A Century of Women Working Together Toward a
Common Mission
Founder, Mary Harriman
1901
Mary Harriman, a 19 year-old woman from a socially prominent
family, founds the first Junior League in New York City to involve those
more fortunate in helping people in need.
Through the new organization, called the Junior League for the
Promotion of the Settlement Movement, volunteers work in settlement
houses on New York's Lower East Side to improve child health, nutrition
and literacy.
1903
Eleanor Roosevelt, at age 19, joins the Junior League of the
City of New York and teaches calisthenics and dancing to young girls at
the College Settlement House.
1912
The Junior League of Montreal becomes the first Junior League
outside of the United States.
1914
The founders of the Junior League of St. Louis march for
women's suffrage.
The Junior Leagues are active in World War I efforts, selling bonds
and working in Army hospitals. A Junior League unit of the YWCA serves
in France.
First AJLI President, Dorothy Whitney Straight
1921
Thirty Junior Leagues form what will become the Association
of Junior Leagues International to collectively advance their work.
Dorothy Whitney Straight is named first President of the newly formed
group.
1930s
In response to widespread economic depression, special
volunteer bureaus are created to reach those most in need. These bureaus
establish nutrition centers and milk stations to aid the hungry.
Junior Leagues' State Public Affairs Committees (SPACs) are started
to influence public welfare policy.
The Junior League of Mexico City joins the Association in 1930. By
this time, over 100 Leagues have been established.
Women's Army Corps Leader, Oveta Culp Hobby
1940s
Oveta Culp Hobby, a member of the Junior League of Houston,
leads the Women's Army Corps.
Many Junior League members serve their countries in World War II.
The Junior League of Montreal is active in the Canadian Women's
Auxiliary Air Force.
1950s
Junior League members
are active in post-war development. Many Leagues work to improve public
schools, launch children's television programming and start children's
museums.
1960s
The Association, now with over 200 Junior Leagues, addresses
urban issues by developing programs in education, housing, and social
services. AJLI begins to focus on increasing membership diversity and
leadership skills.
1970s
The Leagues continue efforts to
diversify their membership. Leagues collaborate on the issue of juvenile
delinquency with the National Commission on Crime and Delinquency and
the U.S. Justice Department.
1980s
Sandra Day O'Connor, a member of the Junior League of
Phoenix, becomes the first woman Supreme Court Justice of the United
States.
Among the Leagues, there is a growing emphasis on women's leadership,
empowerment and achievement.
The Junior League of London expands the Association across the
Atlantic in 1985.
In 1989, the Association receives the U.S. President's Volunteer
Action Award.
1990s
Don't Wait to Vaccinate, an
Association-wide immunization campaign, was launched in 230 Junior
League communities in four countries.
The Junior Leagues adopt a Plan of Action for a Public Awareness
Campaign on an External Policy on Domestic Violence and its Effect on
Women and Children.
The 295 Junior Leagues with a membership of over 193,000 women renew
their dedication to improving their communities through the effective
action and leadership of trained volunteers.
The Association of Junior Leagues International prepares for its
centennial celebration of 100 years of volunteer community service and
leadership.
Clotilde Pérez-Bode Dedecker becomes the first
Spanish-speaking woman to become the President of the Association.
Click here to read former President Dedecker's speech from Annual
Conference 1999
Clotilde Pérez-Bode Dedecker is an Active member of the
Junior League of Buffalo. She has served the League in many capacities
including President. Currently, Clotilde represents the Association as
the Co-Chair of the International Year of the Volunteer, US Committee.
Her prior service includes a term as Area I Director on the AJLI Board.
In her community she is active in the areas of education, Hispanic
issues, the arts, human relations and health and human service
organizations. She has founded the Western New York Women's Volunteer
Roundtable, Latinas United for Progressive Action and the WNY Women's
Fund.
Clotilde holds a BA in Biology from Canisius College and
is currently a candidate for a master's degree in Bilingual Education
from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She has worked as a
teacher for the past sixteen years and is a freelance translator for
legal, banking and immigrant purposes. In recognition of her community
service Clotilde has received the 40 under 40 Award, 1997 NY Governor's
Award for Excellence in Community Service and she is on the Buffalo
News' Leadership Roll Call for 2010.
2000s
Throughout the early part of the 21st century, Junior Leagues continue
to provide comprehensive programs designed to meet the needs of women,
children and families in their communities. From Winston-Salem to
Washington, D.C. to Oakland-East Bay, Junior Leagues forge partnerships
to promote children’s literacy.
In 2002, the Association launches the Junior League PR/Marketing
Campaign, which includes a new brand logo and tagline. Christine Benero,
Junior League of Washington, D.C. member, becomes the 42nd President of
the Association. The Association’s Board of Directors launches its
Healthy League initiative, designed to help each League achieve its full
potential in its community by assessing its strengths and weaknesses.
At Annual Conference 2004 in Chicago, IL, Junior League of Oklahoma
City Member, Pam J. Newby, becomes the 43rd President of the Association
of Junior Leagues International Inc.
