The speaker for our last forum was Ms. Leslie Tomlinson of The Junior League of the Shoals. Ms. Tomlinson gave us a history of the National Junior League as well as some history on the Junior League of the Shoals. She told us that in 1901, Marry Harriman, a 19-year-old debutante from New York City, formed a service group that would later become the first Junior League. And she also explained how in 1921, the Association of Junior Leagues of America was formed from the 30 active leagues across the nation. This group also later morphed into the Association of Junior Leagues International, it's current title.
On a local level, the Muscle Shoals District Service League was founded in 1934, and they went through the process of converting to a Junior League a few years ago. The service league was best known for their Apple Annie Day fundraiser, and they still participate with it. Not only does the Junior League participate in that, but they also take part in many other fundraisers and civic engagement activities. Ms. Tomlinson let us know that it also provides great networking and social opportunities, as it addresses the most critical needs of the community.
It was great having Ms. Tomlinson as a speaker, but currently we are not able to get involved with the Junior League because of the 24 year-old age limit. I understand that they do not want to have college students use the league just to get volunteer hours for another organization, but I believe that any help is a good help, and that it should not matter how old they are or what they are claiming the hours for. I also know that this is a prestigious group to be a part of, but some of their practices can come off as a bit pretentious, despite Ms. Tomlinson qualifying the group. Now, I don't want to put the Junior League in a bad light because someone may feel like they belong to that group. I however, do not think that it is a good fit for me, and especially not for my present needs.
Wishing everyone a Happy Halloween! =)
<3 Lesley <3
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