Why I Joined the Junior League of Columbia: A Provisional's Perspective

Something interesting happens once provisional training meetings start. Even though I knew no magic JLC fairy exists to make everything run smoothly (even though there are many members I could name who just might be that very fairy), I quickly realized just how many women dedicate large chunks of their time and energy to make this organization effective. At a recent meeting the provisionals learned about finance, reimbursements and spending. These are the more administrative placements and functions that are the backbone for all the other events put on by the JLC.

Between the different types of DIAD (Done in a Day) projects, Holiday Market, Clean Sweep and others, it was easy to see that these women do not just dedicate their time because of a sense of obligation but because they feel a deep connection to this group and its mission.

With these thoughts just beginning to help me establish my connection to the JLC, I selected to participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters picnic as my community shift. Beth Richardson did a fantastic job of planning this DIAD event. Along with a handful of other provisional and active members, we gathered at Edisto Discovery Park in Rosewood to help with food preparation, field activities, and showing the kids how to prepare healthy snacks. Some of our JLC members even took up the task of face-painting; believe me when I say that those kids looked spectacular!!

The saying goes that there’s nothing more special than a child’s laughter and watching these kids play and laugh was a truly inspiring sight. But, beyond that, to watch both the individuals who volunteered and who worked for Big Brothers/Big Sisters energetically interact with these children truly brought a smile to my face. This was a showcase of what the JLC strives to do – to reach out into our community and touch the lives of both children and adults.

As for the JLC members themselves, it was a wonderful opportunity to help this gracious group of people and we all had a great time playing field games with the kids; my particular favorite was playing with the parachute – I’m really just a six-year-old in a twenty-eight year old body. It was a fantastic chance to meet other JLC members outside of the normal social time before our meetings; I hope I will have the chance to participate in other community shifts to get a sense of the other good works we are doing in the Columbia community. Narrowing down my choices for a placement next year will be difficult!

To end, I was honored at the most recent GMM to be recognized by the members-at-large for volunteering to blog about my provisional year. Thank you for that, as I know that so many JLC members go above and beyond the call of duty and are worthy of recognition as well. I hope my entries serve to give people an idea of how this particular provisional goes through her first year in the JLC.

Post by: Meggie Baker

JLC's Public Affairs Team Hosts First-Ever Lunch with Leaders and Inspires League Members to Get Involved

Last week, more than 50 JLC members poured into headquarters for a "power lunch" with a distinguished panel of female leaders representing the Midlands for JLC's first-ever Lunch with Leaders event presented by the Public Affairs Team with support of the Education and Development Committee. The theme for the discussion focused on the League's new healthy children focus as well as how the League can advocate for these issues.

The panel was comprised of female elected officials from different levels of government, including SC House Representative Joan Brady (District 78); SC House Representative Laurie Funderburk (District 52); Richland County Councilwoman Val Hutchinson (District 9); Columbia City Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine (At Large); Cindy Smith, Chair of Lexington County District 1 School Board; and Dr. Stephanie Burgess, Chair of Richland County District II School Board.

The women shared how they first got involved with politics as well as their professional and personal backgrounds and then delved into discussion about the issues they see facing children in South Carolina.
Rep. Brady talked about the Joint Legislative and Citizens Commission on Children for which she serves as Vice Chair and how it has held public forums across the state to get in put as it develops its 2012 legislative agenda. Some of the startling statistics the Commission has uncovered include the need for immunizations for under insured children, combating the rising epidemic of youth depression, and of course tackling the ever present problem of poverty.

Rep. Funderburk focused on nutrition and mentioned the farm to school bill and initiative to improve vending machine offerings in public schools. Councilwoman Hutchinson strongly asserted that the success of our state depends on empowering middle school aged girls so that they do not fall into the cycle of teenage pregnancy. Councilwoman Devine echoed the nutrition concerns and also spoke to the status of children with mental health issues in the state and how more funding and facilities are greatly needed. Cindy Smith addressed the childhood obesity epidemic mentioning programs in place in Lexington to get kids eating healthy and moving. And Dr. Burgess brought up the issue of interpersonal violence and how parents need to have a stronger role to help guide the next generation.

All of the panelists agreed that women bring something extra to the table in terms of political leadership. Women are more attuned to issues affecting children and families and more focused on the next generation. They encouraged the League to engage with the Commission on Children as well as with local, city, county and state officials representing the Midlands to let them know about the important work we do in the community.
In their final remarks, they offered advice explaining how we shouldn't be afraid to get involved or offer our opinions because in the words of Rep. Brady, "the rooster might crow, but the hen delivers!"

Due to the positive response and interest in this event there are plans underway to offer similar Lunch with Leaders events later this year. Stay tuned for details.

Post submitted by: Emily Brady

Why I Joined The Junior League of Columbia: A Provisional's Perspective

If someone asked me why I joined the Junior League of Columbia three months ago, I would have said one thing: "My mom is in a league in my hometown and she wanted me to join." I suspect a few of the other provisionals and actives might have joined the league for the same or similar reason. But it's a true statement! My mother is a Sustainer in Florence, South Carolina, where I was born and raised. My mom, in fact, was President of her league when I was growing up. I distinctly remember listening to the women on her board laughing in the living room of our house during their meetings. These women ended up being some of my mother's best friends in town.

But, just over one month into my provisional year at the JLC, my answer has changed. Now, if someone asks me why I joined, here's what I'd say:

"Well, my mother was in the league, but I really enjoy being surrounded by other woman who share a vision to improve themselves and the greater community of Columbia."

This sounds very "sound-bite"-ish, I realize, but its true – so far, I've met fantastic woman from all over Columbia who are behind the League's vision, mission, and opportunities for us to grow. I hope that I can take this provisional year and really use it to my advantage – get active in various areas of the League to see how it all operates, ask questions, and figure out where I fit in with the Junior League of Columbia. I hope that everyone in the provisional class this year will be able to see the benefits and the joys of being involved with the League. In the short time I've been involved, my outlook has already changed! Plus, now I have some new friends to hang out with during the week.

By: Meggie Baker

JLC Ladies Enjoy an Evening at Pout!

Every once in a while the ladies of the Junior League of Columbia take time out to pamper themselves! Last night proved such a time. Provisionals and Actives mingled while enjoying sips and snacks at Pout on Devine Street.

Some took advantage of having their makeup done professionally...

 While others perused the many products at Pout.

Because my friends and I wanted to make sure everything was safe to eat, we hung very close to the snack table. Wouldn't you?! Look how good!

 Throughout the night, door prizes were given out to the lucky person whose name was drawn, but the sweet ladies at Pout didn't want anyone to go home empty handed. Before heading out, each lady  recieved one of these...

Stuffed with sample lotions, bath fizzes, perfumes and lipstick, these gift bags were the perfect touch to the end of a great night. Thank you so much to Pout for hosting the Junior League of Columbia. We appreciate your graciousness and hospitality!

Celebrating Women’s Equality

Representatives of the Junior League of Columbia helped to celebrate the 91st anniversary of Women's Equality Day and ratification of the 19th amendment by participating in a special press conference at the South Carolina State House on September 7 hosted by the Southeastern Institute of Women and Politics along with many other prestigious women's organizations from across the state such as the League of Women Voters, the Alliance for Women, South Carolina Women Lawyers, the Center for Women, Coalition of South Carolina Healthy Families, Columbia Business & Professional Women etc.

At this event, the 2012 South Carolina Women's Agenda was presented focusing on four key items: a safe and healthy environment, educational opportunities for 21st century jobs, economic autonomy and political participation.

One of our Junior League of Columbia members, Ginny Waller, Executive Director of Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands spoke about freedom from violence against women.

“State leaders like attorneys general Henry McMaster and Alan Wilson have recognized that sexual and domestic violence is not just a woman's issue, it is a community issue,” said Waller. “With focus from these and other forward thinking leaders, as well as electing more women in public office, S.C. can ultimately end violence against women.”

Please visit:http://www.wltx.com/news/article/150527/2/Does-SC-Need-More-Women-In-Politics to watch a video recapping the events and check out more about JLC's Public Affairs Team at: http://www.jlcolumbia.org/?nd=publicaffairs.

Post submission by: Emily Brady

Lunch with Leaders for JLC Members

Are you interested in having lunch with an inspiring panel of local female elected officials? If so, please join JLC’s Public Awareness Team and Education and Development Committee for "Lunch with Leaders" on Monday, October 24 , from noon-1 p.m. at League HQ.

We have assembled a panel of female officials representing city, county and state government for a candid conversation about our new League focus of healthy children. We will learn more about the issues they see facing our community as we continue developing our strategic plan.

Registration is open on Digital Cheetah as of Sept. 9, and the event is limited to 40 attendees: http://www.jlcolumbia.org/?nd=publicaffairs. Lunch will be catered by Zoe's Kitchen. Questions? Public Awareness Team Chair Emily Brady (803-238-4767 or EmilyB.Brady@gmail.com ).

 

Therapy Place Therapalooza!

The Junior League of Columbia ladies recently teamed with The Therapy Place to host a Therapalooza with some of their students. Much fun was had and many new friendships were made!

We played games, did face painting, played with a giant parachute, made balloon animals and so much more!

We loved working with the Therapy Place and can't wait for more events like this in the future!