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Previously I have never been someone who felt comfortable with public speaking and even less so with thinking of my feet during a presentation.

JCI Reading Debating allowed me to face both of these uncomfortable situations in a safe and fun environment, where I had no fear of anyone laughing or criticising me, enabling me to push myself out of my comfort zone and improve my skill set.

The evening started with an overview of the rules and format of JCI debating by JCI London member Diana Lowe who had travelled from London especially to train us and facilitate the evening. (Big thanks to Diana).

We then ran practice debates, JCI London members Marco and Euan acting as team captains to help guide the first two teams. Throughout evening everyone, both members and non-members, had the opportunity to debate and also to have a go at scoring and applying the strict scoring rules.

I now look forward to JCI Reading being able to practice debating by running our own debates and even enter regional and national competitions.

Finally it was really great to meet Peter Reitano, a member of JCI Australia (former JCI Australia National President) who was in the UK touring round chambers before heading out to the JCI World Congress in Brussels next week, making it a truly international event for JCI Reading.

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I am currently sat on the train from Paddington to Reading on my way home from the very first JCI Ignite – South London social event held at 'The Loft' on Clapham High St.

I would like to congratulate the entire JCI Ignite team on a fantastic event that was, in my opinion, a huge success.

The evening reminded me of why I joined JCI. I am not talking about the fabulous offering that JCI has in personal development, community, business, social, or international arena's. I am talking about the pure spirit of JCI, the open forum that is a group of passionate people talking to each other trying to work out how they can help someone else purely for the safe of helping them.

It honestly reminded me of my very first event at JCI Reading where I decided to join. On that night and again tonight (and many times between) I have experienced the natural excitement in a room where people are happy to share, their stories, their ambitions, their goal and are actively seeking ways to achieve them.

JCI Ignite is off to a great start, well done guys.

For all those I have met this evening, make sure you contact me and I WILL help you, as will all the others from JCI Ignite that offered you their help.

Take action and make the difference, to yourself and those around you for that is the Spirit of JCI.

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On Thursday 22nd September, JCI Reading welcomed current and prospective members to an information evening at Shirlaws UK.

This was my first experience of JCI after being invited along by Clare Franklin and I have to admit I was slightly unsure of what to expect having heard little of JCI before, but was pleasantly surprised by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere I found myself in. The evening commenced with drinks and nibbles reception, and the room was filled with the hubbub of introductions from current members of JCI, genuine questions of aspirations, and the sharing of the wealth of experiences that JCI members can get involved in once they join.

The evening continued with a warm welcoming from the charismatic and enthusiastic Steve Wells, JCI Reading’s President, who outlined some of the events he had been involved with, and led as a member and president of JCI, ranging from simple office based events such as this one, to a trip to Japan.

Steve also listed some of the many events that are on offer to any prospective, or current, member of JCI, including “Say Hello to the Real You”, which I have also since attended after joining!

Steve’s introduction and background to JCI was followed by enthusiastic  presentations from current members who told of the skills they had gained and learnt since joining JCI.

The passion of which JCI members spoke about their experiences really sold the organisation to me and those in the room. As I have mentioned on the night I made the choice to join and I would definitely recommend finding out more to all those who are serious about expanding their network, skill set and employability.

We would like to thank Shirlaws UK for letting us use their Offices and Training room for this session, you can find out more about their services and download their Free Ebook 'More Money, More Time, Less Stress'

JCI  Reading will be hosting another ‘How JCI Can Help You’ event on Thursday 10^th November, this time at Odd Fellow Hall, Oxford Rd, so you too can experience the passion, commitment and opportunities that can be open to you through JCI. I look forward to seeing you there. 

Sian.

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I would like to start by thanking everyone that turned up to last nights Board meeting and AGM.

The energy in the room was infectious and the ideas for training, projects, events and charity involvement were flowing freely.

Following on from the success of our 'How JCI Reading Can Help You' event the input from new members was fantastic. It was great to see that we have truly shown that JCI Reading can open new doors for people and it's effects can be far more reaching than those simply in the room on the day.

For the last 2 years the main focus of JCI Reading has been on Personal Development, giving members the opportunities to increase knowledge and skills, then apply them.

In 2012 we are committing to increase this to having a larger impact on the community around us. We are looking to increase the number of both community and business projects focusing the training we provide on the specific needs of those projects to ensure they have the highest possible impact. Click on the mindmap to see just some of the areas we are discussing and let us know where you would like to help and add value.

On the official side we had 2 votes to build the foundations for next years board.

I was honoured to be supported to be the President of JCI Reading for 2012 and am excited to be working once again with Clare Franklin who has taken the role of Events Coordinator.

If you have an interest in learning or developing your skills and influencing the impact that JCI Reading will be making over the coming year there are other board positions that can be made to fit you and the commitment you are able to make. Please speak to me to discuss the options.

2012 is going to be a fantastic year, so get involved and help make a difference.

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