director for membership.
- Attend an orientation. Chapters hold orientations for prospective members that explain JCI's mission, history, programs and what is expected of members. In Roxas City these events are called Opportunity to Impact, or OTI, and the chapters often run them together.
- Join a project. Most chapters want you to see the work before you commit. Volunteer at a feeding program, a tree planting or a training. It is the best way to meet members and see if the chapter fits you.
- Apply and pay your dues. Fill out the chapter's membership form and pay the annual dues. Part of the dues goes to JCI Philippines and JCI's international office, and part stays with the chapter.
- Get inducted. New members and officers are formally welcomed at an induction ceremony, often held at the start of the JCI year. Many Philippine chapters hold joint inductions, where several chapters in a city induct their members together.
How much does it cost to join JCI?
Every chapter sets its own annual dues, and the amount changes from year to year, so ask the chapter directly. Budget for a few other costs too:
- Chapter shirt or uniform, often worn at projects and meetings
- Training and convention fees, if you attend area conferences or the national convention
- Project fundraising, since chapters raise their own money for community projects. Our sponsorship letter sample shows how many chapters approach sponsors.
Ask what the dues cover before you pay, and whether the chapter has payment terms for students.
What you do in your first year
JCI is a "learn by doing" organization. In your first year, you can expect to:
- Volunteer at projects. You will help plan and run community projects, from small one-day activities to bigger events with sponsors and partners.
- Take basic training. JCI offers courses on public speaking, project management, running effective meetings and leadership. Our guides on public speaking and types of leadership are a good warm-up.
- Chair something. Many first-year members chair a project or a committee. It is the fastest way to learn.
- Meet members from other chapters. Area conferences and the national convention bring members from across the country together.
By your second or third year, you may sit on the board of directors. Officer terms usually last one year, so there are many chances to lead.
Is joining JCI worth it?
It depends on what you put in. Members who show up to projects and trainings say they gain skills that are hard to learn elsewhere: speaking in front of a crowd, managing volunteers, asking sponsors for support and running a budget. They also gain friends and a professional network across the country.
The trade-off is time. Projects happen on weekends and evenings, and officer roles take more. If you can give a few hours a month at the start, you will get a real feel for it.
How to join JCI in Capiz
If you live in Roxas City or elsewhere in Capiz, you have several local organizations to choose from. Read our guide to JCI in Roxas City and Capiz to see how they differ.
JCI Roxas Halaran is open to men aged 18 to 40. To join us:
- Fill out the form on our Join page or message us on Facebook.
- Come to our next Opportunity to Impact orientation or one of our upcoming events.
- Volunteer at a project such as Hot Meals on Wheels or Coastline Cuts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I join JCI if I am over 40?
Regular membership is for ages 18 to 40. Some chapters welcome older supporters as partners, sponsors or resource speakers, and JCI Senators keep a lifetime membership.
Do I need to be a business owner to join JCI?
No. Despite "Chamber" in the name, JCI is not a business chamber. Students, employees and professionals of any field can join.
Can I join JCI as a student?
Yes, if you are at least 18. Some chapters have members who are still in college.
Can I join more than one JCI chapter?
Members belong to one local organization, but chapters often work together on projects, so you will meet members from other chapters.
How long does it take to become a member?
It depends on the chapter and when its next orientation is held. Many chapters recruit before the new JCI year starts, so the months before an induction are a good time to reach out.
Ready to start?
The first step is small: message a chapter and show up. If you are a man aged 18 to 40 in Capiz, become a member of JCI Roxas Halaran, or see our projects first.
