CONGRESS NEWSWednesday, November 21, 2012

In this Issue:

JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World JCI Morning Show—Involve!Executive Vice President and Presidential Candidates CaucusJCI Twinning JCI World Public Speaking ChampionshipStrategic Planning Committee ForumToday’s Trainings and Seminars

Celebrating the JCI Countdown to Congress WinnersThese JCI National Organizations stepped up to the challenge and raised one net per member for JCI Nothing But Nets over the past 60 days. This is quite the accomplishment! These JCI countries were recognized for their efforts by UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets Director Chris Helfrich at yesterday’s JCI Morning Show. Send a net to save a life today.

Winners: JCI Denmark $9,129JCI Macao $10,000JCI Malta $1,380JCI Puerto Rico $2,100

Participating National Organizations:JCI MauritiusJCI AustraliaJCI Hong KongJCI JapanJCI MalaysiaJCI TaiwanJCI ArgentinaJCI BrazilJCI CanadaJCI PanamaJCI ParaguayJCI USAJCI FinlandJCI FranceJCI the Netherlands

Hosted by UN Affairs Commissioner Lesley Young and 2012 JCI Vice President Michael Rivera, the 2012 JCI TOYP Ceremony began with a dazzling performance from the Taiwan Chinese Orchestra. After this traditional symphonic production, the passion and spirit of the night only escalated as the TOYP Honorees were presented their prestigious awards.

Every year, JCI honors ten individuals, nominated by JCI members, who provide extraordinary service to their communities, nations or the world as a whole. These individuals exemplify the spirit of the JCI Mission and turn their passion for helping others into action.

Each honoree was introduced with a video highlighting their courageous achievements. Whether it be in the medical field, working with the underprivileged or advocating for the rights of the disabled, each tale brought smiles and tears of joy. The ceremony celebrated the lives of these young active citizens who act as a shining example to their community and to the world. Approaching the stage after their video, each contestant gave a short acceptance speech about their accomplishments in their respective fields. Each one also expressed humble gratitude for JCI’s recognition of their life’s work.

Completed in 1972 to commemorate the life and work of the Republic of China’s National Father, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall was the perfect place to honor these young active citizens.

“God gave us eyes to see the struggles around us, hearts to feel compassion and hands to help,” said Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvana of the Philippines, one of the ten honorees. “So that’s why I am continually inspired to help others.”

The ceremony concluded with all honorees being invited on stage for a photo with 2012 JCI President Bertolt Daems. The presentation of all of the winners was met with much applause and a standing ovation from the audience. All ten honorees smiled, absorbing in the support from enthusiastic JCI delegates. After a heartwarming ceremony, the attendees and honorees departed for Asia Night.

Honoring Outstanding Solution Seekers Whether through innovation, advocacy or service to their communities, the 2012 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) Honorees dedicate themselves to positive change on a local, national and global level.

Dancing to the beat of Gangnam Style, hosts Bonnie Thomas and JCI Vice President Michael Rivera kicked off the show by challenging three members to a dancing competition with the winner receiving a donation of US $100 in their name to JCI Nothing But Nets. Delegates then watched a video about Syria’s ongoing efforts to provide positive change despite the war raging throughout the country and the Syrian delegates in attendance were greeted with a standing ovation.

Guest speaker Chris Helfrich, Director of the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets Campaign again congratulated JCI Syria and thanked the participants of the dance contest for their enthusiasm. He then delivered a presentation on the actions his organization is taking to save lives in Africa.

“Last year, we traveled to Cameroon with JCI Executive Director Arrey Obenson and Vice President Takor Takor to observe the distribution of life saving nets,” said Helfrich. “Thanks to the actions of our partners and JCI members like you, malaria rates in Cameroon have dropped significantly.”

Director Helfrich was then joined on stage by the hosts to help recognize the JCI National Organizations who met their 2012 JCI Countown to Congress challenge goal. JCI President Bertolt Daems and Secretary General Edson A. Kodama were invited on stage following the presentations for a special gift. UN Foundation founder Ted Turner recognized the commitment of JCI members to creating positive change and provided Director Helfrich with a personal letter expressing his sincere appreciation.

Returning to the theme of “Involve,” the hosts invited members to compete in the “Tap into Teamwork” game, which was won by the team from the Americas, including Alejandra Alvarez from Puerto Rico and Maria Ximena Semano from Colombia. The game was followed by a preview of the day’s major programs with Today in Taipei, where delegates quickly guessed what would be happening later in the afternoon and evening.

The Deliver the Difference video contest winner was then shown, with JCI Daraga’s project providing healthcare and education in the Philippines receiving a round of applause from the excited delegates.

Before the show closed out with the JCI Morning Show Raffle, JCI Taiwan National President Sean Y.H. Chang called Director Helfrich back to the stage to surprise him with a US $40,000 donation to JCI Nothing But Nets. The Grand Ballroom erupted with cheers as the check was presented to send 4,000 life-saving nets. Delegates departed, ready to face another exciting day at the JCI World Congress.

Gangnam Goes GlobalLearning about action-based partnerships and celebrating a year of sending nets and saving lives, JCI members opened a new day with an exciting JCI Morning Show.

The JCI Twinning Program is an opportunity for JCI Organizations to exchange ideas with other members from a different part of the world. JCI World Congress is often the place where Twinning partnerships begin. This collaboration expands each Organization’s ability to create a lasting impact in their community and across the globe.

After searching far and wide for another Organization with similar goals, aspirations and readiness to create concrete change, the Congress Twinning Ceremony solidifies this exciting relationship. JCI Twinning provides a unique perspective on the increasing interconnectedness of our world.

2012 JCI Vice Presidents Dr. Hans-Martin Reinicke of JCI Germany and Seung Shup Shin of JCI Korea facilitated the ceremony, encouraging each JCI Local Organization to make the most of out this great opportunity to work together to create solve the challenges of our world. Countries represented at the JCI Twinning Ceremony include JCI Japan, JCI Korea, JCI Niger, JCI Benin, JCI Singapore, JCI Cambodia, JCI Mongolia, JCI Ghana, JCI Mauritius, JCI Luxembourg and JCI South Africa.

These Organizations now have the opportunity to gain remarkable experiences that will increase their appreciation for diversity, cultural understanding and global cooperation.

JCI Twinning Forms Global Friendships

Leading JCI in 2013In the form of a town hall meeting, yesterday’s JCI Candidates Presentation and Caucus was a dynamic discussion between the potential Executive Vice Presidents. As they addressed issues facing our world today, each one talked about how JCI can position itself as a global solutions provider on the local,

national and international level.

Before this discussion began, each candidate provided a lively introduction and took time to share their vision of JCI’s role in the global community. Moderated by 2012 JCI Executive Vice President for Asia and the Pacific Batbayar Ulziidelger, the candidates shared their stories of leadership, growth and life-changing JCI experiences locally and around the world.

Greeted by roaring applause and support, Candidate for 2013 JCI President, Executive Vice President for the Americas Chiara Milani, then took the floor for the Presidential Caucus. Candidate Milani introduced herself with a video and enthusiastically explained why she is running for President along with her vision, goals and plans for JCI in 2013. Past JCI Presidents followed her speech with an interview, posing challenging questions based on the vast knowledge and experience they gained during their year to lead. Make sure you attend General Assembly II this afternoon to see who is elected your 2013 JCI President and international Board of Directors.

Today’s Trainings

Today’s Seminars

TIME EVENT VENUE9:00-18:00 Tradeshow Expo Park

9:00-18:00 Electric Cars’ Experience Expo Park

9:00-10:00 JCI Morning Show Grand Ballroom, The Grand Hotel

10:00-18:00 The Dialogue of Spirit and Heaven - Art Exhibition

Expo Dome, Expo Park

10:30-12:30 JCI Active Citizen FrameWorkshop: Education and Economic Empowerment

Sky Lounge, The Grand Hotel

13:00-16:45 Bio-Economy Forum Chang Chin Room, The Grand Hotel

14:00-17:00 General Assembly II (Elections) Grand Ballroom, The Grand Hotel

14:00-18:00 JCI World Debating Championship (English)

Sky Lounge, The Grand Hotel

14:00-18:00 JCI World Debating Championship (Spanish)

Song Bo Room, The Grand Hotel

14:00-18:00 JCI World Debating Championship (French)

VIP 101, The Grand Hotel

16:00-20:00 The Night of Tennis - Tennis Invitational

Tennis Club, The Grand Hotel

20:30-0:00 JCI Japan Night Expo Park

—Must-See Events —JCI Programs —All day events/locations

Passing the Passion for Positive ChangeSpirited JCI members challenged each other with talent and poise for the title of 2012 World Public Speaking Champion.

Communication is a necessary skill for creating positive change. To find the root of a problem, you must be able to speak with community stakeholders to see what the needs are. Then you can converse with your JCI Local Organization to decide on an action-oriented, sustainable solution. These four World Public Speaking contestants have the fierce speaking skills needed by every JCI member around the world.

First winning at the local level, they advanced and won their national competitions. From there, they competed at the Area Public Speaking Championships at each of their JCI Area Conferences this past May and June to win the title of Area Speaking Champion.

Here in Taipei, the competitors spoke on the same topic, “Cultural diversity is a strength rather than a weakness.” From the passionate presentation of Ola Norén from JCI Norway to the enthusiasm of Rogers Pereira from JCI Brazil, coupled with the energetic display from Umar Azwar from JCI Sri Lanka, the competitors represented a vast range of abilities and styles.

Chaired by 2012 JCI Vice Presidents Takor Takor and Jukka Vainionpaa, the judges will reveal the results of the competition on Thursday, November 22 at the 2012 JCI Awards Ceremony. Practice your speaking skills over the next few months and next year-it could be you!

Paving JCI’s Future PathDelegates, past and current leaders of JCI met at the Strategic Planning Committee Forum to help guide JCI’s upcoming plans.

Delegates packed into the Sky Lounge on Tuesday to discuss the future of the organization and work together to formulate a roadmap to continue advancing the JCI Mission and Vision.

Led by JCI Executive Director Arrey Obenson and General Legal Counsel Toshiharu Shimizu, JCI members were presented with the current state of the organization and an explanation of how our current strategy helps keep JCI relevant in an evolving world. After conducting an analysis of the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, members worked together to connect some future strategies with the JCI Vision.

Discussing potential organizational goals got delegates thinking about how they want JCI to look in the future. All agreed that continuing to expand projects through the JCI Active Citizen Framework would keep JCI relevant and create shared value for potential partners and sponsors.

The timeline for the 2013 JCI Strategic Planning Committee was presented and members spoke about future opportunities to provide input and establish concrete goals to help drive growth in both membership and project effectiveness. Members left with a renewed optimism for JCI’s future.

2012 JCI World Congress in Taipei, Taiwan: Issue 3