FAQs

What is the Junior League?

The Junior League is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. In 293 communities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, Junior Leagues have been the driving force behind the kinds of initiatives and institutions that make communities healthier, more vital places to live. Each League is affiliated with the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc.

Who are the members of the Junior League of Greater New Haven (JLGNH)?

The JLGNH is comprised of about 160 members who work or reside in New Haven or its vicinities from towns west to Milford, east to Guilford, and north to Meriden. Of these members about sixty are "Active" members, and about a hundred are "Sustaining" Members.  Each year fifteen to twenty "Provisional" members participate in our new member classes. The League’s membership includes executives, community leaders, entrepreneurs, full-time mothers and professionals. To accommodate members' varying schedules, the League has volunteer activities available in the evenings and on weekends, as well as during the day.

What are the benefits of membership in the JLGNH?

  • Training for effective community leadership, including advocacy, community research, fundraising, finance, public relations, and personal development.
  • Access to community leaders, new friends, and creative ideas.
  • Membership in an international organization.
  • Interaction with other women interested in and committed to community service.

What are the eligibility requirements for the JLGNH?

To be eligible to join the JLGNH as a Provisional Member, a woman must be at least 21 years old at the start of the provisional course. No member sponsorship is required to join the Junior League of Greater New Haven -- just an interest in volunteerism, commitment to community service, and an interest in developing her potential for voluntary community participation. Any woman who meets these criteria is warmly welcomed.

How do I join the League?

If you're interested in joining the Junior League, please fill out the contact form on our website, and someone from our League Development team will be in touch with you to discuss details about getting involved in the Junior League. We welcome all women who are at least 21 years of age and interested in making a positive impact in the community.

Each fall and spring, we offer a New Member Open House where interested women will receive an application packet. Information about these open houses will be posted on our website.  Additionally, non-members are always welcome as guests to attend our League's monthly general membership meetings to meet our members and to get to know more about our activities in the community.

Once you express an interest in the League and fill out an application, the "official" League experience begins with a formal training program known as the Provisional period. The Provisional training introduces interested women to the intricacies and expectations of the League. Meeting topics include JLGNH structure, history, organization operations, committee overviews, and facilitation and evaluation of the League's goals. At the conclusion of the Provisional course, every Provisional class member works together to design and implement its own community project.

After successfully completing the Provisional course, volunteers are approved to become Active members and will be placed on one of the League's various committees.

What is the timeline for the Provisional Training?

The Junior League of Greater New Haven offers two new members courses each year--one from September-December, the other from January - May. Classes are generally held on weekday evenings and occasionally on weekends.

What are the Provisional Requirements?

  • Complete the Provisional class project
  • Attend all Provisional class meetings
  • Attend all general membership meetings during the provisional period
  • Fulfill all financial and shift requirements for League fundraisers as outlined in project proposals (assessments not to exceed $100 per fundraiser)
  • Work with a nominating placement advisor to choose placement of a committee/project for the following semester (fall class) or year (spring class)

What is the cost of Provisional training?

  • Provisional Course Fee: $25 upon application for membership (non-refundable)
  • Fall Class Dues for Active Membership: $135, paid by the completion of the provisional class or upon established payment plan
  • Spring Class Dues for Active Membership: $67.50, paid by the completion of the provisional class or upon established payment plan

What are the requirements for Active Members?

  • Pay dues of $135 by April 15 of the preceding year.
  • Perform acceptable placement on a project, an internal committee or fundraiser, including attendance at committee meetings.
  • Participate in at least one League-wide community project activity outside of their placement
  • Fulfill financial and shift requirements for League fundraisers as outlined in project proposals (assessments no greater than $100 per fundraiser)
  • Attend all general membership meetings, which are held on the second Wednesday evening of each month unless otherwise noted. A member may miss up to 2 meetings with a written excuse approved by the Membership Council director prior to or within 48 hours of the meeting.

What are the requirements to become a Sustaining Member?

The Junior League of Greater New Haven requires that each member serve a minimum of seven years as an Active member before she may become a Sustaining member.  Sustaining members pay reduced annual dues and have no active requirements.  They are invited to attend all League activities but may not vote in League business.

Is the JLGNH a non-profit organization?

The JLGNH is a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  As such, the JLGNH remains compliant with all IRS Form 990 regulations including the establishment of both Whistleblower and Conflict of Interest policies.