When a group of passionate women commit to improving their community, great things can happen. If you are a woman, over the age 21 and searching for a way to give back to the community while working with a motivated group of women, look no further.
Through August 31st, the Junior League of Harrisburg is accepting applications for 2012-13. A social for prospective members is scheduled at 6 p.m., Wednesday, August 15, at the Civic Club of Harrisburg, 612 N. Front St. Any one interested is invited.
The League’s mission is simple and noble.
“We are committed to promoting voluntarism, to developing the potential of women, and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers,” League President Nicole Kaylor said.
The League has a proud tradition of training women to be effective leaders who go on to serve other organizations. Present and sustaining members can be found on the boards of many of the region’s best run non-profits.
Since 1929, the League has made Harrisburg a better place to live. It is one chapter of the Association of Junior Leagues International. New members spend their first year getting acquainted with the League’s rich history and learning what it means to be an effective community volunteer.
Throughout the year, the League organizes its own community events as well as supporting a wide variety of area non-profits, such as the Ronald McDonald House, the YWCA, Caitlin’s Smiles, and the United Methodist Home for Children. The annual “Run for the Health of It” 5K, which will be held this year on Nov. 3, raises money for the League’s grant and scholarship programs. Every December, the League hosts a holiday lunch for families going through tough times. The seminal spring event, Bargain Box, has a long tradition and is consistently referred to as one of the best rummage sales in the area.
For the upcoming year, the Junior League plans to work with its 2012 grant recipient, the Harrisburg Police Athletic League. Members will have the opportunity to get involved with PAL, and, in particular, its program, Positive Images, that focuses on building girls’ self-esteem.
Additionally, members have the opportunity to serve on a League committee where they receive training and gain hands-on experience with fundraising, event-planning and selecting grant recipients. Skills women learn in the League carry over to the business world and have a long-term, positive impact on the members’ lives and the community.
For these reasons, many women have found that the League is the perfect platform for launching a lifelong commitment to volunteer work. It offers members the opportunity to familiarize themselves with an assortment of local organizations so that they can go on to serve niche groups armed with the experience gained by being a League member.
Last, but certainly not least, Junior League of Harrisburg is a foundation for creating life-long friendships. For that reason, women who have recently relocated to Harrisburg are especially encouraged to attend the August 15th social.
To RSVP for the August 15th event and to download a membership application, please visit www.jl-hbg.org. Email inquiries can be sent to juniorleagueharrisburg@gmail.com.
