Behavior and the JCI Code
JCI members often greet each other with hugs, so don’t be surprised if a new JCI acquaintance wants to hug you at your very first meeting! In our activities, we adhere to the JCI Code, striving to ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome at our events. You can familiarize yourself with the JCI Code here.
Dress Code
Attire for chamber events is always chosen according to the nature of the occasion. In everyday settings, smart casual or business attire is usually a good choice. However, more formal events, such as annual chamber celebrations, require a dark suit for men or a long evening gown for women. Dress codes are always specified if applicable, and for international events, there is a meeting travel guide available that provides more detailed instructions.
Pins
Each new member receives a JCI pin when they are officially accepted as a member. This pin can be worn with pride at JCI events and in professional settings, as long as the attire is neat. The pin is always worn on the left side, near the heart. Formal attire does not typically include the pin, except at international events, where a small silver formal pin and a Finland ribbon are used. Many JCI chambers have also created their own pins, which are eagerly exchanged at international events. For example, JCI Oulu has its own Toripolliisi pin, launched in 2024 in honor of its 60th anniversary.
Business Cards
It’s a good idea to bring business cards, especially to international meetings, where they are exchanged frequently. We recommend printing cards in English for these occasions. JCI Oulu has a sister chamber in Japan, where the tradition of exchanging business cards is very much alive. According to Japanese custom, a business card is given and received with both hands and is briefly examined before being carefully put away.
Awards
Rewarding achievements is an integral part of the JCI world. We encourage our members to step out of their comfort zones and surpass themselves by recognizing the best accomplishments and deeds of JCI members. Awards are given at every level of the organization, from local activities to global honors. At the local chamber level, awards are typically presented at the annual celebrations held around Christmas. At the regional and national levels, awards are given at spring conferences, and chambers submit award applications for these recognitions.
JCI Terminology
JCI activities involve a wide range of established terms and abbreviations that might seem unfamiliar at first. Since JCI is an international organization, the terminology is often based on English, though there are Finnish equivalents as well. Here you can find a list of this “JCI lingo” that explains the meanings of these words and abbreviations.
