The Association of Junior Leagues International is a non-profit organization of women dedicated to volunteerism, education, and community leadership. It operates 293 Junior Leagues worldwide and has over 170,000 members. The first Junior League was founded in 1901 in New York, and members have made significant contributions to their communities, including starting recycling programs, free medical clinics, and clothing drives for foster children. The group raises money through the publication of cookbooks and has had many influential members, including Eleanor Roosevelt and Audrey Hepburn. Membership is open to all women regardless of race, religion, or national origin.
The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) is an international non-profit organization of women dedicated to encouraging volunteerism, education and community leadership. The Association operates 293 Junior Leagues in the United States, Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom. It is estimated that there are now more than 170,000 Junior League members worldwide.
The first Junior League was founded by 19-year-old Mary Harriman in 1901. She led 1901 other young women in a series of projects designed to improve nutrition and literacy for immigrant families in New York. Soon after, ambitious young women from all over the United States began setting up similar service organizations. In 1980, the Montreal Junior League gave global prominence to the group’s mission by becoming the first junior league outside the United States
By World War II, the members of the Junior League were gaining a reputation for their commitment to community service. Members made significant contributions to the war effort by chairing organizations that collect goods and supplies for soldiers. Many American and Canadian Junior League members have even served overseas to render assistance to military personnel in need.
Today, Junior League members are responsible for implementing a variety of improvements in their communities. Members have started recycling programs, community beautification projects, free medical clinics, literacy campaigns, and clothing drives for foster children. Each chapter is encouraged to reflect on ways they can use their skills and talents to make an impact.
Traditionally, one of the most important ways junior league members raise money for their projects is through the publication of cookbooks. In 1943, the Junior League of Minneapolis raised $3,000 US Dollars (USD) by publishing a cookbook featuring member recipes. Inspired by this achievement, other chapters followed suit with a variety of cookbooks. The AJLI has also released three cookbook collections as part of a national fundraising effort.
As a testament to the group’s importance, it is interesting to note that many of the world’s most prominent and influential women were once members of their local junior league. According to the AJLI website, Eleanor Roosevelt, Audrey Hepburn, Barbara Bush, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Eudora Welty are among the best-known alumni of the junior league.
Junior League membership is open to all women regardless of race, religion, or national origin. However, each local chapter has slightly different requirements regarding dues, attendance at meetings, and participation in community services. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Junior League, please contact your local chapter for more information.
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