The Power of Association
Founded in 1901 by New Yorker and social activism pioneer Mary Harriman, the Junior Leagues are charitable nonprofit organizations of women, developed as civic leaders, making a demonstrable impact on their communities. In 1921 the Leagues joined forces as an association, which is today known as The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., in order to bolster their power and amplify their voice through shared knowledge and common causes.
True to their mission, today’s League members work at the forefront of social reform, tackling the toughest and most critical issues of the day—including childhood nutrition and obesity, human trafficking, foster care, juvenile justice, teen self-esteem, cybercrimes, literacy and the environment, among others—for the purpose of enhancing the social, cultural and political fabric of civil society.
As a result of this work, The Junior League—and the more than 125,000 women in over 295 communities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico who comprise its ranks—has amassed an archive of tangible results and a reputation as thoughtful and influential change agents dedicated to the public good.
Today AJLI is a charitable nonprofit organization that provides continuity and support, guidance, and leadership development opportunities to its member Leagues. Through regional, national and international meetings, comprehensive resources, customized consultations, and League and member benefits, it supports its member Leagues in the fulfillment of The Junior League’s Mission. AJLI is governed by a Board of Directors, which is accountable to the Leagues and comprised of women who are members of the Junior Leagues in their communities. The Association’s New York City-based staff, under the leadership of the Executive Director, provides services to Leagues that support the established goals.
The Junior League of New Orleans celebrates our members who are Women Leading for a Greater New Orleans. These change-makers contribute to a variety of industries, develop their potential through our infrastructure, and implement our organization’s impact. We are proud of these inspiring and diverse members who are empowering the next generation of women leaders.
One civic-minded woman can start a movement. JLNO is a thriving organization where a woman can envision and execute her commitment to voluntarism in a way that is impactful and relevant to her and the community in which she serves. Training sessions and volunteer work provide each member with the knowledge and experience for effective community leadership. No matter where she is in her personal or professional development, she gains confidence by fulfilling the organization’s mission and achieving goals in a safe and supportive environment.
For over 99 years, thousands of Greater New Orleans area residents have benefited from the work of Junior League volunteers, and helping others has immeasurably enriched those volunteers’ lives.
During the 2022-2023 League year, the Junior League of New Orleans:
- Offered over 50 unique volunteer opportunities to our members
- Offered over 40 training opportunities
- Hosted over 1,500 attendees for Touch a Truck and over 700 students to Field Trip Friday
- Had 47 JLNO charity runners for the Crescent City Classic
- Had over 300 attendees and 30 vendors for our annual Holly Jolly Marketplace
- Trained 200 students in Safe Sitter curriculum
- Hosted over 250 attendees at our first in-person Women’s Leadership Summit
- Trained 20 participants for meaningful board participation through our Get on Boardprogram
- Provided holiday gifts to 110 Educare students
- Partnered with 60 non-profits
- Provided approximately 20,000 volunteer hours in service to our community
- Invested in our learning and leadership experiences by engaging in 3000 training hours
- Distributed $40,000 dollars in Community Assistance Fund grants
- Distributed over 575,000 diapers to 21 partners
- Distributed over 119,000 period supplies to 17 partners
- And distributed 16,000 Adult Incontinence products to 11 partners