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From Baby Jaycee to Full-Fledged Orchid
- Orchid Jayceettes of Singapore
- Mar 16
- 4 min read
A guide to becoming a member of JCI Orchid's women empowerment circle.
Joining JCI Orchid is a little like planting an orchid seed. At first, you are new soil, new roots, new energy. Over time, through learning, participation, and friendships, you grow into full bloom.
If you have ever heard the term “Baby Jaycee” (BJC) and wondered what the journey looks like, here is a simple walkthrough of how someone goes from curious newcomer to full-fledged Ordinary Member of JCI Orchid.
Spoiler alert. It is not as intimidating as it sounds. It is mostly about showing up, learning, and getting to know the incredible women around you.
Step 1: Becoming a Baby Jaycee (Provisional Member)
Every Orchid member begins the same way. As a Baby Jaycee, or BJC.
Think of this stage as your exploration phase. You get to meet members, learn about JCI, and see how the chapter works before officially becoming a full member.
To become a Baby Jaycee, an applicant must:
• Be 39 years old or younger
• Submit an application form
• Be proposed and seconded by an existing Ordinary Member
• Pay the entrance fee and six months of subscription in advance
There is also one simple participation step.
You will need to attend either:
• A JCI event, also know as General Membership Meeting (GMM), or
• A Pre-Membership Orientation Meeting (PMO) - basically a Discovery Session with us to learn more about JCI Orchid!
After that, the Board of Directors reviews your application. Once approved and your payment has been processed, congratulations. You officially become a Baby Jaycee of JCI Orchid.
This is where the real fun begins.
Step 2: The Journey to Becoming an Ordinary Member
Being a Baby Jaycee is not just a title. It is a short but meaningful journey where you start building connections, learning leadership skills, and experiencing the culture of the chapter.
To become a full Ordinary Member, a BJC must complete a few milestones.
1. Complete a Pre-Induction Training (PIT)
This training introduces the heart of JCI.
You learn about:
• How JCI works globally
• The leadership opportunities available
• The impact members can create through projects
It is part orientation, part inspiration.
2. Attend 3 JCI Events (General Membership Meetings)
Meetings are where members gather to discuss ideas, vote on proposals, and keep the organisation running.
Attending at least three GMMs helps you understand how decisions are made and how members collaborate.
You also start recognising familiar faces. Soon, the room begins to feel like a community rather than a crowd.
3. Meet 15 Ordinary Members
This requirement is surprisingly meaningful.
To become an Ordinary Member, you must collect 15 signatures from existing members who have personally met you.
It is not meant to be a paperwork exercise. It encourages Baby Jaycees to actively connect with the community.
You will likely meet these members through:
• events
• projects
• coffee chats
• spontaneous conversations after meetings
By the time you reach fifteen signatures, chances are you have already formed friendships.
4. Observe a Board of Directors Meeting
This is where you see leadership in action.
By attending a full session of the Board of Directors Meeting, you get a behind-the-scenes look at how the chapter plans events, makes decisions, and manages projects.
It is also a great way to understand the structure of the organisation.
5. Join a Project Committee
JCI is an organisation built on action.
To complete the membership journey, a Baby Jaycee must actively participate in a project committee.
This could involve helping organise:
• community initiatives
• networking events
• training programmes
• social gatherings
Projects are often where members truly bond. Working together toward a shared goal creates strong connections.
The Moment You Become an Ordinary Member
Once these steps are completed, the Baby Jaycee is ready to become a full Ordinary Member of JCI Orchid.
This transition is not just symbolic. It represents that you have:
• learned the culture of the chapter
• built relationships within the community
• contributed to its activities and projects
In other words, you are no longer just exploring. You are part of the Orchid family.
Staying an Active Member
After induction, members maintain their membership by staying engaged and upholding the organisation’s values.
Ordinary Members are expected to:
• Attend at least three General Membership Meetings every six months
• Pay membership dues on time
• Follow the Constitution and Policy Manual of JCI Orchid and JCI Singapore
• Uphold the integrity and reputation of the organisation
These guidelines help ensure that the chapter remains active, responsible, and impactful.
Why the Journey Matters
At first glance, the process might look like a checklist.
But each step has a purpose.
• The meetings help you understand governance.
• The signatures help you build relationships.
• The projects allow you to create real impact.
• The training introduces the leadership philosophy of JCI.
By the time someone becomes an Ordinary Member, she is not just joining a club. She has already begun growing as a leader.
From Seed to Orchid
The Baby Jaycee stage is like planting the seed.
With participation, curiosity, and connection, that seed slowly grows.
And before you know it, you are not just attending meetings. You are leading projects, mentoring others, and creating impact together with women who believe in growth, service, and leadership.
That is the Orchid way.
And every Orchid once started as a Baby Jaycee. 🌸
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