"You're not good enough to volunteer...now I'm sorry, that's crap."

Mrs. Leslie Tomlinson is a sustaining member of the Junior League of the Shoals, with is backed by the Association of Junior League International (AJLI).  First, I had no idea what a Junior League was until halfway through class this week (I kind of wish she would have explained exactly what it was before she began her presentation, instead of telling about it in the middle; that way, I could have understood more of the beginning of her presentation).  That being said, I do know what a Junior League is now:  an organization of women devoted to building a better local community.

Mrs. Tomlinson began by asking the question, "What do you do when you have multiple degrees but you live in a place that doesn't offer a job in your degree?"  Her answer?  Volunteer!  She was asked to join the Muscle Shoals District Service League (which became the Junior League of the Shoals in 2006 after a two-year process).  The MSDSL was apparently more exclusive and selective in their members and becoming a Junior League allowed for more mobility and a more open attitude.  Mrs. Tomlinson said that the Junior League looks to be inviting to all women regardless of race, age, class, or education.  Active members are required to be involved for 6-10 years, doing about 60 volunteer hours a year, plus attending meetings.  After serving that time, they become sustaining members and can be as involved in volunteer work as they please.

The Junior League was started by a 19 year old woman in New York who wanted to contribute to society but had no way to.  By 1921, there were over 30 Junior League groups, and the AJLI was formed, which is the umbrella group who provides guidance, support, and leadership development opportunities to all leagues.  There are currently 293 Junior Leagues in Canada, Mexico, the US, and the UK, with over 155,000 members.

What the Junior League Does:

• promote volunteerism
• develop the potential for women
• improve communities 
• address critical needs of community
• meet women where they are
• provide networking and social opportunities

Being in the Junior League is like having a non-paying job, and Mrs. Tomlinson said, "Time is more precious than money."  She enjoys being part of a changing organization, open to all women (working or not).  Being part of the Junior League means that you can become part of a Junior League in any other city as well.  The idea behind this group is that you shouldn't be stagnant; the group is always changing.  

Mrs. Tomlinson was a very energetic speaker, but she didn't sell me on wanting to join the Junior League (which women in a college town can't join until they are 24).  If I decide to continue volunteering ample amounts of my time when I'm older, I will probably not do it through a structured group with strict guidelines.  I will, more than likely, volunteer through my church.