A little over a year ago, I was looking for new opportunities to serve the community. Several of my friends at work (these are from the lawyer days), were members of the Junior League of Austin. Now I will admit, that initially I grimaced at the thought of the "Junior League." First of all, it sounded way too "sorority" like to me. Being a woman who was never in a sorority, I didn't want to start now. Secondly, as a minority, I had some preconceived notions of what type of woman was in the Junior League. And finally, I wasn't really sure what the Junior League did...I mean wasn't just a bunch of women who get together and sell cookbooks. I don't cook, why on earth would I want to do that? Isn't a group of high society women who made a high society organization for their socializing? Again,why would I want to be a part of that?
One year later, I am finishing up my provisional year of the Junior League of Austin. Why you ask? Because through a little bit of research, I was pleasantly surprised about what the Junior League accomplishes each year. The mission of the League is to Develop the potential of women, Improve the community, and Promote voluntarism. This is practically accomplished every day within the League. The League raises funds through "A Christmas Affair," and the Resale Shop to fund grants to non-profit agencies in the community to assist in their charitable cause. In addition to awarding monetary grants to the agencies, the League provides womanpower to the agencies in the form of "placements". Every member of the League is given a placement with one of the agencies in the community. Agencies supported by the Junior League of Austin last year include Mother's Milk Bank, the Presbyterian Children's Home, The Ronald McDonald House, and Austin Smile. This gives the members an opportunity to learn important leadership skills and make a direct impact on the community.
As a provisional, my placement was with the Resale Shop. I LOVE the Resale shop. This was my first soiree into retail, and on a personal level, I love the customer service aspect of it. And I enjoy running the cash register as well. :-) What I love most about the Resale shop is that fact that foster parents receive $20 credit each month per child to shop at the Resale shop. $20 goes a long way with children's clothes. Every third Thursday through Saturday (counted by the Saturday) we have a big sale. Clothes and shoes are usually 1/2 off during the sale. Quite a deal for our customers (especially since there are a lot of designer stuff in the shop.)
As my provisional year comes to a close, I am truly happy that I joined the League. The impact that the League makes each year on the community is substantial. I am proud to be a part of a group of women who believe in improving the community. Plus, I haven't had to cook once! Score.
For more information about the Junior League of Austin click here.
To find a Junior League in your community, click here.
- RXW
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Austinites--Upcoming Community Event:
March 15, 16, 23
WACOAL FIT FOR THE CURE -Get fitted for a Wacoal bra. For each fitting, the Austin Komen for the Cure Affiliate will receive $2 with a $1000 minimum. Click here for locations and details. For information about a Fit For the Cure event in your community go to the Wacoal Location Finder
If you have an upcoming community event (anywhere around the world!) that you would like me to highlight in my blog email me (use the mail link below) and I will put it on my blog.
1 comment:
Roxanne- this post came up when I Googled "is junior league like a sorority?" Thank you for writing it! I am in Fort Worth and am considering joining our chapter (but am hesitant for the same reasons you were). I only know a few people, but like you, I am looking for a way to serve in the community. Thanks again!
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