The Association of Junior Leagues International is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.
The Junior League: Women Around the World as Catalysts for Lasting Community Change.
The purpose of The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. is to add value to its member Leagues in their fulfillment of The Junior League Mission.
We believe lasting societal change is achieved through both collaboration and meaningful disagreement. Living the value of collaboration inspires us to accomplish more together.
We believe a strong sense of community is essential to human well-being. Living the value of community provides a foundation of inclusion, which allows us to make a greater impact on the world around us.
We believe that creating and sustaining a diverse Membership is critical to our Mission. Living the value of diversity means we are committed to centering equity, inclusion, and belonging in our individual, organizational, and community relationships.
We believe that the empowerment of women is a necessary requirement to create positive, lasting societal change. Living the value of empowerment fosters trust and confidence in each other.
We believe in the unique power of women’s leadership abilities to transform communities for the better. Living the value of leadership allows us to make a collective difference.
We believe respect is a fundamental human right. Living the value of respect instills in us an unconditional positive regard for others.
We believe it is through service that we build core relationships with others. Service is the lens through which we decide how we will invest our time and resources. Living the value of service empowers us as catalysts for lasting community change.
Founded in 1901 by New Yorker and social activism pioneer Mary Harriman, the Junior Leagues are charitable nonprofit organizations of women, developed as civic leaders, making a demonstrable impact on their communities. In 1921 the Leagues joined forces as an association, which is today known as The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., in order to bolster their power and amplify their voice through shared knowledge and common causes.
The core of our mission is advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Research shows that all the following barriers contribute to negative outcomes in women’s lives – lack of development and leadership opportunities; lack of community and meaningful connection; family and caregiver responsibilities; inadequate women’s wellness and safety measures, and; sexism, stereotypes and workplace bias. Through grassroots action and collective international awareness and advocacy, The Junior Leagues works to eliminate all these barriers so women can lead an optimal life.
As a result of this work, The Junior League—and the more than 125,000 women in over 295 communities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, and Kenya who comprise its ranks—has amassed an archive of tangible results and a reputation as thoughtful and influential change agents dedicated to the public good.
Today AJLI is a charitable nonprofit organization that provides continuity and support, guidance, and leadership development opportunities to its member Leagues. Through regional, national and international meetings, comprehensive resources, customized consultations, and League and member benefits, it supports its member Leagues in the fulfillment of The Junior League’s Mission. AJLI is governed by a Board of Directors, which is accountable to the Leagues and comprised of women who are members of the Junior Leagues in their communities. The Association’s remote-based staff, under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer, provides services to Leagues that support the established goals.
