Backed by a national infrastructure but endowed with local autonomy, Junior League of Fresno members are among 160,000 trained volunteers actively working in communities across the U.S. There are plenty of accomplished women who have proudly served: Shirley Temple Black, Eleanor Roosevelt, Katherine Hepburn, and Sandra Day O’Connor to name a few. Even now there are scores of elected officials, including U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, NC, who are active members, not to mention CEOs at major corporations and nonprofits. With more than two hundred chapters in North America and England, it is apparent that the Junior League is a major player in leading volunteer efforts across the country.
Junior League of Fresno began in 1948 with a post-war effort benefiting local children who were left orphaned and destitute after WWII. And although our chapter originated as the Service League of Fresno, the seeds were planted in that first year that would carry our chapter through five decades of "improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers." In 2009, the Junior League of Fresno celebrated 50 years of active membership and service. We celebrated in style at Weber BMW, reveling in our accomplishments and in relationships born out of a shared vision for the organization.
Sustainer Elin Van Vleet, a JLF member since 2000, recalls her first memories of JLF: "My mother and grandmother are both members of JLF, so some of my earliest memories of JLF in the community are the ones that I have from my childhood: attending the grand opening of the Discovery Center and the Ronald McDonald House, and helping set up and work the Next-To-New Sale. My favorite memory was running up and down the aisle of the Warnor's Theater as my mom and other Junior League members rehearsed for the Follies."
First year active member and CRPD Chair Kristi Robinson also has fond childhood memories of JLF, and is following in the footsteps of her mother (Karen Robinson) and godmother (Suzy Newby), both long-term JLF members. “I remember going to the Fresno Fairgrounds for the ‘Next to New’ sale, walking into the hall with piles of clothes, shoes, purses, housewares, sporting equipment -- you name it, it was there. For ‘helping,’ my Mom would reward me with some shopping! It was the best, because a six year who doesn't ski, clearly needs a set of skis,” says Robinson.
To say that the Junior League of Fresno has left its mark on this city would be an understatement. A review of our history lists numerous local organizations that thrive as a direct result of JLF support and involvement: St. Agnes Hospital, Fresno Community Hospital, Children's Hospital of Central CA & The Ronald McDonald House, The Discovery Center, The Fresno Art Museum, The Central California Blood Bank & Bloodmobile, Exceptional Parents Unlimited, The Craycroft Center, The Juvenile Justice Center, and The Marjaree Mason Center are the most well-known. A quick review of our yearbook shows that our league has given back to the community in staggering numbers – almost $1,000,000 – and that’s only what’s documented as hard costs (not including the value of volunteer hours).
“When I was a provisional I had just started teaching in Fresno Unified. As I learned more about JLF and its current and past projects, I realize how many had helped the students at my school…At that moment I knew that I had joined an organization that was making an impact in the community,” says Van Vleet.
And also within our community are countless individuals who have been touched by JLF, whether as members or as beneficiaries of our many outreach efforts. Through committees such as Impact Fresno, Girl Power, and Senior Girl Athlete, as well as our partnerships with organizations in town who specialize in caring for “women and children in need,” JLF has provided countless opportunities to give of our time and resources to aid in empowering women of all ages, backgrounds, and socio-economic status. And the giving doesn’t stop with JLF-sponsored programs: "If you talk to a lot of the female leaders in our community, you will find many of them got their start right here in Junior League. And when it was time for them to become Sustaining members, they went out into the community with the skills they learned while in League and continued to make an impact in the lives of others," says past president Jennifer Johnson, a JFL member since 2001.
Yet if you ask any JLF member about her experiences serving the community, you’ll hear that she receives as much as she gives. Not only does League membership provide training on voluntarism, JLF’s history shows that we continually invest in the personal and professional growth of our members. For the more than 500 women who’ve joined JLF in the past 50 years, we’ve offered ongoing training on a variety of topics such as management, career development, self-esteem, public speaking, time management, stress management, problem solving, public relations, parliamentary procedure, conflict resolution, team building, coaching and motivation, parenting, effective communication, strategic planning, and many others. “I have always said that the more I put into Junior League, the more I got out of it. It increased my skills and confidence,” says Sustainer Suzy Newby. Adds Johnson, “JLF has given me an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and test myself in ways I never thought possible.”
JLF's influence extends beyond the borders of our city and county, with the involvement of our State Public Affairs Committees (SPAC) at the capital over the years. Since 1971, SPAC has represented the interests of its member leagues and the groups or issue areas addressed by their projects to policy makers at the state and local levels. The collective voice of this non-partisan group represents over 13,500 women in 16 communities throughout the state. During its 36-year history, SPAC has supported countless bills that benefit the citizens of California. The most visible impact comes from SPAC’s sponsored bills. Sponsorship of a bill includes development of the idea for the bill, recruitment of a legislator to author the bill, and active support of the bill through writing letters and testifying before legislative committees. JLF has played a committed role in SPAC activities, whether researching legislation, attending and hosting SPAC conferences, and visiting local representatives to discuss and address important issues. Most recently, Senior SPAC delegate Wendy Penbera led the charge to get sponsorship for AB159, the “Healthy Mothers Act.” In 2009, Senior SPAC Mia Fletcher hosted the Fall SPAC Conference here in Fresno.
As a JLF member, a career in League can provide members with a variety of different focus areas and opportunities. Many join JLF with the intention of spending their League time volunteering in the community, and then unexpectedly discover a passion for the internal roles that help grow the organization. While community service remains a membership requirement, it can take on a different form -- that of nurturing the organization that makes those opportunities possible. “In League, there truly is something for everyone, and you never know where you’ll find your passion,” says Community Vice President Laura Ramos. “The organization can meet so many needs – not just for the community, but your own internal needs for personal growth and meaningful relationships.”
A look back at JLF history shows some remarkable changes over the years that have allowed the organization to stay relevant and sustainable as women’s needs, roles, and relational styles have progressed. “It’s true what they say – we really are more than pumps and pearls. I often hear people talking about the ‘old’ League…(yet) Junior League has continually adapted to the growing needs of women and I believe we are able to work with our members during their life changes to ensure that they are able to be a member of the League no matter what,” says Johnson. “Sustainability” is an important word for JLF and a key component of our current Strategic Plan, which outlines the steps we’ll take to ensure our visibility, maintain a viable and active membership base, cultivate our resources, and guarantee an ongoing community impact.
As we enter our 51st year of service to Fresno, it’s never been more evident that JLF members have much to be proud of. “(I know) the Junior League of Fresno will continue to be a leader in non-profit organizations, making an impact on areas of need in our community, says Van Vleet. “I want everyone to know about all of the amazing things that women before us have done, paving the way for 50 years of excellence in our community, and the number of lives that have been affected by our community projects,” says Robinson. “I’m excited to be part of JLF as we continue to expand our outreach and make this the premier women’s philanthropy.”
Congratulations and happy anniversary, Junior League of Fresno!
