As a provisional, I am learning that Junior League meetings
come in all shapes and sizes. Last night, I was welcomed into Carol Caulk’s
home, along with a dozen other League members, for a time to share the ways we
hope to grow through the Junior League of Columbia. The meeting was a wonderful
balance of old and new members’ voices, and their passion for the people they
helped over the years through service projects was moving.
We listened to more about the history of Junior League and
many questions were answered about finding the place we fit in this large, but
friendly, group. An account of a child picking out their first new pair of
shoes or sending a hungry family home with food through the ABCDs program warmed my heart. From the
awe and humor of offbeat donations for Clean Sweep to the grandiose task of
decorating for Holiday Market, I was amazed at the hours and commitment
demonstrated by the women around me. I was moved to learn that the League
raises around $250,000 each year that goes right back into the community.
I would be remiss if I did not mention our facilitator Katie
Crosby who helped us navigate questions big and small that we wondered about as
the League’s newest members. She encouraged seasoned League members to offer
their best stories and advice as well. We got to know more about where each member
lives and works around the city, and we were privileged to witness the soul of
volunteers who encouraged us to join them in service for our hometown.
After nearly an hour of sharing one-on-one and the graceful
acceptance of suggestions from even the newest members on ways to improve the
Junior League’s work, we jumped into to some fall-themed snacks. After a long day, this time together was a sense of renewal and purpose for me – and excitement for the work to come as I adjust to my new city and serve alongside this formidable group of community leaders.
No comments:
Post a Comment