HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (Junior League or JL) is a private, nonprofit educational women's volunteer organization aimed at improving communities and the social, cultural, and political fabric of civil society. With 295 Junior League chapters in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, it is one of the oldest and largest of Members engage in developing civic leadership skills, fundraising, and volunteering on JL committees to support partner community organizations related to foster children, domestic violence, human trafficking, illiteracy, city beautification, and other issues. Its mission is to advance women's leadership through meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. It was founded in 1901 in New York City by
Barnard College Barnard College of Columbia University is a private women's liberal arts college in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. It was founded in 1889 by a group of women led by young student activist Annie Nathan Meyer, who petitioned Columbi ...
debutante
Mary Harriman Rumsey Mary Harriman Rumsey (November 17, 1881 – December 18, 1934) was the founder of The Junior League for the Promotion of Settlement Movements, later known as the Junior League of the City of New York of the Association of Junior Leagues Internati ...
.


History

The first Junior League was founded in 1901 in New York City as the Junior League for the Promotion of the Settlement Movement. It is now known as the New York Junior League (NYJL). Its founder was then 19-year-old
Barnard College Barnard College of Columbia University is a private women's liberal arts college in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. It was founded in 1889 by a group of women led by young student activist Annie Nathan Meyer, who petitioned Columbi ...
student and debutante
Mary Harriman Rumsey Mary Harriman Rumsey (November 17, 1881 – December 18, 1934) was the founder of The Junior League for the Promotion of Settlement Movements, later known as the Junior League of the City of New York of the Association of Junior Leagues Internati ...
, sister of future
Governor of New York The governor of New York is the head of government of the U.S. state of New York. The governor is the head of the executive branch of New York's state government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor ha ...
W. Averell Harriman and daughter of railroad executive
Edward H. Harriman Edward Henry Harriman (February 20, 1848 – September 9, 1909) was an American financier and railroad executive. Early life Harriman was born on February 20, 1848, in Hempstead, New York, the son of Orlando Harriman Sr., an Episcopal clergyman ...
. Inspired by a lecture on settlement movements that chronicled the works of social reformers such as
Lillian Wald Lillian D. Wald (March 10, 1867 – September 1, 1940) was an American nurse, humanitarian and author. She was known for contributions to human rights and was the founder of American community nursing. She founded the Henry Street Settlement in N ...
and Jane Addams, Harriman Rumsey organized others to become involved in settlement work. The organization's first project was working at the College Settlement on Rivington Street on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Eleanor Roosevelt was an early member of the NYJL, joining in 1903 when she was 19 years old. For many years the NYJL's clubhouse was located at 221 East 71st Street in Manhattan. Designed by architect John Russell Pope and opened in 1929, the building contained a swimming pool on the top floor, bedrooms for volunteers, a ballroom, a hairdressing salon, and a shelter for up to 20 abandoned babies. Marymount Manhattan College currently owns the building. In 1950 the NYJL clubhouse moved to the former Vincent Astor townhouse (Astor House) at 130 East 80th Street, where it remains as of 2020. The New York Junior League was soon emulated: by 1921, thirty Leagues joined to form the national association. In 1921—after serving as New York City's Junior League president from 1907 to 1910— Dorothy Payne Whitney became the first president of the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc., operating as the umbrella organization for all Junior Leagues worldwide. In 1961, the Junior League of Chicago co-founded the Art Institute's volunteer Docent Program to revitalize and expand "programming for children."


Women's organization

The League is an all-women organization. In 1996, the '' Los Angeles Times'', '' The Washington Post'', '' Chicago Tribune'', and ''
San Francisco Gate The ''San Francisco Chronicle'' is a newspaper serving primarily the San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California. It was founded in 1865 as ''The Daily Dramatic Chronicle'' by teenage brothers Charles de Young and Michael H. de Young. The p ...
'' publicized that a male hairdresser named Clark Clementsen tried to join the League after his "high society clients" recommended him, but was denied membership and retained an attorney to argue his case at a meeting of AJLI representatives in NYC. For him, members had "been trained to be organized, articulate community leaders, and it showed...no men's organization even came close."


Development


Mission

"The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable."


Chartered Leagues

As of 2019 there are 291 Leagues of 140,000 women in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the UK, including but not limited to: California * Junior League of San Francisco Canada * Junior League of Montreal—the first League outside of the U.S. * Junior League of Toronto * Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington Florida * Junior League of Jacksonville * Junior League of Orlando * Junior League of Manatee County * Junior League of Miami * Junior League of Sarasota * Junior League of Tampa Massachusetts * Junior League of Boston Inc. * Junior League of Greater Springfield Mississippi * Junior League of Jackson—featured in ''
The Help ''The Help'' is a historical fiction novel by American author Kathryn Stockett and published by Penguin Books in 2009. The story is about African Americans working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi, during the early 1960s. A ''USA To ...
'' book and film New York * Junior League of Buffalo * New York Junior League—the first league * Junior League of Kingston * Junior League of Long Island North Carolina * Junior League of Raleigh * Junior League of Greensboro * Junior League of Charlotte * Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties Ohio * Junior League of Akron * Junior League of Cleveland * Junior League of Cincinnati * Junior League of Columbus * Junior League of Dayton * Junior League of Toledo Utah * Junior League of Salt Lake City Washington * Junior League of Lower Columbia * Junior League of Olympia * Junior League of Seattle * Junior League of Spokane * Junior League of Tacoma Wisconsin * Junior League of Eau Claire * Junior League of Madison * Junior League of Milwaukee * Junior League of Racine UK * Junior League of London


Membership


Prospective

Prospects must attend orientation at their chapter's clubhouse before applying for membership. The application requires biographical data, two short essay questions, two recommendation letters (in most chapters, with some chapters requiring the letters be written by members), and a $100 application fee (fees vary by league).


Provisional

Once admitted, candidates must register for the ~$150 provisional course (fees vary by league) where they are trained on the organization's history and professional volunteerism over four clubhouse meetings, an off-site group trivia session (JL 101), a group community project (oftentimes PIP aka "Playground Improvement Project"), a volunteer credit shift, a personal development session (VET aka "Volunteer Education Training"), a committee overview event (placement previews), and optional social events with their group of 15-20 women out of 150 total new class members each fall and spring semester. Those who don't complete graduation requirements by the end of the semester must start over the next semester.


Active

Following graduation from provisional course training, members pay annual dues of approximately $525+ (fees vary by league) to become Active members and participate in the annual placement process to serve on a committee for the next academic year under the following areas as unpaid volunteers: *Communities (volunteering with partner community organizations) *Fundraising (event planning) *Membership Development *Communications (marketing and PR) They're required to attend at least 75% or more of committee meetings and one personal development session (included in membership) each year. Fundraising events are optional for members not on the fundraising committee, with discounted tickets available to members. They can renew their committee placement annually with some restrictions, change committees, and/or run for committee, council, board, organization, and/or headquarters leadership. Those who don't complete their annual membership requirements have their membership revoked.


Sustainer and Sustainer Emeritus

Requirements for Active and Sustainer status vary by League, but after 20 years of membership or reaching a certain age, members achieve Sustainer status, followed by an option of Sustainer Emeritus status for members aged 80 years or older.


Fundraisers and advocacy

The Junior League has a full calendar year of members-only, family-friendly, and public events at their clubhouses and local venues such as hotels. Notable JL events raising money for partner community organizations related to foster children, domestic violence, human trafficking, illiteracy, city beautification, and other issues include, but are not limited to: *Annual Winter Ball—the Junior League's largest fundraiser since 1952, where League awards are given to honor outstanding members and a public figure, such as
Mary J. Blige Mary Jane Blige ( ; born January 11, 1971) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Often referred to as the " Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and " Queen of R&B", Blige has won nine Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, four American Music Awar ...
(2011). Non-member dinner tickets start at $500+. *Annual Thanksgiving Eve Ball—introducing
debutantes A debutante, also spelled débutante, ( ; from french: débutante , "female beginner") or deb is a young woman of aristocratic or upper-class family background who has reached maturity and, as a new adult, is presented to society at a formal " ...
to society at The Plaza and
Waldorf-Astoria The Waldorf Astoria New York is a luxury hotel and condominium residence in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. The structure, at 301 Park Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets, is a 47-story Art Deco landmark designed by architects Schultz ...
since 1948 *Savor the Spring Restaurant Week *Spring House Tour *Team JL at the New York City Marathon The New York Junior League used to have a thrift shop where proceeds went to the community organizations. Other JL initiatives include its contributions to the passage of the
Clean Water Act The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the primary federal law in the United States governing water pollution. Its objective is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters; recognizing the responsibiliti ...
, free school lunch campaign, “Don’t Wait to Vaccinate” campaign, and The Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen initiative, which combats childhood obesity and educates families on health and nutrition.


Notable League members and alums

As of 2020, five First Ladies of the U.S. have been Junior League members. Politics *
Ann Bedsole Ann Smith Bedsole (born Margaret Anna Smith; January 7, 1930) is an American politician, businesswoman, community activist, and philanthropist. She was the first Republican woman to serve in the Alabama House of Representatives and, alongside F ...
—first female Alabama State Senator (1983–1995) * Margot Birmingham—wife of 1992 / 1996 Presidential Candidate and businessman, Ross Perot *
Florence Bird Florence Bayard Bird, (January 15, 1908 – July 18, 1998) was a Canadian broadcaster, journalist, and Senator. She is best known for her work as chairwoman of Royal Commission on the Status of Women. Born Florence Rhein in Philadelphia, P ...
—Canadian Senator appointed by Pierre Trudeau, broadcaster, and journalist *
Pam Bondi Pamela Jo Bondi (born November 17, 1965) is an American attorney, lobbyist, and politician. A Republican, she served as the 37th Florida attorney general from 2011 to 2019, the first woman elected to the office. In 2020, Bondi was one of Presid ...
Attorney General of Florida The Florida attorney general is an elected cabinet official in the U.S. state of Florida. The attorney general serves as the chief legal officer of the state and is head of the Florida Department of Legal Affairs. The office is one of Florida's ...
*
Barbara Bush Barbara Pierce Bush (June 8, 1925 – April 17, 2018) was First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993, as the wife of President George H. W. Bush, and the founder of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. She previously w ...
—41st First Lady during George H. W. Bush administration * Laura Bush—43rd First Lady during
George W. Bush George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is an American politician who served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. A member of the Republican Party, Bush family, and son of the 41st president George H. W. Bush, he ...
administration * Pat Evans—three-term
Mayor of Plano The Mayor of the City of Plano, Texas is the head of the Plano City Council. The current mayor is John B. Muns, who has served since 2021 and is the city's 39th mayor. Serving as mayor is a part-time job, and most officeholders maintain a full ...
, Texas (2002-2009) *
Betty Ford Elizabeth Anne Ford (; formerly Warren; April 8, 1918 – July 8, 2011) was the first lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977, as the wife of President Gerald Ford. As first lady, she was active in social policy and set a precedent as a pol ...
—38th First Lady during Gerald Ford administration *
Judith Giuliani Judi Ann Stish Ross Nathan GiulianiJudy Bachrach"Giuliani's Princess Bride" '' Vanity Fair'', September 2007. Accessed August 15, 2007. (born December 16, 1954)Jodi Kantor, "Judi, Jeri and the Rest", in "Hurtling Toward a Nomination, 2008", ''The ...
(née Nathan)—wife of 107th Mayor of New York City,
Rudolph Giuliani Rudolph William Louis Giuliani (, ; born May 28, 1944) is an American politician and lawyer who served as the 107th Mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001. He previously served as the United States Associate Attorney General from 1981 to 19 ...
*
Margaret Hance Margaret Taylor Hance (July 2, 1923 – April 29, 1990) was the first female mayor of Phoenix, Arizona, taking office in 1976. She proved popular, winning four consecutive two-year terms, from 1976 to 1984. Biography Hance (born Margaret Taylor) ...
—first female
Mayor of Phoenix The following is a list of the mayors of Phoenix, Arizona. Living former mayors of Phoenix There are six living former mayors of Phoenix, the oldest being John B. Nelson (served 1994, born 1936). The most recent death of a former mayor o ...
, Arizona *
Glenda Hood Glenda Evans Hood (born March 10, 1950) is an American politician, who was Secretary of State of Florida, from 2003 to 2005, and the first woman to serve as Mayor of Orlando (1992–2003). A Republican, Hood served as a district commissioner ...
—first female
Mayor of Orlando The city of Orlando, Florida, was incorporated in 1875. The first mayor, William Jackson Brack, took office in 1875. The Orlando mayor is officially a nonpartisan election. The current mayor is Buddy Dyer, who was first elected in a special ele ...
, Florida (1992–2003) * Margaret McTavish Konantz—Canadian Parliament, first woman elected to Canadian House of Commons from Manitoba * Mary Pillsbury LordUN Delegate * Stephanie Malone
Arkansas House of Representatives The Arkansas State House of Representatives is the lower house of the Arkansas General Assembly, the state legislature of the US state of Arkansas. The House is composed of 100 members elected from an equal amount of constituencies across the ...
member (2009–present) *
Carolyn Maloney Carolyn Jane Maloney (née Bosher, February 19, 1946) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for since 2013, and for from 1993 to 2013. The district includes most of Manhattan's East Side, Astoria and Long Island City ...
U.S. Congresswoman from New York (2013–present) *
Doris Matsui Doris Okada Matsui (; born Doris Kazue Okada; September 25, 1944) is an American politician from the Democratic Party, serving since 2005 in the House of Representatives. She represents (until 2013 numbered the 5th district), covering the ci ...
U.S. Congresswoman from California (2005–present) *
Geanie Morrison Geanie Williams Morrison (born October 6, 1950) is a Texas state representative from Victoria. A Republican, she has represented District 30 since January 12, 1999. Personal life Morrison attended Victoria College. She has two children and two ...
Texas House of Representatives member (1999–present) * Willie Landry Mount—Louisiana State Senator (2000-2012), first female Mayor of Lake Charles, Louisiana * Sandra Day O'Connor—Associate Justice of the
U.S. Supreme Court The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all U.S. federal court cases, and over state court cases that involve a point o ...
(1981-2006) appointed by Ronald Reagan * Diane PatrickTexas House of Representatives member * Nancy Reagan—40th First Lady during Ronald Reagan administration * Eleanor Roosevelt—32nd First Lady during
Franklin D. Roosevelt Franklin Delano Roosevelt (; ; January 30, 1882April 12, 1945), often referred to by his initials FDR, was an American politician and attorney who served as the 32nd president of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. As th ...
administration, United Nations Delegate * Margaret Chase Smith—first female
U.S. Senator The United States Senate is the upper chamber of the United States Congress, with the House of Representatives being the lower chamber. Together they compose the national bicameral legislature of the United States. The composition and power ...
and first to serve in both houses *
Bobbie Sparrow Barbara Jane Sparrow (born July 11, 1935) is a retired Canadian politician. Political career Sparrow, a Registered Nurse and businessperson, was first elected to the House of Commons of Canada in the 1984 federal election as Member of Parliame ...
—Canadian politician, House of Commons *
Carole Keeton Strayhorn Carole Stewart Keeton (born September 13, 1939), formerly known as Carole Keeton McClellan, Carole Keeton Rylander and Carole Keeton Strayhorn, is an American politician and the former Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Elected to the comptro ...
—first female
Mayor of Austin The mayor of Austin is the official head of the city of Austin in the U.S. state of Texas Texas (, ; Spanish language, Spanish: ''Texas'', ''Tejas'') is a state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United Stat ...
, Texas (1977–1983) Business * Martha Rivers Ingram—chairman of
Ingram Industries Ingram Industries is a manufacturing company headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. The company consists of diversified businesses in marine transportation aggregate supply, book distribution, print on demand book manufacturing, management and d ...
after the death of her husband,
E. Bronson Ingram II E. Bronson Ingram II (1931–1995) was an American billionaire heir and business executive. He served as the Chairman of Ingram Industries from 1963 to 1995.Leslie Eaton, 'E. Bronson Ingram, Who Built Family Concern Into Giant, 63', in ''The New Y ...
, and philanthropist Entertainment, media, literature, and fashion * Julia Child—TV chef and author of ''Mastering the Art of French Cooking'' * Ruth Draper—actress * Margaret Hamilton—actress, best known for her portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in '' The Wizard of Oz'' *
Katharine Hepburn Katharine Houghton Hepburn (May 12, 1907 – June 29, 2003) was an American actress in film, stage, and television. Her career as a Hollywood leading lady spanned over 60 years. She was known for her headstrong independence, spirited perso ...
—actress * Ethma Odum—pioneer woman television personality in
Alexandria Alexandria ( or ; ar, ٱلْإِسْكَنْدَرِيَّةُ ; grc-gre, Αλεξάνδρεια, Alexándria) is the second largest city in Egypt, and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast. Founded in by Alexander the Great, Alexandri ...
, Louisiana * Suzanne Perron— fashion designer * Mena Webb—writer and editor * Eudora WeltyPulitzer Prize winning author *
Shirley Temple Shirley Temple Black (born Shirley Jane Temple;While Temple occasionally used "Jane" as a middle name, her birth certificate reads "Shirley Temple". Her birth certificate was altered to prolong her babyhood shortly after she signed with Fox in ...
—actress, UN Delegate, US Ambassador Military and government *
Jeannie Deakyne Jeannie Deakyne is an Arlington, Texas, champion for education and access, community builder, and combat veteran. As of 2020 she serves as the vice president of operations for the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation in Arlington, Texas. She ...
—Army Officer and
Bronze Star Medal The Bronze Star Medal (BSM) is a United States Armed Forces decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. Wh ...
recipient * Cornelia Fort—first female pilot in American history to die on active duty * Oveta Culp Hobby—first secretary of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, first commanding officer of the Women's Army Corps * Deborah Taylor Tate
FCC Commissioner The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable across the United States. The FCC maintains jurisdictio ...
Nonprofit and philanthropy * Mary Harriman—founder of the Junior League, sister of 48th
Governor of New York The governor of New York is the head of government of the U.S. state of New York. The governor is the head of the executive branch of New York's state government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor ha ...
, W. Averell Harriman * Dorothy Payne Whitney
Whitney family The Whitney family is an American family notable for their business enterprises, social prominence, wealth and philanthropy, founded by John Whitney (1592–1673), who came from London, England to Watertown, Massachusetts in 1635. The historic f ...
member, philanthropist, NYJL President, and first AJLI President * Helenka Adamowska Pantaleoni
U.S. Fund for UNICEF The U.S. Fund for UNICEF, doing business as UNICEF USA, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) in the United States that supports the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Founded in 1947 by Helenka Pantaleoni, it is the oldest o ...
Co-founder and President (1953-1978) Sports *
Sarah Palfrey Cooke Sarah Hammond Palfrey Danzig (née Palfrey; September 18, 1912 – February 27, 1996) was an American tennis player whose adult amateur career spanned 19 years, from June 1926 until September 1945. She won two singles, nine women's doubles, and ...
—two-time Wimbledon champion *
Kerri Strug Kerri Allyson Strug (born November 19, 1977) is a retired American gymnast from Tucson, Arizona. She was a member of the Magnificent Seven, the victorious all-around women's gymnastics team that represented the United States at the 1996 Summer ...
Olympic Gold medal Olympic or Olympics may refer to Sports Competitions * Olympic Games, international multi-sport event held since 1896 ** Summer Olympic Games ** Winter Olympic Games * Ancient Olympic Games, ancient multi-sport event held in Olympia, Greece be ...
ist in gymnastics,
White House correspondent The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) is an organization of journalists who cover the White House and the president of the United States. The WHCA was founded on February 25, 1914, by journalists in response to an unfounded rumor t ...


In popular culture

* '' The Official Preppy Handbook''—1980 tongue-in-cheek reference guide book featuring the Junior League * ''
The Help ''The Help'' is a historical fiction novel by American author Kathryn Stockett and published by Penguin Books in 2009. The story is about African Americans working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi, during the early 1960s. A ''USA To ...
'' (2009) book and ''
The Help ''The Help'' is a historical fiction novel by American author Kathryn Stockett and published by Penguin Books in 2009. The story is about African Americans working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi, during the early 1960s. A ''USA To ...
'' (2011 film)—the film stars
Emma Stone Emily Jean Stone (born November 6, 1988), known professionally as Emma Stone, is an American actress. She is the recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Golden Globe Award. In 2017, she ...
and Bryce Dallas Howard in the Junior League of Jackson, Mississippi * ''The Devil in the Junior League''—2006 novel written by a former Junior Leaguer originally set to star Jennifer Garner in the film version. * The character Betty Draper in the TV series ''Madmen'' is a member of the Junior League


References


External links


Association of Junior Leagues International

New York Junior League

Canadian Federation of Junior Leagues

Junior League of London

Junior League of the City of New York Survey of Significant Interiors, 1984-1985
{{Authority control 1901 establishments in New York City 1901 establishments in the United States Charities based in New York City Children's charities based in the United States High society (social class) International women's organizations Mutual organizations Non-profit organizations based in New York City Organizations established in 1901 Youth organizations established in the 1900s