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Photo courtesy of Philip Bermingham |
For 98 years, the Junior League of Washington (JLW) has served the Washington, DC community, reflecting the changing needs in our Nation's Capital. Founded in 1912, we are an organization of women committed to:
- promoting voluntarism
- developing the potential of women, and
- improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
As an organization of women committed to honoring and celebrating diversity while focusing on shared values, we strive to be a vital presence in the greater metropolitan area - serving as a resource throughout the community to effect positive change, seek common ground and inspire hope. Any woman committed to improving her community, regardless of race, religion or national origin, is welcome and encouraged to join the Junior League of Washington. At present, over 2,200 women in the metropolitan area are members. The League organizes and trains these women for effective action and leadership through orientations, seminars, and practical experience. Throughout our history, the Junior League of Washington has provided millions of volunteer hours and more than $5.2 million to the community. Membership in the Junior League of Washington empowers all women to volunteer and help those in need through our selection of volunteer opportunities.
For ten years, the Junior League of Washington has focused its volunteer efforts “to strive to lead, coordinate, and support programs in the Washington, DC area that enhance literacy skills in the community”.
JLW literacy efforts are impacting lives by providing more than 5000 hours of annual volunteer service in the community to meet children, adult, and cultural literacy needs; by providing more than 1,000 books to the community each year; and by providing 400 volunteers annually to work with the Library of Congress at the National Book Festival, supporting the “joy of reading and life long literacy." We also partner with organizations such as Community Family Life Services, N Street Village, DC Public Libraries, and N Street Village just to name a few of more than 21 organizations with whom we support through our volunteer efforts.
Please explore our website to learn more about the Junior League of Washington and how you can partner with us in our mission to improve the community through our focus area of literacy. Please consider purchasing a book plate from Books for Bright Futures to provide books directly to children and adults in the community each year. Come and celebrate the holiday season with us on November 19-21 when we proudly present A Capital Collection of Holiday Shops. Then join us in late-March 2010 at our Tossed and Found Sale that offers quality pre-owned merchandise including house wares, furniture, clothes, toys, and books. Proceeds from all our events are used to directly support our community so we appreciate your support by attending and purchasing items at our events.
The Junior League of Washington truly appreciates the opportunities we have been afforded to impact lives in our community, our League and each other.
Best wishes,
Maria Marks
President, Junior League of Washington
2010/2011
