In 1901 Mary Harriman and 80 of her peers committed themselves to community work in the settlement houses far from the confines of their sheltered New York City neighborhood. In 2001, nearly 200,000 women and 296 communities around the world are celebrating 100 years of Junior League Service. With a century of family literacy, senior citizen care, battered women''s shelters, affordable day care, AIDS education, pregnancy prevention and multicultural awareness to their credit, the Junior Leagues have much to celebrate.

At the turn of the century, the Junior League was established "to foster among its members the inters in undertaking for the betterment of the social, economic and educational conditions." This idea - that a group of women could be a powerful force for change - has resonated throughout this century. The original Junior League blossomed into a growing movement of trained volunteers improving their communities through direct service, education, advocacy, fundraising and sheer hard work!           

As an international movement, the Junior League has contributed collectively to the public welfare and well being of our whole society. Aspects of our social, cultural, and political fabric that we take for granted - free school lunches, children''s theatre and museums, domestic violence awareness, volunteer bureaus, quality TV programming for children - are among the programs that had their genesis with the Junior League. Today Leagues work with babies with HIV, abused children and the homeless and serve as mentors to young women and girls. They found and staff childcare centers, fund breast cancer research and help protect the environment. In short, the Junior League can be credited with implementing change and improving conditions in almost every sector. In recognition of decades of these sustained contributions, in 1989, the Association of Junior Leagues International was presented with the prestigious U.S. President''s Volunteer Action Award and in 2001 received a Points of Light Award from the Points of
Light Foundation.

The past 100 years brought unprecedented change for women. The Junior League began before women could vote, yet it has remained a vital and relevant organization by both changing with the times and remaining dedicated to leadership and service. The nearly 200,000 women in 297 Leagues are from all races, religions, ethnic background and more than half of them work outside the home in a broad range of professional capacities. The Junior League today is not only celebrating one hundred years of service, they are poised for the next century and beyond.

MISSION

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

VISION

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc. acts as a catalyst for innovative community leadership, focusing on the positive development of women and children.

FOCUS

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc. focuses its financial and volunteer assets on the issues of positive youth development, child health and welfare and self-sufficiency for women.

VALUES

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc. accomplishes its Mission through the actions of women who share the same organizational values:

- Our community is our responsibility.
- Through voluntarism we can make a difference in our communities.
- We address community needs.
- We respond to community needs one individual at a time.
- We believe in trained volunteers who can act as agents for change.
- We value our members and respect each other as volunteers.
- We value training as an integral part of the growth of our members.
- We value collaborations.
- We value fundraising as a means to accomplish our Mission.
- We value fiscal responsibility as it relates to the integrity of our League.
- We value integrity in our words and actions throughout the organization.

REACHING OUT STATEMENT

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc. reaches out to all women at least 21 years of age regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical ability who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.

POSITION STATEMENTS

Voluntarism

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc. supports, promotes and advocates voluntarism as an essential component to our community.  JLSN will continue to take action to ensure the effectiveness of the volunteer sector.

Women’s Issues

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc. is committed to women''s issues.

Children

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc. will provide and advocate for the opportunities and services essential to children''s physical, intellectual, emotional, mental and social growth.

Child Care

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc. promotes, supports, and advocates accessible and affordable childcare for all children.

Environment

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc. supports conservation, protection of the environment and natural resources and the elimination of land, air and water pollution.

Multiculturalism

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc. seeks to promote multiculturalism and contribute to eliminating discrimination based on gender, age, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

Education

The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc. supports efforts to ensure that all people have access to an education that will provide them with the skills required to be productive members of our society.  The JLSN will advocate for those opportunities and services necessary for the attainment of this goal