Is the Junior League for Millennials?

This post was last updated in June 2023.

“The Junior League was created for a type of woman who doesn’t exist anymore.”

Bold words, coming from one of the Junior League’s most popular motivational speakers.

Let me back up a little. I’m a millennial woman who joined the Junior League in fall of 2017. A few months later, I attended a leadership lab led by the author of this quote, Vicki Clark.

Here’s a prologue on millennial women. We order all our food through apps and live every stereotype in the book through Refinery29’s Money Diaries.

We’re educated, independent, and mindful (if not downright protective) of our free time. I doubt Miss Gen Z, hot on our heels, is much different.

This year I observed a group of women excited to kick off the Junior League experience. Their excitement quickly turned into bewilderment as they learned about the fundraising requirements, class project, and other obligations that came with League membership.

Having to attend a minimum number of meetings, socials and volunteer hours when you travel for work is tough. It can feel hard to connect with your fellow provisional class members on an individual level when you’re constantly gathering in packs of 30. Obviously experiences vary between chapters, but there are definitely some system-wide challenges that could stand to improve.

That said, there is so much to be gained from becoming a member. Here are some reasons why the Junior League is worth joining. There are so many benefits to taking part.

You’ll connect with women across multiple generations

Each League has a different age minimum. It generally ranges from 18-25 years old. Age ceilings are diminishing – can you believe some members used to be required to go sustainer by the age of 40? My League has actives in their 60’s, with no signs of stepping away from leadership roles or partaking in activities.

What does this mean for active members and provisionals? They have the opportunity to form friendships with women of all ages. Age groups aside, friendships enrich your life and improve your health.

It’s natural to lose friends as you get older. The good news is, you can always meet new ones. The League is a great way to keep your circle of acquaintances (and hopefully friends) growing. People join, leave, and transfer in and out. You may someday transfer to a different League, too. Getting to know our sustainers and new members alike has been a blast. You never know who you’re going to share an alma mater or love of hiking with!

It’s a great platform to enrich your career skills

The League is ripe with opportunities for professional development. If you take on any form of a leadership role, you’ll quickly learn how to organize an agenda, run an efficient meeting and delegate tasks.

If there’s a skill that you want to cultivate outside your job, the League is a great place to do it. The accountant who wants to build up her writing skills can become a PR or communications chair. The software engineer who’s never fundraised can spread those wings.

The other great news about cultivating new skills through the League is that you really can’t fail. It’s not a job, so you can’t be fired. Take risks. If you do find yourself drowning and need help, there are plenty of other members who can step up to the plate. It’s meant to be a supportive community! Take advantage of that and glitter up your resume with new skills and accomplishments!

You’ll build a stronger bond with local communities

I’ve grown to become so much more involved in my community since I joined the Junior League. And I say this as someone who’s spent most of my life in the same place!

• I’ve attended League events at venues I’d heard of but never been to.
• I’ve volunteered for nonprofits and charities I hadn’t been aware of.
• I’ve learned about organizations like the League of Women Voters thanks to my League chapter.

I can only imagine how great the League is for getting to know a new city if you relocate.

You’ll unlock a moveable network

Moving to a big city or a small town where you don’t know anyone is not an uncommon scenario. The idea of being able to transfer into a new League and be able to get to know hundreds of women is a perk worth considering.

You’ll also have access to your local League’s calendar of social and volunteer events! This can really help you get to know the local nonprofits and get involved quickly in your new community.

Is the Junior League worth getting off our phones for a few minutes? I say yes.