The Jaycees’ dream and purpose are most clearly expressed in the words of founder Henry "Hy" Giessenbier who said:

From within the walls of the soul of this organization, where in the foundation of character and citizenship are laid, I hope a message will come forth in the sometime of tomorrow that will stir the people toward the establishment of a permanent and everlasting world peace.

Giessenbier had the foresight to believe that character and citizenship could contribute towards a permanent world peace. His dream and purpose for the Jaycees were to offer the membership opportunities that would build strong, positive characters and a sense of citizenship, not only of communities, cities and countries,but of the world.

Article 2.3: Leadership, Fellowship & Social Responsibility.
Article 2.3 of the Junior Chamber International Constitution, headed "Purpose of the Jaycees", reflects the dream of the founders:

The purpose of the Jaycees, inspired by the Declaration of Principles, shall be to contribute to the advancement of the global community by providing the opportunity for young people to develop the leadership skills, social responsibility and fellowship necessary to create positive change.

Article 2.9: World Peace Article
2.9"World Peace" is more specific:

The organization, in affirming its declaration of principles and recognizing the fundamental goal of founder Henry Giessenbier, Jr., commits itself to strive for a true and everlasting world peace.

The organization operates on the premise that the development of individual character and personality will result in better-developed communities and, eventually, a more peaceful world.

Most educational institutions focus on the passing of an examination and the amassing of degrees rather than the development of personalities. It is said that the purpose of education is to prepare the individual for life; not just to be able to perform a job.

Life is much more than just doing a job. Life is caring, sharing, loving, understanding and communicating. The Jaycees strive to complete any lack in the development of its individual members.

A People Organization

Jaycees is a people organization. People resort at violence when communication, understanding, patience, tolerance, reason, and love cease to exist. The Jaycee plan is to offer opportunities to the members that will reinforce these qualities.

If the Jaycee organization can be described as a University of Life, the students are its members, the curriculum is Leadership Development and its campus, the world.

The idea is to bring people together. Many opportunities are created for people with various social, cultural, ethnic, religious, economic, and national backgrounds to meet.

At national conventions, area conferences, and world congresses, members come face to face with one another and have a chance to share experiences and exchange ideas which lead to better understanding and cooperation.

A bond of brotherhood and genuine friendship is established as Jaycees seek the ways and means to improve themselves and the world in which they live.

The purpose of the Jaycees is to show the rest of the world:
* That all human beings can be developed;
* That all are equal; * That the world is interdependent;
* That the world does not belong to man; but man belongs to the world;
* And, consequently, every man is a citizen of the world;