The Union Jaycees is a regional club which was chartered in 1954 under the guidelines of the Missouri State and National Jaycee bylaws. The organization of the club allows us to do projects and activities under the following categories:
| Management Development | Individual Development |
| Community Development | Membership Development |
Management Development
Creation of Union Jaycees Foundation - In 1999, the membership approved the establishment of a Foundation to provide an avenue for alumni of the Union Jaycees to continue participation and financial support of the various club's activities. The Foundation provides a means for the current membership to connect with the wonderful heritage of legacy of their club through continued community involvement.
Fair Beer Garden & Lunch Stand - For years, the Franklin County Youth Fair, which is held in July of each year, was championed, organized, and operated almost exclusively by the Union Jaycees. As the membership levels of the club fluctuated through the years, the Fair's overall organization was taken on by the Franklin County Youth Fair Board. Today, the Union Jaycees has members appointed to the Fair Board each year to assist in the overall organization of the Fair. Additionally, the Union Jaycees are responsible for the setup and operations of the Beer Garden and the Lunch Stand for all of the days of the fair.
Founders' Day BBQ - Founders' Day in Union is a celebration each June where the city remembers its roots with outdoor booths of arts, crafts, entertainment, food, and fun! The picnic atmosphere creates a wonderful setting where the Union Jaycees share in the fun by preparing various snacks and sandwiches on a large, open-pit barbecue!
Chamber Light-Up - The Light-Up project is a joint effort between the Union Jaycees and the Union Chamber of Commerce. Together, the groups endeavor to have all of the buildings in the downtown area decorated for the Winter Holiday Season with a uniform display of lights across their rooftops. The building owners place orders for installation and bulb replacements, and the chamber supplies the raw materials while the Jaycees provide the labor. It is truly a community effort resulting in a festive look for the holidays!
Fund-Raising BBQs - Throughout the year, the Jaycees will host BBQs to raise funds in support of our various projects and activities. These BBQs provide an outstanding way for new members to get involved and gain leadership experience in a relaxed and fun activity.
Advertising/Public Relations - The Jaycees submit press releases and news articles to the local newspaper and radio stations in recognition of club accomplishments and in notification of upcoming events. Also, this website is produced and maintained by the Union Jaycee membership.
Individual Development
Membership ID- Shirts/Nametags - One of the first things that a new member needs, is a feeling of belonging. We try to support this by providing Jaycee Identification for new members with items like Jaycee Nametags and membership shirts with the Union Jaycee logo. At large, well-attended events, Union Jaycee members get a feeling of fellowship and connection wearing the Union Jaycee colors.
Regional/State/National Training - An important aspect of the Jaycee experience, is learning new personal and group leadership skills through the training sessions available at the local, regional, state and national Jaycee forums. Years of experience, successes, and failures come together in the training to give the Jaycee member an opportunity to learn, achieve, and excel in their personal and social endeavors.
Government Involvement - Each year, elected and appointed government officials make proposals, recommendations, and sometimes even laws which directly effect the members of the Union Jaycees. Instilling individual and community awareness in the current activities of our representative government is an important part of our individual Jaycee member development. This has been accomplished by hosting forums and debates for the candidates for public office and by direct interaction with our various elected officials.
Mock Legislature - In the late fall each year, Jaycees from across the state descend on Jefferson City to participate in a mock legislative session. Bills are introduced; Amendments are attached; Debates ensue; and occasionally, if all of your ducks are in a row, a Law is actually passed! This is one of the best opportunities to learn new things, get to know new people, and have a lot of fun all at the same time!
Community Development
Annual Flag Service - The Union Jaycees provide a service of placing, raising, and lowering United States flags in front of community businesses and around the courthouse square on each of the major holidays throughout the year. As a contract service, the funds received by the club for this activity are used in direct support of our annual scholarships.
Scholarship Program - Each year, the Union Jaycees provide scholarships to deserving students as they embark on their post-secondary educations. Students are selected based upon factors including academics, community involvement, individual achievement, and relationship to current or former Union Jaycees.
Punt, Pass, & Kick - In the fall of the year, the Union Jaycees coordinate the regional Punt, Pass, & Kick competition for the area's youth. As a synchronized effort with other chapters, the Union Jaycees help to promote the recognition of the club's involvement in the community.
Holiday Tree-of-Lights Campaign - This project allows the Jaycees to celebrate the spirit of the Holiday Season by collecting money and donations for needy families in the area. A coordinated effort with local charitable organizations helps to insure that everyone in our community can experience the peace and joy of the Holidays.
Paint-Up/Clean-Up - Union Jaycees take on the task of cleaning up and painting the exterior of one or more residences in the area when the owner is either unable to do so or otherwise has limited means to bring their dwelling back from a state of disrepair. It is a project designed to help those in need and beautify the community at the same time!
Adopt-A-Highway/Street Clean-Up - Following local and state guidelines, this project allows the Union Jaycees to receive positive recognition via roadway signage in exchange for regular trash pickup along those areas. Both state roads and local roads are maintained by the Union Jaycee chapter.
Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) - In a tradition going back to 1964, it is with great pride that the Union Jaycees participates in the Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) Banquet each year. In conjunction with the Union Chamber of Commerce, awards are presented to members of the community for outstanding service in various categories. The Jaycees present awards for "Outstanding Young Man", "Outstanding Young Woman", and "Outstanding Educator" and the Chamber presents the "Distinguished Service Award".
Trivia Nights/Casino Nights - Used as fund-raisers and an excuse to have a fun evening, these projects round out the year and fill the calendar with yet another opportunity for leadership, camaraderie, and fun!
Independence Day Fireworks Display - This project provides an opportunity for the Union Jaycees to lead the community in a safe, majestic, and patriotic celebration of our nation's birthday. Thousands gather from around the area to delight in the colorful and resounding fireworks displays.
Flag Football - An opportunity to get healthy exercise, (and maybe even bragging rights,) while building a sense of teamwork. The competition is only a small part of the overall fun and excitement of watching your fellow Jaycees creating plays, executing them, and then creating excuses!
Membership Development
Member Recruitment - Part of the role of every viable organization is to see that there is a regular influx of fresh spirits to rejuvenate the group and to prevent stagnation. Active new member recruitment is an essential part of the Union Jaycees organization.
State/National Member Accounting - Being part of the Union Jaycees becomes of even greater significance when you realize that you are also part of both a State and a National organization. As members of the Missouri Jaycees and the United States Jaycees, members enjoy the benefits of fellowship with millions of other civic minded Americans.
New Member/Officer Orientations - Signing up and getting involved in the Jaycees is just the first step. From there, it takes some training through the opportunities of Orientation Classes to bring a new member or a new officer up to speed. These orientations provide a solid springboard for launching a member in a positive, 'Jaycee' direction.
Membership Meetings - Part of the lifeblood of every Jaycees chapter, the regular monthly membership meetings provide an opportunity for the members to accomplish chapter business, learn from each other, and share in the fun and fellowship that are the hallmarks of the organization. The Union Jaycees meet on the 3rd Monday of every month at Hagie's Restaurant on Washington Ave. in Union, Missouri.
Other Chapter Visitations - Throughout the year, members from the Union Jaycees will gather together to do a 'visitation' to another regional Jaycee chapter's event. This exchange between chapters brings new ideas and information into the club and allows for greater networking among the members with this common bond.
Membership Socials/Recognition - Finally, as if we didn't already have enough fun, the Union Jaycees hosts regular Membership 'Socials' and 'Recognition' events: Everything from costume parties, to pool parties, to Baseball and Hockey games have been used as the focus of still more get-togethers with our Jaycee friends. Oh, and did we mention that we have FUN?!