Lifelong Service and Leadership: The Journey of a JCI Senator

Being a JCI Senator is an honor and a recognition of an individual's outstanding contributions to this organization. It is a lifelong membership status given to the individual members who have made significant contributions to JCI through their participation, leadership, and service to the organization.

Being a senator comes with certain responsibilities;

• Upholding JCI vision, mission and values
• Committing to lifelong loyalty and service to the organization
• Providing mentorship and guidance to the members for a lifetime.

Different from membership application, to become a JCI Senator, you need to be nominated by your local organization and approved by your national organization. During the application process, the local organization shall provide the proof of information regarding your oustanding contribution and support regardless of the age limit (18-40). And finally this recognition is given to individuals who have truly made a significant impact on the organization and have demonstrated a long-term commitment to JCI's mission, vision and values.

I have been given this honour when I was 31 years old, during my time as 2018 JCI Turkiye National President, with the senato number #76990.

Funny thing is if any member asks you about your Senator number and if you can not recall it that instant, you shall buy drinks to everyone in the room.

The Mediterranean Senate Summit was a unique opportunity for senators from all over the Mediterranean region to come together and network, share cultural experiences, and interact with each other. The summit was organized by JCI Turkey Senate and was the first of its kind, bringing together participants from countries ranging from Portugal to Finland, and Syria to Tunisia.

Overall, it was a great experience to be a part of the summit and to see the value of the senator structure in terms of the sharing of experience and knowledge for the sustainable development of the organization.

I look forward to future opportunities to participate and contribute to JCI events and initiatives.