“The only gift is a portion of thyself.” The wise words of Ralph Waldo Emerson continue to resonate through hearts all over the world. Individuals, as well as organizations, have been providing their time and services for people in need for many years. Community service comes in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the neighborhood soup kitchens and church charities, to the well known Salvation Army.
The New York Junior League is no exception. On the Upper East Side of Manhattan, community service has gained a whole new identity. Through the helping hands of 3,000 dedicated volunteers, the New York Junior League continues to successfully offer its services and programs to those in need. However, it’s the story which defines these volunteers that makes this organization so different from the rest.
The New York Junior League was first established in 1901 by a young woman named Mary Harriman. At only 19 years old, the Barnard College student was a debutante ready to make her debut into society that year. Along with 85 other girls set to debut, she felt they all had the “responsibility of making an important contribution to the New York City community.” During this time in New York, thousands of immigrants were coming to America through Ellis Island to find work and uplift their inner spirit. New York was facing a social change like no other. With the growing Settlement Movement, Mary Harriman and friend Nathalie brought together and organized the women in the debutante system. “The Junior League started as a women’s volunteer organization focused on helping immigrants that were filling up tenement houses in Manhattan,” said Lauren Doyle, who works in the Communications department within the organization. All of the women were to serve their community and help improve social conditions in their city, as stated by the Statement of Purpose. In addition to helping others, Mary Harriman saw the opportunity to revolutionize and empower the women volunteers which became the foundation of what the New York Junior League stands for.
Over the years, the New York Junior League continued to expand both in its membership and services. The Depression in the late 1920’s and early 30’s allowed members to address several social concerns and serve at the national level in President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal Administration. Later, in 1941, the league launched a war relief at its headquarters and tended to the needs of Allied soldiers. Today, the organization has grown to 3,000 volunteers that have given 250,000 hours of their time through programs for the community, children and elderly.
What started with upper class, debutante members has now transformed into a haven where all women can come together to help others, each other, and themselves. This organization develops the potential of every member and helps foster friendships amongst the women, all races and religions included. This is the story that defines each and every volunteer; the story that sets apart the Junior League today.
Becoming a member or volunteer of the New York Junior League is a little more precise than most places, but the outcome and benefits are worth the process. To even be eligible for membership, applicants must be at least 16 years of age and live no more than 50 miles away from New York City. For women that are interested in the league and meet these requirements, the next step is to first attend a New Development Orientation. Here, prospective volunteers gain more information about the organization and get a look into the obligations expected of them. Once this requirement is met, an application and application fee can be submitted which the league reviews on a monthly basis. If accepted, all potential members must register for and complete a provisional training class, which promotes the applicants from a Provisional Volunteer to an Active NYJL Volunteer.
Tedious it may seem, but applicants are not to be disheartened. “We typically accept all applicants that have a genuine interest in being part of this organization and many transfers from other Junior Leagues all over the country,” said Lauren Doyle. So to any woman that has a passion for volunteerism and dedication to community, the New York Junior League is the place for you.
For those who do graduate to become active members, the volunteer opportunities are endless, as well as flexible. “Most volunteers get to work in an area that they are passionate about and are able to find a community program that works for them. They are also given the opportunity to change if it is obvious that their placement is not a good match,” said Doyle. The three areas that the Junior League focuses is on are outreach, education and mentoring. However, there are also several opportunities within the organization itself such as fundraising, communications efforts, and volunteer training.
The mentoring program provides volunteers for both children and adults, covering a wide range of issues. The New York Junior League currently provides services for children and young adults at hospitals, crisis intervention for domestic violence and sexual assault victims, interaction and activities for the elderly, and workshops for women who will be getting out of jail and/or transitioning to independent living. The facilities that the Junior League works and interacts with for this program include Coler-Goldwater Hospital, Mt.Sinai Hospital, The Covenant House, DOVE, and Bay view Correctional Facility.
The outreach sector that is offered combines education and life skills as part of the program. The Financial Literacy committee uses workshops as a tool to help people understand how to use their resources and improve their quality of life. These workshops are available for children, teens and adults. Another issue covered by the program is job skills. For communities that are at-risk or underserved the Junior League volunteers attend workshops, known as Steps to Success, with the individuals and involve those who attend in discussion and participation. Other areas that volunteers lend their time to are health education programs, cooking and fitness activities for families, family advancement and well being, and women’s cancer prevention.
The New York Junior League has made it a goal to tackle a variety of issues and help whoever may be in need. This organization goes beyond the label of “community service,” providing a place for its volunteers and those helped to find meaning, build relationships and impact their community.