Junior League

csdorr

I've been hearing a lot about Junior League lately. Anyone involved with this organization? How do you get involved and how much of a time commitment is it? Thanks!

SilliRy

I just joined the Junior League of Greenville, so I can give you some insight but not a whole lot. Your first year is called your provisional year, and your placement (at the Greenville chapter, at least) is in the Nearly New Shop. It's a thrift store, basically. You have to work 43 hours in the shop throughout the year. There are also meetings throughout the year--I'm not sure how often they have them (quarterly, maybe?). You also help out with various volunteer opportunities and events that are going on through the JLG.

To join it was a little less than $200 (annual dues and provisional course fees). You also have to donate at least $100 worth of goods (clothing and home goods) to the Nearly New Shop.

For the Greenville chapter the deadline to sign up was April 1, so you just missed out for this year. For the first year at least it does seem like it'll be a bit of a commitment, but I'm looking forward to getting to know the other ladies and getting more involved in the organization.

sctiger

I'm going into my second year in the Junior League of Greenville.  There's a big emphasis on community service, but there's quite a bit of a social aspect to it as well.  It's a good way to get involved in the community and meet new people.  Every provisional has the same placement in the Nearly New Shop because it's the biggest source of revenue for the league, and they need lots of people.  You have to work 40 regular hours there, plus a 3 hour special shift, and then a 3 hour shift at another JL community event.  At the end of your first year you get to pick your own community placement.  If you google Junior League of Columbia, you should find the site for the JL there!  If you have any more questions, ask away!

martinilove

I was in it before (up in MI) and I absolutely loved it!  At the time, it was somewhat flexible...you obviously have certain obligations but you didn't have to attend every single meeting and every single event.  But they ended up changing the rules and required you to attend just about every single thing and it wasn't feasible for me and my schedule, so I got out of it.  Now that we've moved down here, I've contemplated joining it again because I did really enjoy it and met some great people.  I think every group is different as far as expectations/requirements are concerned.  I would look into your nearest group and see what kind of information they have to offer to see if it's something that would work for you!

csdorr

I noticed your picture says "DZ Love." Were you in Delta Zeta? That was my sorority at USC!

martinilove

csdorr:

I noticed your picture says "DZ Love." Were you in Delta Zeta? That was my sorority at USC!

Yes, I was a DZ (up in Michigan at Ferris State University)!  How funny...such a small world!

LIAngel

Just out of curiousity, is the Junior League the same as the Junior Women's League?  My sister is part of the Easley Junior Womens League.

csdorr

Thanks for all the info ladies! Those of you that have been/are currently involved with junior league, how did you get sponsored? Did you know someone? I don't know one person in the Junior League of Columbia, but it's something I'm very interested in. Apparently the one here in Columbia required you to have a sponsor and two signatures by members.

 

 

sctiger

LIAngel:

Just out of curiousity, is the Junior League the same as the Junior Women's League?  My sister is part of the Easley Junior Womens League.

No, they're not connected.  Each JL is part of Junior League International, and I know Easley doesn't have a chapter.

sctiger

csdorr:

Thanks for all the info ladies! Those of you that have been/are currently involved with junior league, how did you get sponsored? Did you know someone? I don't know one person in the Junior League of Columbia, but it's something I'm very interested in. Apparently the one here in Columbia required you to have a sponsor and two signatures by members.

 

 

I didn't have to have a sponsor, but I'd look around at church or work, or something else that you're a part of and find someone who is a member.  Good luck   If you have any other questions, just ask!