Before I joined the Junior League, I was super curious about this mythical, Ya-Ya Sisterhood southern belle girl scout troop-esque organization. I Googled just about everything I could to learn about what it’s like to join the Junior League.
Now I’m in my eighth year and have a much better idea of what to expect, although I’ll put up the following disclaimer upfront: no two League experiences are alike.
If you’re wondering what a Junior League provisional is, you’re not alone – it’s just part of the League lingo (I’ll get to that in a sec). If you’re not familiar with the Junior League, it’s an international (but mostly North American) women’s volunteer organization.
Past members include the likes of Shirley Temple Black (she was in the same League as me, the Junior League of Palo Alto Mid-Peninsula), Julia Child, Sandra Day O’Connor, Eleanor Roosevelt, and many other First Ladies.
There are roughly 290 Leagues in four countries (The US, Canada, Mexico and one UK chapter in London). Chapters exist everywhere from South Bend to Sioux Falls, so it’s a great way to help make an impact in your local community.
The Junior League was founded in 1901 by a New York City socialite. Because it’s been around for so long, there are many stereotypes about it, including sorority-like some chapters can be in the Southern states. Some Leagues are said to be pretty competitive to get into, requiring 3 sponsors and letters of recommendation. Most, including mine, are fairly relaxed.
A less relaxed, recent-ish film portrayal of the Junior League is featured in the 2011 film The Help. While certainly entertaining, The Help‘s Junior League is not an accurate portrayal of a League experience you can expect today. As of 2024, the majority of Junior League chapters have committed to a diversity and inclusion pledge.
Some say the Junior League is like a sorority for grown women. That may or may not be your experience. Even if it does turn out to be the case for me, I’m looking forward to the Golden Girls phase of my Junior League/sorority life.
Here are a few things I learned about being a brand spanking new provisional League member.
League Lingo: What is a Junior League Provisional?
Now we can get into it — what’s a provisional?
Junior League membership is divided into levels: Provisional, Active, Sustainer, and Sustainer Emeritus. Provisional status is reserved for members in their first year of membership, which is dedicated to training.
So basically, you’re a newbie. A rookie. An active is exactly what it sounds like, and a sustainer gets to drop in if and when they feel like it.
I like to imagine the life of a sustainer as such: drop in on a water aerobics class, spend a few minutes gardening, meet the gals for lunch, drink too much scotch, get into a slightly crazy game of poker, head home for dinner. But I think that’s just me.
Junior League History and Structure
The Junior League wants you to be a talking encyclopedia. Maybe this is so you’ll never run out of stuff to talk to fellow Leaguers about, or perhaps they just want you to convert any prospective member you come across after dazzling them with twenty minutes’ worth of League history.
I’m not sure, but your provisional class will meet regularly, and League history will be shared aplenty. The reason why it’s called the Junior League is that founder Mary Harriman was only a teen when she started it with her friends…hence the Junior part. It is not, contrary to popular belief, a softball league for children.
You’ll also be pumped with information about your League’s committees. In general, your chapter will probably have a fundraising committee, communications, social events, et cetera.
Imagine it like this: you’re new to Hogwarts and they’re gonna let you pick your house, but they want to make sure you know all about Gryffindor first.
Provisional Participation is Encouraged
You can do everything but vote as a provisional. Head to book clubs, wine and paint nights, general meetings, and Done in a Days (volunteer gigs).
Start getting to know people outside your provisional class. The only restrictions are the ones you put on yourself! Even though provisional classes tend to have their own meetings and events, you’re in no way excluded from the other League happenings.
Becoming a Junior League Active Member is Like Getting a Passport
Once you’re an active member, you’re an active member anywhere.
Transfer to DC, Albuquerque, Lansing, Dallas, New York – anywhere your heart desires! If you don’t complete your provisional period, you’ll have to start over wherever you transfer, so definitely keep that in mind (and try to finish!).
Each chapter handles transfers in a different way. Some have them complete a course, similar to what provisional members do, while others throw them a welcome cocktail party and let that be that.
Another thing to keep in mind about the provisional period – you’ll notice I don’t call it a “provisional year,” because it isn’t always a year. Some chapters admit new members once per year.
Others, like the Junior League of San Francisco, allow two classes per year (fall and spring). Still others, like mine, have “rolling admissions,” which means it’s totally kosher for you to join anytime. The more the merrier, right? Check with your local chapter for all the details.
Check out these other posts about volunteer organizations and the Junior League.
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