<p>Long-time Jr. Leaguer here. Joined at age 24 with a group of young married gals when one still needed letters of reference and a sponsor. Provisional year was ver time-consuming but my league (in a large midwestern city) was very focused on both volunteer training and on increasing league diversity. I was an exciting time to become a part of this wonderful organization. My husband’s job took us to the west coast, then to two southern cities and then to new England. Each time, my League affiliation helped make the transition so much smoother (League women know realtors, schools, doctors, hairdressers, drycleaners, everything!). I let my active membership lapse when Ireturned to full time work, but just reactivated as a sustainer and am loving it. Searching for the right opportunity to volunteer, but am enjoying meeting wonderful new women in a community i have lived and worked in for 15 years.</p>
<p>I highly recommend the league to those of you who are young enough for active membership. More important, for those of you with daughters in college or grad school, I believe it can fabulous opportunity for young women, especially those moving to new cities where they may not know a lot of people, to quickly become involve, meet “movers and shakers”, gain community volunteer leadership experience, and make great friendships.</p>
<p>Panhandlegal - a while back, several family members were looking for my mom’s gumbo recipe, each thinking someone else had it. One of my brothers thought it was from the Junior League of Baton Rouge Cookbook, so I did some research (with some help and direction from some CC members) and was able to locate it (it was out of print) and copy the recipe and send it off to my brother. He was going to try it (he’s a gourmet chef) and let me know if it turned out like my mother’s. But you gotta thank the Junior League of Baton Rouge for that one!</p>
<p>It is interesting hearing this discussion. All my life I have had the impression that the Junior League was wealthy young society wives. Maybe that was an unfair stereotype.</p>
<p>JL does have its share of wealthy, young stay-at-home wives (not sure what a “society” wife is anymore). The beauty of JL is that it defies stereotypes. JL, like American women in general, has evolved to become a group of well-educated, ambitious and altruistic females/mothers who still love to lunch and produce the best cookbooks in the country.</p>
<p>^agreed. The best thing about the Junior League is – no one’s blase. Every member has a real positive, “can do” spirit.</p>
<p>One warning – after you join the Junior League, anytime you see the words “volunteers needed” you’ll be picking up the phone and offering your help. They can’t beat it out of you. :)</p>