The
1940's ushered in the War and the country faced a host of new social
challenges. Responding to the effects of the War, the Junior Chamber
set itself apart from other community organizations with a fourteen
point epigraph outlining civic goals needed to enhance surrounding
communities through healthy living, prospering business, improvement
of infrastructure, and promotion of hospitality in Los Angeles.
Activities supporting these goals included continued support of
fire prevention week, creation of the Junior Chamber Golf Foundation,
advocating Los Angeles International Airport bond initiatives and
the development of more sport and recreational activities.
As
one third of the Junior Chamber's membership perished in the War,
the Junior Chamber reinforced its community War efforts by providing
disaster training, assisting Army recruitment, organizing entertainment
for GI's and encouraging part-time war jobs for those who wanted
to do more for their community and country.
As the decade closed and the country rebounded from the War, the
Junior Chamber commenced its historic journey in working with at-risk
youth with the first annual "Orphan" Christmas Party and
establishment of the Junior Chamber Charity Foundation whose purpose
is to "educate, train, care for and advance children of every
race and creed".
