New Members

Welcome, New Member of the Junior League of Washington! We are glad you will be joining us, a dynamic group of women who are committed to the needs of our community and the Junior League of Washington.  The Junior League of Washington (JLW) annually welcomes 250 to 300 new members into our family. We are proud of our diversity, attracting hundreds of women of differing racial, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds, who are committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

New Members must meet requirements in order to attain Active Member status. Every year, the requirements are subject to minor changes. However, the 2012-2013 requirements are listed to give you an idea of the commitment.

New Members of the Junior League of Washington must:

  1. Attend the required number of meetings with a New Member Advisor. The 2011/12 class members are required to attend 4 Advisor Meetings (approximately 1-2 hours each).
  2. Attend the New Member events, including: (a) a Saturday Session orientation, generally held in September (approximately 4 hours); (b) Course Session, held in the fall (approximately 2 hours); (c) Mid-Year Event, generally held in January/February (approximately 4 hours); and (d) End-of-Year event, generally held in May (approximately 3 hours).
  3. Complete two Membership Credits (approximately 2-5 hours each).
  4. Volunteer for one shift at the JLW's Holiday Shops, a holiday shopping fundraising event generally held in November (approximately 3-4 hours).
  5. Volunteer for one shift at the JLW's Tossed and Found fundraiser, generally held in March or April (approximately 3-4 hours).
  6. Complete additional requirements, including: (a) one Mini-Placement with an Active committee (approximately 15-20 hours in the Fall or Spring); (b) one volunteer opportunity with the JLW Literacy Council, such as the National Book Festival and any required training (approximately 4 hour shift plus training); and (d) one Community Experience, a volunteer activity with an existing JLW committee (approximately 2-3 hours in a single day).

All requirements must be completed within the New Member year, which will begin between late August and early September and continue until the end of May.

As a New Member, you are paired with a New Member Advisor, a JLW member who has been in the League at least 2 years who will help welcome you to the League, manage your requirements, and introduce you to JLW opportunities and members. The Junior League of Washington hopes you'll join our commitment to improving the Washington, DC community by becoming a trained volunteer whose impact can improve the lives of women and children in our area. Please contact join@jlw.org for more information regarding how to become a Member of the Junior League of Washington.