The year 2016 started very differently than any other year before it; we set up a new international JCI chapter in Pirkanmaa. We had and idea, and very soon we had people around it. This year has been spent networking, finding partners, bringing people together, formulating strategy and vision and asking ourselves why we exist.
My name is Juha, and I am this year’s treasurer (TREAS) and next year’s president (PRES) of JCI United. I have been thinking a lot about next year and what our chamber should do. Past year has led us to form an early identity and given us a clearer direction to go. We have a big vision, but executing and following it is never that simple. Fortunately, I have great people working beside me, and actually the thing I am the most excited about is that we have three new, non-Finnish speaking board members for the next year. Previously, we had set a goal to switch our chamber’s working language as English in 2018, but now it will happen already next year. What makes the situation a little bit complicated is that my own English skills are not very good. Having to lead our chamber towards working entirely in English takes me very deep in my discomfort zone. This will truly be my chamber career’s biggest challenge so far.
JCI United will be concentrating on new international members, strengthening our networks and connections with our partners who support our international goals, and of course organize a lot of fun events and educational projects for our members. I want to thank all the people who have given me support and encouragement to be myself. I am waiting anxiously for the next year and my term as the president of JCI United.
PS This was the very first piece of text I have written in English since junior high school. I hope all of you will stick around and see how much I will improve!