The mission of The Junior League of Rhode Island, Inc. has stood strong for over 88 years; we are an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Rhode Island is one of 292 chapters across four countries, involving 170,000 women committed to improving communities through the effective action and leadership of our trained volunteers! The Junior League movement began in 1901 in Brooklyn, New York with the same mission we proudly continue to work toward today; developing the potential of women and improving and strengthening our local communities. This makes the Junior League movement an incredible and invaluable resource to communities around the globe!

Since 1921, the League has contributed more than 2.2 million hours of volunteer community service which is valued at over $40 million, as well; we have donated $1.5 million to over 250 community partners statewide. Proudly, no other all women’s membership organization has done so much for Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts communities!

This year marks the start of our community partnerships with two new organizations: The Autism Project and the Amos House Mother-Child Reunification Center. With Amos House, the JLRI will be working with mothers who are recently reunified with their children, and we will focus on programs that help the moms develop life skills and effective parenting techniques. Our work with the Autism Project will help increase community awareness and support of children and families affected by autism.

To enable the continued skills development of women and our community activities, The Junior League of Rhode Island will host several fundraisers this year. You may recall our extraordinary Antique Shows and our fabulous Fashion Shows from years past. Mark your calendar for September 25, 2010 for the JLRI first annual golf tournament. In addition to our golf tournament, our annual House Tour will take on a new twist this year, with a tour of the artist studio lofts in Pawtucket. This event will be combined with the Pawtucket Cherry Blossom Festival in April 2011. Stay-tuned for more details on both these wonderful events -we would love to see you there in support of our mission. I welcome you to review and explore our website for more information on our activities, community service as well as particulars on how you can become a part of this dynamic organization.

Fondly,

Alison L. Croke
President, 2010-2011
The Junior League of Rhode Island, Inc.