Written by Emily Cline, JLC Active Member and the Special Events and Course Coordinator for Membership Development Committee
Born and raised in Charlotte, I have watched this city I have called home for the last 25 years grow into something I never would have imagined. With shiny new buildings popping up every month, it’s easy to overlook the rich history that laid the foundation for the Queen City. After graduating from college and settling back into my hometown, I was determined to get plugged into the community through the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) though I knew little about the organization’s true impact on the city.
The annual Provisional bus tour’s purpose is to educate women who are new to the League on the 94-year history of the JLC’s influence on the community. The guided two hour tour teaches the history of how Charlotte got its start, facts about historical buildings and takes you for a stroll through the 4th Ward, which displays inner city revitalization. Little did I know, places I had grown up visiting including the Duke Mansion, Children’s Theater, and Discovery Place have all been a part of the League’s service.
The vision statement of the Junior League of Charlotte is to be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in the Charlotte community, and I can proudly say this has become a mission of mine. It is truly inspiring to continue the legacy of female volunteers that began back in 1926. During my year as a Provisional, the bus tour remains a favorite memory of connecting with others in the League and gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of the Junior League of Charlotte.
Written by Emily Cline, the Special Events and Course Coordinator for Membership Development Committee
