Junior League of Birmingham President Elect Shares Story
(Shiela Jones, President Elect of Junior League of Birmingham, Aug. 18, 2014)
If you would have told me five years ago that I would become a member of the Junior League of Birmingham, I would have been very skeptical. I had a preconceived notion that the League was a glorified social organization. However, I was invited to a League fundraising event and went to support my friend who was a member. What I didn’t know was this would be a major turning point in my life. That seemingly minor decision marked my journey with the League and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I went to my first new member meeting in the fall of 2009. I was curious and wanted to learn more. As I delved deeper into the organization, I liked what I heard and saw. Part of the League’s mission is to develop the potential of women. There were women from all walks of life who were looking to better themselves by getting involved in community service, government affairs, networking and so much more. This included the League’s involvement in starting major organizations such as Care House and New Horizons who still serve the community today. I was so impressed by the all the women that I couldn’t wait to dive in!
From the very beginning, I was ready to give my all and I was fortunate to start my League career as a new member by volunteering with one of the League’s major fundraisers. I learned more about volunteering, organizational development and became more familiar with the inner workings of the League, an organization solely maintained by its volunteers.
As the years went on, I transitioned into various leadership positions from managing the technology and communications teams to membership development. The journey continues today. This process afforded me with great opportunities to gain knowledge in areas outside my field of study. I continue to use this education to help my personal growth.
As each year goes by, I learn so much more. With the help and support of leaders and fellow members, I have developed many practical management and interpersonal skills that will stay with me forever. I can only hope that I take what I have learned to share and help develop the potential of women both inside and outside of the League.
There are so many great community programs within the League and the potential for our organization can only continue to mature. I am thrilled with work we do in bringing much needed attention to causes such as human trafficking and childhood obesity. We have brought awareness to the issue of human trafficking, which is more common than we know. We have taught children the value of healthy eating and exercise. We have the support of our parent organization the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), which offers professional training and development to ensure we are carrying out our mission.
When I started this journey I could never have imagined that I would ever act in a leadership capacity. Today, I am firm believer that you only get as much out of the League as you put in. .
I have served on the board and I am also honored that I currently serve as President Elect.
The League has a lot to offer women who desire to be a part of an organization, which truly makes a difference. To be a part of an organization with a mission to develop the potential of women, promote voluntarism and improve communities embodies the direction I see for my life.
For more information on membership visit www.jlbham.org/join or contact us at newmember@jlbham.org.