JEUNESSE OUVRIÈRE CHRÉTIENNE (J.O.C.) - The J.O.C., founded in the French-speaking countries in 1925, is a movement of young workers, organized "among themselves, by themselves, for themselves" and recognized by the Hierarchy.
The J.O.C. applies its own educational method tied to life, to sex, to the age of its members, which is expressed: a) in a training school; b) in a series of services for young workers; c) in an action of representation of their needs.
It is divided into a male branch and a female branch, and includes young men and young women from 14 to 25 years of age. In special groups, young people from 14 to 17 years of age (jeune-j.o.c.) are educated. Adolescents under 14 are also recruited and organized in the pre-j.o.c.. The organization is carried out through the national secretary, the regional federations and the local sections. The apostolic action of conquest and of rehabilitation of the various environments (workshop, neighborhood, etc.) is carried out through the "équipes" composed of groups of young people, guided by one or more "militants". The most widespread and characteristic services are those of assistance to soldiers and to the sick and the recreational one. A characteristic of the educational action is the "enquiry" which starts from the direct observation of life and leads to action for the solution of the various problems.
The badge is a shield with the inscription J. O. C. and a red heraldic cross with its arms wrapped by a golden ear of wheat.
The French J.O.C. publishes Masses ouvrières, which is the fundamental monthly review of the Movement. In addition, the following other publications are issued: 1) for all members: Jeunesse ouvrière (for young men), Sillage (for young women); 2) for federal leaders: Lettre aux dirigeants fédéraux (for young men), Fédérales (for young women); 3) for the leaders of the 14-17 age groups: Lettre aux responsables (for young men), Responsables (for young women); 4) for militants: L'Équipe ouvrière, Militantes, Militantes malades, Jeune meneur, Entraîneuse, Chef de bandes (for boys), Vers la vie ouvrière (for girls); 5) for the recreational services: Après le travail (for young men), Dans la course (for young women).
Parallel and analogous to this movement, there exists one of a feminine character.