FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Membership
in the Junior League of Columbus, Inc.

How many members do you have now? Tell me a little bit about your members.

The Junior League of Columbus, Inc. currently includes approximately 350+ members from the Greater Columbus area. Of those, just over 80 are “active” members and the remainder are “sustaining” members. In addition, each year we welcome approximately 40 New Members, who are testing out membership in our organization for a year.

Our members come from the greater Columbus area and include women working in the home and women working outside the home.

If I have a full-time job, can I still volunteer?

Yes! A large number of JLC members hold regular full-time jobs and still find time to volunteer with us. We have volunteer opportunities available in the evenings and on weekends. There are also projects that take place during the day, so we are flexible and can work with anyone’s schedule. Most meetings are held in the evenings and occasionally on the weekends so this offers additional flexibility for working women.

Is the Junior League of Columbus, Inc. a networking organization? Am I able to promote my business to other JLC members?

While the JLC supports and works hard to provide opportunities for personal growth for all of its members, it is a volunteer and not a networking organization. Our members devote their time to promoting our mission: The Junior League of Columbus, Inc. (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Similarly, to help our members remain focused on our mission and to maintain the JLC’s character as a volunteer organization, JLC members are not permitted to use their JLC membership to promote their own business.

However, JLC members are offered the opportunity to take on new challenges and learn new skills that benefit them professionally, without the pressure of a job evaluation.

What organizations benefit from your volunteers?

Since 1923, the women of the Junior League of Columbus have been raising funds, identifying needs in the greater Columbus community, and developing programs to meet those needs. Often times we collaborate with other organizations who share our vision which allows us to increase our impact in the community. Click here to see highlights of our rich community service history.

Why should I volunteer with the JLC versus other organizations?

Current members feel that the JLC provides a unique volunteer experience because of the commitment to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Members enjoy being part of an organization that makes a meaningful impact in their local communities. The JLC provides members with a structured, well-organized volunteer experience. Volunteers also benefit from training in a variety of educational and leadership programs. Ultimately, however, most members say they value the lifelong friendships forged through their membership in the JLC.

Many of our members, who we have trained as volunteer leaders, are asked to assume leadership positions with other local non-profit organizations.

What is the New Member class?

If you would like to become a member of the Junior League of Columbus, Inc., you will be asked to complete a New Member Course with a group of other women also considering membership. The New Member Course curriculum is designed to provide you with the necessary knowledge and experience to enter as an active member of the Junior League of Columbus. It includes training meetings, organized volunteer projects, and team building exercises as well as social opportunities to get to know your fellow New Members.

When Can I Join?

The Junior League of Columbus, Inc. is always interested in welcoming new members to our organization and accepts new volunteer inquiries year round.

The “League year” runs from July 1st to June 30 for Active JLC Members. We accepted new members in Spring.

Prospective members may reach out anytime and be placed on a list and contacted before the start of the next New Member Course.

How do I Join?

Complete our New Member Application or fill out our New Member Contact form.