Junior League of Annapolis Virtual Recruitment Fall 2020

Junior League of Annapolis Virtual Recruitment Fall 2020

What is the Junior League?

The Junior League Founded in 1901, The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. is an educational women’s volunteer organization aimed at improving communities and the social, cultural, and political fabric of civil society. Members accomplish this by developing leadership skills, fundraising, and volunteering on JL committees to support partner organizations. Junior League of Annapolis is one of 291 chapters across the US, Canada, Mexico, and the UK.

History of JLA In 1948, eight members of the Junior League of Baltimore gathered together to implement volunteer projects in the Anne Arundel county area. As the group grew in size and expertise, it eventually became the Annapolis Committee of the Junior League of Baltimore. Finally, in 1981, the group voted to become an independent league, establishing the Junior League of Annapolis as we know it today.

Why JLA? Junior League of Annapolis, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our membership of over three hundred women strives to reduce food insecurity in Anne Arundel County, with a specific focus on the self- sufficiency of women and children.

Message from Our President “The Junior League of Annapolis has chosen to be driven by matters of the heart and of humanity – those things that connect us and respect the value of our differences, rather than highlight division. We recognize the Strength in Unity. We are committed to the mission of changing lives through developing civic women leaders. We are committed to a diverse membership and are making strides so that diversity, equity, and inclusion are more than just buzzwords or slogans. We are indeed Better Together. It is with that commitment, full support of our 300+ member league, and spirit of intentionality that gives me the confidence and makes me proud to serve the greater community as the Junior League of Annapolis President. ”

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion AJLI and JLA are committed to a membership and outreach that reflects the rich diversity of the community we serve. We welcome and value the unique backgrounds and perspectives of our members in an endeavor to foster an inclusive environment to promote the development of women.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion In 2019, JLA created the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team and the role of the DEI Officer to focus on serving the needs of our membership and fostering an inclusive environment JLA hosts DEI events and trainings throughout the year to educate membership on issues in our community and country

Volunteerism

JLA Community Partnerships Every year, Junior League of Annapolis partners with two strong community organizations or government entities that have, or would like to develop, a new project that can be developed in conjunction with, and supported by, JLA. The project must meet local community needs and should align with the JLA focus areas of food insecurity and self-sufficiency of women and children. Our current projects include: 1. Community of Hope 2. Coaching for Life 3. Done in a Day (DIAD)

Community of Hope JLA is working to establish a Community of Hope in the Brooklyn Park community of Anne Arundel County, an area which has the highest need and fewest resources in the county. Our objectives are to help develop and establish, together with community members, various initiatives which promote healthy and successful children and families. Last year, JLA helped prepare for a Baby Shower for the women at Community of Hope.

Coaching for Life Through 2021, JLA is partnering with Serenity Sistas’ and their Coaching for Life program. Serenity Sistas’ is a leading organization in Anne Arundel County, and — at its inception in 2012 — the first of its kind in Annapolis Maryland. Their mission is to provide women in recovery from alcohol or substance abuse with a chance to reenter life. They do so by providing support and the structure of a positive, productive sober living environment, thus empowering them a new way of life, as well as a renewed self-image. In March 2020, members of JLA and Serenity Sistas’ took a self-defense class together at Kicked Up Fitness.

Volunteer Events: Done in a Day (DIAD) events are one-time special projects are completed in a short period of time and meet a specific community need in Anne Arundel County that is in sync with JLA’s mission and community programs.

Focus Area: Food Insecurity Food insecurity in the Anne Arundel community is a key focus area for JLA

Volunteer Events: DIAD Food security is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. During these unprecedented times, JLA has continued to hold regular food drives to safely keep our community fed. JLA has partnered with the Feed Anne Arundel food bank to maximize our impact on the community.

Volunteer Events: DIAD The Lighthouse Shelter in Annapolis is one of our biggest DIAD partners. In February 2020, JLA participated in the SOUPer Bowl Lunch for Lighthouse Shelter, ladling bowls of homemade soups and chilis and helping to raise nearly $4, 500 in only two hours.

Volunteer Events: DIAD Mirah’s Closet is a foster closet operated by the The Blue Ribbon Project that is dedicated to providing children and teens in foster care with essential items such as clothing, toiletries, school supplies, and other needed items. This aligns with JLA’s core value of self sufficiency of women and children in the Anne Arundel County area.

Meeting New People

JLA General Membership Meetings (GMM) Every month, JLA holds a meeting for all members to gather, learn about issues in our community, and receive training at our General Membership Meetings (GMM). Each year, JLA has an end of year potluck GMM to celebrate the kickoff of summer.

JLA Social Events A lot of JLA members joined to get to know more women in the Annapolis community. The Recruitment and Engagement committee works on planning monthly social events for JLA members to get to know each other outside of our usual community service or GMMs. In May 2018, JLA hosted a tea party to celebrate the Royal Wedding!

JLA Social Events Fall Tailgate for Navy Football!

JLA Social Events Galentine’s Day 2020 flower arranging workshop

Joining JLA

JLA Provisional Process You must be at least 21 years old and live or work in or around the Anne Arundel community to join. The first year of active service in Junior League of Annapolis is a provisional year. Provisional members have the opportunity to volunteer for all JLA community outreach and fundraising projects. During the “provisional year” (winter 2020 -May 2021), a robust program of training courses is offered that allows women to learn more about their community and experience the various Leaguesponsored avenues for volunteerism and develop leadership skills. Each Provisional Class caps off their provisional experience by organizing and executing their own unique Provisional Class Project.

JLA Provisional Dues and Training The next provisional class will begin this December/January ● 4 required provisional trainings to learn about the Junior League and JLA ● Informal mentorship and social events for new members will begin in October ● JLA provisional dues are $100 for the 2021 provisional class

JLA Requirements for Active Members An active member is a member who has been voted in after their provisional class ● Attend at least 8 meetings, trainings, or volunteer events between May 2021 May 2022 ● $300 total financial requirements throughout the league year ○ $100 of membership dues ○ $200 of fundraising commitment ■ Can contribute through hours volunteering for fundraising committees, donations, employer/organization matching, etc.

Find Us! Web: https: //www. jlannapolis. org/ Junior League of Annapolis @jlannapolis #jlannapolis