It isn’t all about the travel!
In fact, the Junior Branch is the very heart and soul of CISV, and members enjoy year-long activities that include monthly meetings, activities such as ice skating and movie nights, and participating in events to support local charities.
The Junior Branch comprises young local CISVers between the ages of 10 – 25, who develop intercultural and leadership skills through educational and social activities.
JBers manage their own activities and take an active role in the administrative responsibilities of their chapters. Operating through a network at the national and international level, JBers organize their own programs on a wide variety of themes, such as social justice and the environment.
Junior Branch activities are aimed at building community, developing skills and promoting peace through education.
Scholarships
JB Pittsburgh is proud to offer up to $500 annually in scholarships. This funding comes directly from the fundraising efforts of our local Junior Branch.
Currently, we are able to offer up to 50% of the total registration cost of the local, national or international Junior Branch activity you wish to attend (max $200). These scholarships are available on a first come, first served basis. Please note that we cannot offer scholarship funding for travel expenses at this time.
Click here for the scholarship application.
2023-2024 Junior Board Officers
Interested in going the JB board officers. Contact pittsburgh@cisvusa.org for details.
The Junior Branch is self-governing by their elected board.
| NAME | OFFICE | National Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Nate Chinman | Local Junior Representative | |
| VACANT | Jr Local Junior Representative | |
| VACANT | Secretary | |
| VACANT | Treasurer | |
| VACANT | National Service Project Leader | |
| VACANT | Historian | |
| VACANT | Adult JB Advisor |
Local Junior Representative (President) – The JB LJR is tasked with making sure the board works as a cohesive group, making sure all events, activities and projects run smoothly. In addition, the LJR ensures that the JB Board and the Adult Board are working together proactively. Additionally, the JB LJR are responsible for planning the Regional Mini Camp (RMC) each year.
Jr. Local Junior Representative – The JB JLJR spends their year in preparation for being LJR the following year. As the year progresses, the JLJR will take on more of the responsibilities that come with being LJR. In addition, the position is responsible for organizing the annual Cookie Bake, as well as helping to facilitate the JB board elections each spring.
Secretary – The JB Secretary has the task of making sure everything the board does is documented, especially decisions that will affect the future of JB (such as changes to the bylaws and minutes from board meetings).
Treasurer – The JB Treasurer keeps track of all JB funds, making sure the JB is accountable for what funds are raised as well as what is invested into activities for the chapter. The Treasurer also maintains open communication with the Treasurer of the Adult Board.
Historian – The Historian is tasked with documenting the activities of the chapter, including: taking photographs at events, sharing details of events with the chapter-at-large, as well as operating the chapter’s social media accounts.
National Service Project Leader – The NSPL plans a service project in April that corresponds to the theme of the national service project.
In addition to the specific responsibilities outlined above, each board member shares an equal work load in terms of planning events, facilitating activities, and any other tasks that need to be done. Elections for board positions take place in the spring, usually the beginning of May.
In addition to local leadership opportunities, the JB has national positions that are available for students.
National Mini Camp Committee (NMCC) – elected committee members who are tasked with planning and facilitating National Mini Camp (NMC). NMC takes place every year over Memorial Day weekend. Committee members are selected in October at the National Junior Branch Meeting (NJBM). The Committee convenes at Winter Planning (date and location vary from year-to-year) to implement the bulk of the planning.
National Junior Board of Trustees (NJBoT) – The NJBoT is JB USA’s governing body. They have the power to create and vote on motions that can alter how JB USA operates. In addition to voting on motions, the NJBoT creates various projects and other content for JB USA.
National Youth Committee (NYC) – The NYC has a few different jobs, all geared towards making sure JB USA progresses the way it should. Each of the five members are assigned to a region of JB USA, and maintains frequent communication with that region’s JB Presidents. The NYC also plans and facilitates the JB portion of Chapter Development weekend, which serves to make sure incoming JB Presidents are prepared for the position they are about to take on.
National Junior Representatives (NJRs) – The NJRs are the (two) head(s) of JB USA. The NJRs have the large task of making sure the entirety of JB USA is running smoothly, as well as cooperating with CISV USA in their endeavors. One NJR is the chair of the NYC, while the other is the chair of the NJBoT. The NJRs also represent JBUSA in International JB.
Past Junior Board Presidents
Since 1989, CISV Pittsburgh has been fortunate to have the following individuals lead the Junior Branch:
| NAME | YEAR(S) SERVED | HIGH SCHOOL – CLASS OF | UNIVERSITY | FIELD OF STUDY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Frischmann | 2004-2005 | Peters Township High School – 2005 | Wittenberg University | Biology |
| Reed Koenig | 2005-2006 | Riverview High School – 2006 | University of Rochester | Political Science |
| Stephanie Sheffler | 2006-2007 | Mount Lebanon High School – 2009 | Marist College | Communications |
| Alexander Cook | 2007-2008 | Upper St. Clair – 2008 | Universty of Michigan; University of Miami School of Law | International Economics; Law |
| Nate Blecher | 2008-2009 | Upper Saint Clair – 2011 | Washington University in St. Louis; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine | Biochemistry; Medicine |
| Eva Petzinger | 2009-2010 | Taylor Allderdice – 2011 | Dartmouth College | Cognitive Science and English |
| Ramsey Daniels | 2010-2011 | Winchester Thurston – 2011 | Skidmore College | English; Economics |
| Alexandra Hart | 2011-2012 | Taylor Allderdice High School – 2012 | American University | International Studies, Political Science |
| Rosalie Daniels & Josh Zak |
2012-2013 | Winchester Thurston School – 2013 & Taylor Alderdice High School – 2013 |
Georgetown University & Carnegie Mellon University |
International Politics and Foreign Policy Processes, certificate in Justice and Peace Studies & Materials Chemistry |
| Janis Petzinger | 2013-2014 | Taylor Allderdice High School – 2014 | University of St. Andrews | Art History and Management |
| Dighan Kelly | 2014-2015 | Taylor Allderdice High School – 2016 | University of Pittsburgh | Urban Studies and French |
| Charlie Wolfson | 2015-2016 | Taylor Allderdice High School – 2016 | Northeastern University | Journalism |
| Drew Klein | 2016-2017 | Taylor Allderdice High School 2017 | American University | Education |
| Peyton Klein | 2017-2018 | Taylor Allderdice High School 2020 | Standford University | |
| Silas Switzer | 2018-2019 | Obama Academy 2020 | ||
| Laura Kelly
Sofia Wynn |
2018-2019 | Obama Academy 2020
Taylor Allderdice High School 2021 |
University of Michigan |
|
| Dani Jordan | 2019-2020 | |||
| Hailey Schevitz | 2020-2021 |