NFBR: Anyone a Junior League member?

mavjen

If so, do you like or recommend it?  I think a new acquaintance is trying to get me into my local chapter after I mentioned it in passing.  Unbeknownst to me, she has since ran with it and reached out to her Junior League contacts.  I am sincerely touched by her kindness on my behalf, but now I feel obliged to do this if it pans out.  But, I don't think I'm a good fit for the Junior League.

I can't help but think of 'The Help' and stuff like that.

Go_Dawgs

LOL @ The Help   I can see why you would think that, though.

I'm not a Junior League member, but that's only because I'm fairly new to an area that has a chapter and membership is only open twice a year.  I'll be joining in the fall.  I have been a member of a similar group in the past called the Jaycees.  I have also met a lot of my local Junior League members through community volunteer events that I've been a part of through my bar association, and they were all friendly women and I enjoyed their company.

Groups like the Junior League and Jaycees are really great for meeting people and giving back to your community.  They are also just fun.  It seems that a lot of professional women join these groups, which I like as a working mom who is very career oriented.  It can also be a great way to network if you have a job where that is beneficial (which I do), which is why I think a lot of professional women get involved.

mavjen

Thanks GoDawgs.  I like the community volunteer aspect, but I'm a SAHW.  I used to work but not anymore.  I'm also not a mom.  So, I don't know if there will be other women that have a similar situation like myself.  I guess I could join and find out.

Do you have any idea how much an annual membership costs?

Go_Dawgs

mavjen:

Thanks GoDawgs.  I like the community volunteer aspect, but I'm a SAHW.  I used to work but not anymore.  I'm also not a mom.  So, I don't know if there will be other women that have a similar situation like myself.  I guess I could join and find out.

Do you have any idea how much an annual membership costs?

It's not all working women and you might still really enjoy it.  I don't think it's really expensive - maybe a couple hundred dollars.  There are typically participation requirements about the number of events you must attend, but it's nothing extreme.

mavjen

Thanks so much, GoDawgs.  I really appreciate the info.  Maybe I'll give it a whirl, what the hell.

FormerCityGirl

It reminds me more of this, but I would probably scandalize a Junior League Chapter with my wild style.  I thought of doing it, but can't get into it here since I really don't feel like we fit the mold in this area and we're travelling too often.   

mavjen

FormerCityGirl:

It reminds me more of this, but I would probably scandalize a Junior League Chapter with my wild style.  I thought of doing it, but can't get into it here since I really don't feel like we fit the mold in this area and we're travelling too often.   

That book looks funny, ha.  Hmm, I feel the same way and I travel a fair amount.  I really hope that woman forgets or this fizzes out.  I doubt it, I heard she has been a busy bee about this.

maryandkirk0909

It really depends on the area.  In St. Louis, where I grew up, I know that it is invitation only and usually passed through families/ social groups/ graduating classes of certain schools.  Here in DC, you just put your name in and they draw however many names they have space for lottery style.  Both groups have dues (DC is more expensive) and service hour requirements.  In St. Louis you're required to sit on a committee for an event, I have no idea if that is true in DC.

Go_Dawgs

FormerCityGirl:

It reminds me more of this, but I would probably scandalize a Junior League Chapter with my wild style.  I thought of doing it, but can't get into it here since I really don't feel like we fit the mold in this area and we're travelling too often.   

LOL! 

Go_Dawgs

maryandkirk0909:

It really depends on the area.  In St. Louis, where I grew up, I know that it is invitation only and usually passed through families/ social groups/ graduating classes of certain schools.  Here in DC, you just put your name in and they draw however many names they have space for lottery style.  Both groups have dues (DC is more expensive) and service hour requirements.  In St. Louis you're required to sit on a committee for an event, I have no idea if that is true in DC.

Wow, the passing through families and graduating classes is hard core.  I live in an upper middle class to upper class (lower upper I guess?) suburb of Atlanta.  With ours, anyone can apply, but you must have either the sponsorship of a current member or the recommendation of a community member.  I wouldn't call it a diverse group, but I also don't think it's a group of primarily debutantes. At least I hope not, lol.  That is one tradition that definitely makes me snicker.  

FormerCityGirl

Go_Dawgs:

FormerCityGirl:

It reminds me more of this, but I would probably scandalize a Junior League Chapter with my wild style.  I thought of doing it, but can't get into it here since I really don't feel like we fit the mold in this area and we're travelling too often.   

LOL! 

Seriously, I would.  I'm rocking Grace Potter's blunt bangs in platinum blonde with neon pink highlights.  My hair is this cut:

 

with these highlights in a much brighter pink:

I would seriously be the talk of the Chapter with a look like this, but I have never had so many people compliment my hair since I did this. 

That book is worth the read.  Anything by that Author is great and there's a lot of F&B talk in her work. 

Wan-naBe

funny, I replied to a post on MM today asking the same thing.

 

i did two years with the junior league here, and while I met some awesome ladies and had fun, I decided to end it because I felt my chapter was more focused on money and there really weren't enough volunteering opportunities for me. our annual dues were in the $200 range, plus we were expected to fulfill at least $75/year in fundraising. 

champagnedreams

Go_Dawgs:

maryandkirk0909:

It really depends on the area.  In St. Louis, where I grew up, I know that it is invitation only and usually passed through families/ social groups/ graduating classes of certain schools.  Here in DC, you just put your name in and they draw however many names they have space for lottery style.  Both groups have dues (DC is more expensive) and service hour requirements.  In St. Louis you're required to sit on a committee for an event, I have no idea if that is true in DC.

Wow, the passing through families and graduating classes is hard core.  I live in an upper middle class to upper class (lower upper I guess?) suburb of Atlanta.  With ours, anyone can apply, but you must have either the sponsorship of a current member or the recommendation of a community member.  I wouldn't call it a diverse group, but I also don't think it's a group of primarily debutantes. At least I hope not, lol.  That is one tradition that definitely makes me snicker.  

I just finished my first year as a member of the Atlanta chapter. Every city is different and has a different reputation so I can't speak for the others. I don't think this one has ever denied membership to anyone. If you don't know a current member, they set you up with someone to be your sponsor. I had to pay a few hundred dollars but that included the dues and the classes you take the first year. (It's less the next years.)  It's nothing like The Help. It's mostly professional women but I've also met a lot of SAHMs who want to get out in the community and also make friends. There are some mom groups that do activities together with the kids. The one here is quite diverse so I wouldn't stereotype the type of ladies who join it. (At least here). I think it's a great way to meet new friends and give back to the community. If you don't like it, you can always leave. 

dukemeli

I am a lurker but feel compelled to respond. I am a member of JL and have been for the past 4 years. Quite honestly, it was the best thing that I ever did for myself. It is a group of strong women that promote volunteerism in the community.

I initially joined because I wanted a way to be able to meet more woman that were my age and at a similar stage in life as me. At that time, I was married but didn't have children. I also wanted to be able to do something worth while.  How JL was depicted in The Help is so far from how the league really is today.  I have met some amazing women that truly care about making a difference in their respective communities.

Costs of the JL vary by league. Some are more expensive than others. For my league, my annual dues for an active member are $185 per year. Costs for first year members are a bit higher but it's only that first year. 

There is no discrimination nor is there any "cult" like behavior.  It is simply women supporting women that have a passion for causes that support disadvantaged women and children in the community. Of course there are social aspects but that is not the main mission. Junior League is certainly not everyone's cup on tea. However, if this is something that you feel like you'd like to do, I'd encourage you to join.

mavjen

Thanks for all the responses, I really appreciate it.  I'm inclined to join now because of the feedback.

1220winterbride

I'm late to this post but I am also weighing in PRO League! A little tiny bit like a sorority (it is the South) and def not for everyone.Well worth the time and effort to contribute to the community and make tons of amazing friends.

I pay a couple hundred dollars annually in dues, plus fundraisers, minimum required amounts of donations in time, money, and goods; and fun stuff like buying dresses and blow outs for parties etc. It adds up but like I said well worth it.

Go_Dawgs

I'm so happy to hear the positive feedback on here.  It makes me excited to join the Junior League in the fall!  I wish that membership weren't limited to just twice a year.