Updates for the JAC Committee and How You Can Get Involved
Kim Zeman, National Chair, Junior American Citizens Committee

In a recent Today’s DAR Blog post, the President General noted that the Executive Committee approved an update to the JAC Creed. You may be wondering: what is this JAC Creed and why did it need updating?  And more important: how does this affect me or my chapter? 

The Junior American Citizens committee is the second oldest DAR committee for youth, after Children of the American Revolution. Founded in 1901, its purpose is to teach America’s children about civics and government, American history and heritage, and to instill a love of country and a heartfelt knowledge of what it means to be a good citizen at home, at school, in an organization and in the community. With so much emphasis in education on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) many children aren’t taught the principles on which America was founded -- and why they, as citizens, are important to our system of government. Through its clubs and contests, JAC strives to make history relevant to our children and encourages tomorrow’s citizens to shine brightly today. 

While this sounds similar to C.A.R., JAC is a separate committee. C.A.R., like DAR, has a lineage requirement to join. Every child is eligible to be a part of JAC.  Often, C.A.R. societies will partner with JAC to form a club. That way, children can invite their friends, who are not eligible to join C.A.R., to take part in activities that fulfill the objectives of both groups. Other existing organizations can also be JAC clubs. Scouting groups can use JAC objectives to help their members earn badges.  Home schoolers, 4-H members, church youth groups and even sports teams can be JAC clubs. All a club needs is a willing leader and a DAR chapter to sponsor it. 

JAC clubs study Civics and American History, recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and say the JAC Creed. The original JAC Creed was written in 1939; today’s JAC leaders and students often find the language to be archaic and without resonance. While the principles of JAC remain the same, the JAC Creed has now been replaced with new “JAC Values.” We believe these values better reflect good citizenship for children in today’s modern American society. 

JAC sponsors annual art and creative expression contests based on a theme, usually in conjunction with a commemorative event in our nation’s history. There is also a community service contest, which allows the club or participants to express an individual or group’s commitment to serving others.   

This is where you come in!  Is your chapter sponsoring a JAC club or encouraging children to participate in the JAC contests? Are you promoting JAC to schools in your area? Have you partnered with your community classroom to bring history to life? Visit the Junior American Citizens committee page on the Members’ Website for more information, this year’s theme, official contest rules, entry forms and more.  I invite you to help America’s youth rise and shine today to become the good citizens and leaders of tomorrow!   

send-a-commentSend Us a comment

Junior American Citizens

Connect with DAR

Stay Up-to-Date

Subscribe to the blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Search, Subscribe, & Send us a comment

grshttps://www.facebook.com/TodaysDARtwiterhttps://www.youtube.com/user/TodaysDARmail

Get Involved

 

Historic Preservation,
Education, Patriotism

Through restoring historic properties, funding scholarships and supporting our troops, DAR makes a difference in local communities.