Junior League of Chicago

Attending a bi monthly Gold Coast neighborhood association Board of Directors meeting. The Junior League is a wonderful community organization training and facilitating women to do fabulous community service work. They are housed in a gorgeous historically significant 100+ year old Astor St mansion laden with history of the organization and Chicago. They are a best in class and generous organization.

I joined the Junior League in Philadelphia and came to Chicago as a transfer. I initially joined in Philadelphia as a way to navigate the plethora of volunteer opportunities in the city and used the Junior League of Chicago to continue to volunteer, but also as a way to meet people in my new city.
The Junior League of Chicago was established in 1912 and previously had a reputation for the ladies who lunch (hey, it’s been around a while) I would say that the JLC is comprised of women – executives, lawyers, doctors, writers, artists and mothers – who probably don’t have much time for more than a KIND Bar before 3pm.
Here are a few of my favorite things about being a member:
— Through JLCUs they train you in all areas from fund raising, money management, writing a business plan, organizing your life to name a few. I.
–You develop your skills and learn new ones. Never managed a budget? They’ll teach you how.
–You work with several community partners in the Chicagoland area. In one year, you can work at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, teach new skills to women and children affected by violence, and educate the community about literacy.
–You meet a ton of like minded people, make connections and new friends.
–Want to get into public policy? Pass a law? It can be done with the League’s support. Pretty cool. They’re advocacy efforts are one-​of-​a-​kind!
I highly recommend this organization to recent transplants and college grads, women getting back into the workforce, and anyone who’s looking to improve themselves, meet great people, and impact the community. If it sounds interesting at all, check out a prospective member session (
), they’re great, open and very welcoming to any woman who wants to learn more about the league!

I have been a member of the JLC for over 5 years and I have found it to be one of the best things I ever did upon moving to Chicago. Not only have I found lifelong friendships, I feel much more connected to the city due to my participation in a variety of different service over the years. Do not believe the things you hear about Junior Leagues being snobby or superficial. I have found these ladies to be quite the opposite! Many are high powered professionals and they all create an environment of welcoming and support. I encourage everyone who is interested to attend an information session. Like any service organization, you get out what you put in, so if you are not happy in your placement, reach out to the leadership. Make the positive change in yourself and your city!

Junior League Chicago is a wonderful organization. It has been a worthwhile investment for me. As with anything else, you get what you put in. In my placement, I work with inner city youth to promote healthy lifestyles including running 5ks, tutoring, etc. The kids are always so happy to see us. Our dues literally go to pay for snacks, books, etc.
I read some of the other reviews and I have never seen any behavior remotely close to what was said. In fact, I have never even seen anyone wear a fur jacket.
I cant speak for other junior leagues but this is not some snobby group of girls. There are such a variety of women from a variety of backgrounds, a lot of Chicago transplants. I have enjoyed meeting and networking with these wonderful women.

The Junior League of Chicago is a membership-​based service organization with a three-​fold mission:
* Train women to service in leadership capacities at non-​profit organization.
* Serve the community through volunteer efforts (with a particular emphasis on at-​risk women and children).
* Change the lives of both our members and the people with whom our volunteers work.
I’ve been a member since 2001, and have helped support the organization with my time and my money. That’s a long relationship, but it’s one I’ve sustained because I’ve seen the value and benefits of the JLC’s work. I’ve worked directly with kids and young adults whose lives have been helped by Junior League volunteers. And I’ve personally gained new skills that I’ve been able to apply in my personal and professional life.
One of the things I value about the Junior League is its support of «thoughtful risktaking.» Maybe you’re a lawyer who wants to make a career change – the Junior League will let you try your hand at fundraising work. Or perhaps you have a passion for public affairs but want to gain more experience before running for a government position – you can volunteer to do advocacy work. Or maybe you know of a young, neighborhood non-​profit that needs some help to thrive – the Junior League partners with dozens of non-​profits each year to lend our organization expertise and volunteer skills.

Hi, in response to the old Jen F review — our parties are not exclusively attended by Jr. League members. However, I do apologize if your staff had a negative experience. I have certainly spent more time around them than you and have never seen any behavior remotely close to what you said. I have been to every major event since I started 3 years ago. The Junior League women are made up of many of the finest, most respectful and well-​mannered women in Chicago.

This is a great organization that serves the community and empowers women to become trained volunteers and civic leaders. It’s given me the opportunity to be genuinely involved in an volunteer capacity (rather than just cut a check) and in the process I’ve met lots of new women in the city (new friends, mentors and role models). I’ve been involved with the JLC for three years and joining was one of the best decisions I made when I got to Chicago.
If you’re interested, learn more at
.

I am so sad to see such negative reviews about the Junior League of Chicago. I find this organization to be superb. It is a wonderful place for women who are looking to make a difference in their community. I was a member of this league for 2 years and they were phenomenal.
I had the opportunity to work on committees within and outside of the League. I recommend this group for anyone new to Chicago or anyone looking to pick up a few more girlfriends. I’ve made lifelong friends from this group and look forward to joining the League of San Francisco.
While I understand that the League is not for everyone, I do know it’s for me. I will be a member of the League for a very long time. It is truly an organization that grows with you.

The Junior League of Chicago is a fantastic group that allows women to get involved in the community and meet friends. I have really enjoyed my experiences with the JLC in the last year, especially with the focus on childhood obesity and lobbying for healthy food options in school cafeterias.
The women I have met through the JLC are friendly and outgoing. I have made some amazing friendships and increased my business network. I highly recommend checking out
or Facebook to learn more about the volunteer opportunities.

I have been a member almost 3 years and have to say I don’t have the issues some of the posters have had.
I am currently one of the volunteers at a transitional housing facility for women on the west side (Probably the one the woman mentioned) and don’t notice women going out of their way to be blinged out to serve. The fact remains it starts at 6PM so if you wear a suit to work you will have it on there and no one in our volunteer group is a house wife so you do what you have to do.
As a minority in the Junior League I can only hope it becomes more diverse and it has since I have been here. I don’t live for their social events. They aren’t my cup of tea so I don’t relate to service being something I do to go to cool parties. I never go. They aren’t cool to me.
The service is ON POINT.

This organization provides excellent educational support to local not-​for-​profit organizations. If your group is looking for motivated women to help get a not-​for-​profit project off the ground, visit their website at
and contact them to apply.
Or, if you are a woman looking to get started in volunteer service, they will train you and you will meet similar-​minded people. Plus they throw some pretty awesome fundraising galas. They have about 2000 members and are one of the oldest Junior Leagues in the country. I was a JL member for ten years and found the training quite valuable.