Bennington, Neb. – The Bennington Jaycees chapter, a local nonprofit that has sponsored community events and student scholarships for decades, is warning that it may have to shut its doors permanently. Chapter President Spencer Werth says the group now has only about ten active members, roughly half of what is considered a sustainable roster.
Membership decline threatens scholarships and events
“We’d hate to see those go away, especially if we haven’t gotten the word out that ‘Hey, we need more people,'” Werth told reporters. He noted that the decline has become especially pronounced in the last couple of years, a trend he attributes in part to the lingering effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic.
The Jaycees, a national nonprofit focused on civic leadership for adults ages 18 to 40, have traditionally organized events that draw thousands of residents and provide several annual scholarships for local high‑school students. With membership at “dangerously low” levels, Werth warned that “immediately, there is going to be one less scholarship, or three less scholarships available, along with community events.”
Why families are moving away and why volunteers matter
Werth, who moved his family to Bennington in 2019, said the town has seen many young families relocate elsewhere, further shrinking the pool of potential volunteers. “Bennington is fairly uniquely situated in how many young families are moving out to Bennington,” he said, noting that the out‑migration has left the chapter scrambling to fill its ranks.
He believes the lack of awareness is another factor. “I think a lot of it is just being pulled in different directions. I think another part of it is people just don’t really know about the opportunities to get out and get involved,” Werth explained.
How to join and help keep the chapter alive
The Jaycees hold monthly meetings on the first or second Sunday of each month at 7 p.m. Werth encourages any resident interested in civic service, leadership development, or supporting local scholarships to attend. The chapter can also be reached through its Facebook page for more information on upcoming meetings and volunteer needs.
Community leaders and longtime supporters have expressed concern that the loss of the Jaycees would leave a gap in both youth scholarship opportunities and the vibrant civic events that have become a staple of Bennington life. “The Jaycees have been a bridge between generations, helping young adults develop leadership skills while giving back to the community,” said longtime resident and former Jaycee member Linda Martinez.
As the chapter confronts the possibility of closure, its leadership hopes that a renewed push for membership will reverse the trend and preserve the organization’s contributions to Bennington’s civic fabric.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
