AJLI
Our Mission
The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.
Our Vision
The Junior League: Women Around the World as Catalysts for Lasting Community Change.
Our Values
Collaboration: We believe lasting societal change is achieved through both collaboration and meaningful disagreement. Living the value of collaboration inspires us to accomplish more together.
Community: 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.
Diversity: 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.
Empowerment: 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.
Leadership: 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.
Respect: We believe respect is a fundamental human right. Living the value of respect instills in us an unconditional positive regard for others.
Service: 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.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Junior League welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities.
Association Purpose
The purpose of The Association of Junior League International, Inc. is to add value to its member Leagues in their fulfillment of The Junior League Mission.
The Power of Association
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.
True to their legacy, today’s League members work at the forefront of social reform, tackling the toughest and most critical issues of the day—including childhood nutrition and obesity, human trafficking, foster care, juvenile justice, teen self-esteem, cybercrimes, literacy and the environment, among others—for the purpose of enhancing the social, cultural and political fabric of civil society.
As a result of this work, The Junior League—and the more than 150,000 women in 298 communities in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Kenya, Canada and Mexico who comprise its ranks—has amassed an archive of irrefutable results and an indisputable reputation as thoughtful and influential change agents for the public good. Together, our members constitute one of the largest, most effective volunteer organizations in the world.
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 20-member 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 New York City-based staff, under the leadership of the Executive Director, provides services to Leagues that support the established goals. Take a moment to view a video of our founding and mission.
AJLI is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All of its programs and activities are supported by League membership dues, foundation and corporate grants, and other revenue-producing efforts.
For additional information, please visit the AJLI website at www.ajli.org