AJLI Mission Statement

The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. 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. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

AJLI History

The first Junior League was organized in New York in 1901 by a group of young women under the leadership of Mary Harriman and Nathalie Henderson. In rapid succession other Leagues were founded, and in 1912 these Leagues met in New York for the first national conference. Conferences have been held annually since 1917.

In 1921 there were thirty Leagues, and it was apparent that a central organization of Junior Leagues was necessary. The answer was found in the formation of the Association of Junior Leagues, Inc. The Association grew so rapidly that the country was divided into geographical areas. In 1948 a new division created twelve regions; in 1953 a thirteenth region was added, and a fourteenth region in 1960.

In 1972, the Association was reorganized into six geographical areas, with each area having an Area Council, Area staff, two directors and an Area Nominating Committee. In 1980, a third director per area was approved. In 1994, the Association reduced the size of the Board of Directors from 27 to 17 and the Association and Area Nominating Committees were combined.

In order to handle the varied programs and to offer ever-expanding services to the individual Leagues, the Association developed its own professional staff. In 1928 an Executive Secretary, now known as the Executive Director, was appointed. Field service was initiated in 1932. Professional consultants are available in these fields: arts, education, finance, health and welfare, program, public relations, radio and television, children's theatre, puppetry and research. An Information Center was established and each member receives the Junior League Magazine, the official publication of the Association, which provides a medium for the exchange of League information, ideas and results.

The AJLI Vision

Through the power of our association, Junior Leagues strengthen communities by embracing diverse perspectives, building partnerships, and inspiring shared solutions.

The worth of the Junior League program is exemplified by the growth of the Association. At present there are 296 Leagues in the United States, Canada, Mexico and England, with a total membership of approximately 200,000.

In 2001 AJLI celebrated 100 years of community service. The Centennial celebration began at the Annual Conference in New York City – the location of the first Junior League. The Centennial year closed in 2002 at the Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas where the Association introduced a new branding campaign to create a positive, shared identity for all 296 Junior Leagues as they enter their second century of service.

Headquarters

The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc.
132 West 31st Street, 11th Floor
New York, New York 10001-3406
Tel: 212.951.8300
Fax: 212.481.7196
Website: http://www.ajli.org