By: Maeghan Beahm
While many of us are working on diligently keeping our New Year’s resolutions, the members of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) are reflecting on the first half of the 2018-19 League year, and looking forward to continuing to support the mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. When we tell our story, we often focus on the impact our members are making in the community through volunteer hours and financial support of local organizations. But in fact, the greatest impact of the League can be seen in its individual members – through leadership training and development. This key focus of our mission is what has woven the League into the fabric of Charlotte for more than 90 years, and continues to do so today.
Since its founding in 1926 the JLC has focused on developing the potential of women through training, and encouraging women to use their knowledge and skills gained from League membership to make a lasting impact on the Charlotte community. This year has been no different, with almost 200 leadership positions available to members within the organization, three signature training programs (for League and non-League members), and countless internal leadership trainings offered year-round. But as we think about the future leaders benefiting from these training opportunities, we are reminded of the impact of past and present League members on our beloved Queen City, and how the JLC was instrumental in preparing them to lead and improve our community.
Yet the JLC has not only helped build Charlotte through trained leaders, but also through the care and attention to Charlotte landmarks, like the historic Berryhill House. The restoration of the house, led by members of the JLC, sparked a movement in Historic Fourth Ward that has restored it to the beautiful neighborhood we all know and cherish. Read more about the JLC’s contribution to restoring Berryhill on page 18 of the Spring 2018 edition of the CRIER.
We have used the theme #JLCleads this League year as we displayed our commitment to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities, highlighting our own members with the 93 Days of Diversity & Inclusion campaign. Our continuation of the #JLCleads theme into the new year will be two-fold: we will be celebrating JLC members, both past and present, and their contributions made to the Charlotte community due in part to the training received from the League; and we will recognize local nonprofits and other organizations that benefited from the support and leadership of JLC members.
From Charlotte area staples like Discovery Place, to new organizations like Promising Pages, over the next 20 weeks we will showcase the impact of women leaders in Charlotte, and how the JLC helped build this city we call home.
