Yes, that's right - the JCI UK year has officially started and I for one can't wait to hit the ground running!  2014 is shaping up to be a fantastic year with many opportunities presenting themselves for our members to network, develop, create positive change via community action and also to visit international destinations and mingle with fellow JCI members and business leaders from across the globe.

Personally, I know my year as Deputy National President is going to be a busy one - those National Presidents do like to keep their DPs on their toes & quite rightly so.  They know what it takes to become an effective leader and are there to ensure we do our best to follow in their hallowed footsteps.  I'm going to be flitting around the country and indeed the world this year - with trips already booked within the last week to Birmingham, Sheffield, Barnsley & Antibes in the south of France, plus trips to Malta, Japan & Germany to look forward to later this year.  I'll be working with Kate Senter (National President), my fellow National Board members and also the incoming Deputy Local Presidents from the JCI UK chambers to ensure that the National organisation is as smooth running as possible, creating benefit to the JCI UK members, whilst also working on collaboration amongst the Deputy community and ensuring we're all ready as we head towards 2015.

Those that know me know I'm not a particularly great blogger - I tried my best whilst I was Local President for 2 years at JCI Southampton but, as ever, you can always do better!  One of my New Year's Resolutions this year was to blog more regularly - not only so that I can capture some personal memories of my time as DNP, but also so that I can share with you what it's like in the role.

So, in that vein, you might ask what's happening in January at a National level?  

Well, as you may have seen we're already running our first project of the year - the '£1 a Day Challenge' initiative, headed up by Katie Ogley, JCI UK Community Director.  Officially kicking off on Monday 6th January, it's a great way to shed those excess Christmas indulgences whilst raising valuable money for charity.  It's not easy (especially if you love your food like me), but it's certainly worthwhile.  

Next weekend I'll be travelling to Birmingham to join my fellow National Board members for our first meeting of the year - we'll be getting our heads together to go over the JCI UK 'Play Your Part' strategy and our plans for the coming months.

On 18th January I'll be whizzing up to Sheffield to join the British Senate as they bid fond farewell to 2013 Senate Chair Liz Walmsley during her Drumming Out weekend, before ushering in Nigel Bradley as he steps up to be this year's Senate Chair.

On 25th January quite a few JCI UK members will be heading to Bonnie Scotland to help our friends across the border celebrate Burns Night in Edinburgh.  I'm still looking into whether I can make this due to potential clashing commitments but I know it will be a great night of festivities for those attending!

As you can see it's already a busy month with the weekends filled & that's only at a National level - I've got events at a Local level too including the JCI Southampton AGM on 15th January where I'll be helping to facilitate the 2014 Council elections whilst also acting as a Scrutineer.  I'm really looking forward to this as it will be my first event in 7 consecutive years where I won't be attending as a Director on the Council team (yes, I'm that old!).  I think only a tiny handful of JCI members over the years have surpassed that particular record...

Finally, don't forget that the JCI UK TOYP (Ten Outstanding Young Persons) award nominations close on 31st January.  This is each chamber's chance to nominate outstanding young people from their area who have excelled in their chosen fields or who have created positive change by significantly contributing to their local communities (or even on a national or global scale).  More information on the awards can be found at the dedicated JCI UK TOYP website.

At this point I'll love you and leave you.  I could let you know about JCI UK's Inspiration Day in Barnsley on 1st February - our first National event of the year - but you all know about that already, right?  

If you don't, please check out the JCI UK website diary entry for the event where you can find details about the day & also instructions on how to book.  Early Bird tickets are available until 17th January!

See you soon.....

Drew Charman

2014 Deputy National President - JCI UK National Board