The members of the Junior League of Owensboro understand that many women these days are much busier outside their homes compared to when the organization began in 1937. In an effort to make the league more welcoming and accessible, the Junior League recently introduced a new structure to the organization that accommodates the lifestyles of modern women.
The new structure, called One Membership, removes the 7-year active period before a member becomes a Sustainer—an emeritus member who continues to support the League with reduced dues and who has no active obligations.
After the 2023-24 League year, Sustainer status will be eliminated for Actives going forward to promote more cohesiveness among the organization’s members. One Membership also eliminates all requirements for members with regard to meeting attendance, service hours, and committee placements. Under this structure, all League members pay a single dues rate and can be involved in any and all aspects of the organization that they are interested in. It also includes rolling admissions, so women can join the league at any time instead of only in the summer as it had been.
Current Vice President Jennifer Vogel learned about One Membership at a conference she attended last summer, and when she took the idea back to the board they agreed that it would be a good step for the Junior League of Owensboro.
“This will allow more women who are interested in the Junior League to be as involved as they can be, without having to worry about clearing their schedules at times that may not work for them,” she said.
President Brandi Keller added, “One Membership is also a better way for us to show that we would love to have more women of all ages in the League. We realize that many people think the League is only 20- and 30-something women, but we represent a wide age range and benefit from the experiences of all women.”
League members are excited about the new dynamic that this structure will bring, and hope it will encourage more women in the area to consider joining the Junior League.
If you are interested in joining the Junior League, email [email protected] to connect.
