For our latest #WeConnectWednesday blog post, an active member, Mel Mitchell, “connected” with one of our provisional members, Lexi Andresen, to write a joint recap of last week’s General Membership Meeting.
This week’s #WeConnectWednesday theme is “We Connect – with each other.” The recent JLC General Membership Meeting; held last week showcased our “We Connect” theme, from the beginning when we gathered in groups of similar interests, to the messages delivered by our President Beverley Shull, active members, sustaining members, and guest speaker. The message was clear: “It’s not only what the League does for the community and others, but also what the League can do for you personally.”
Attendees found the interest group exercise memorable. During the meeting, group leaders displayed large signs, and each sign revealed a different interest or life status. Examples of signage included “I work Uptown but Not For the Banks”, “He Put a Ring on It” and “Closet Bachelorette Fans”, and all JLC members were encouraged to sit with a group where they had a connection. Then, members of each interest group were encouraged to find at least five commonalities between all of the members in the group. Each group presented entertaining and interesting facts about the many unique interests that each of the group’s members had in common.
During JLC President Beverley Shull’s speech, she gave recognition to the fact that the JLC has created a lasting and sustainable relationships with the Charlotte community through its charitable initiatives within the community. However, while we continue to foster the relationship we have with our surrounding community, we must not forget that the League is also here to help us as women and as leaders. Our guest speaker, Barbara Larson, shared an influential quote: “to lead is to create.” Reflecting on that wisdom, the takeaway message what that in order to continue being impactful in Charlotte, we need to find the leader within and help others in the league do so as well.
The question of the night was “How can YOU connect?” The JLC offers many great ways for members to connect:
- Placements
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Fundraisers & Special Events
- Socials
- Training and Development Programs
- Projects & Events
- WearHouse
- The Board of Directors
- Management Team
- Mentor Program
- Member Initiatives Committee
- Sustainer Activities & Leadership Opportunities
Beverley also pointed out that once you have found your “connection,” the ways to get the most out of it are to:
- Stay engaged
- Read to keep up with JLC happenings
- Show up
- Vote
- Network
- Attend meetings
- Reach out to Leadership
Lexi, a provisional member, shared her thoughts, “This was my first JLC General Membership Meeting. I was intrigued to find out more about the ‘We Connect’ theme because one of the main reasons that I joined the League was to establish long-lasting relationships with other women in the community that share my similar interests.”
Mel adds, “Like Lexi, we all joined JLC for a reason. The meeting encouraged all of us to continue to explore the reasons you joined, find what most interests you, stay engaged, create meaningful relationships, connect with others and also connect with yourself.”
