What is the Junior League of Des Moines?
Founded in 1926, the Junior League of Des Moines (JLDM) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
The Junior League of Des Moines is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) which governs 296 Junior Leagues in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Great Britain.
Mission
The Junior League of Des Moines, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Des Moines, Inc. reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origin who demonstrates an interest in and a commitment to voluntarism.
What is the focus area of JLDM?
Following a recent year of research, members of the Junior League of Des Moines have adopted a new community focus - Childhood Obesity. In the coming months, we will be exploring opportunities in the community where Junior League can make the most impact. In addition, members will be educated to serve as childhood obesity advocates.
What is the current membership of the JLDM?
Currently, the JLDM has approximately 160 active members and 600 sustaining members. The majority of members fall between the ages of 28 and 36, but new members over 40 are common. Nearly 76% of the membership work outside the home, and a large percentage of those who stay at home are involved in part-time entrepreneurial efforts.
Vision
The Junior League of Des Moines will be a primary resource for training, supporting, and connecting aspiring leaders so they grow in capacity to lead and serve through volunteer service. We will improve our community by cultivating relationships and developing effective, targeted programming to meet community needs.
The Bargain Basket Thrift Shop
The Bargain Basket Thrift Shop is a non-profit store whose proceeds benefit Des Moines through the community outreach programs the Junior League of Des Moines participates in.
Gift Mart
Gift Mart provides Des Moines shoppers looking for that "perfect gift" with access to one-of-a-kind, unique and specialty items. Since 1989, Gift Mart has kicked off the holiday shopping season with a weekend’s worth of access to vendors from around the country. Proceeds from this event go toward funding the programs provided by the Junior League.
Community Projects:
- New Directions Women's Shelter
- Scholarships
- Following a recent year of research, members of the Junior League of Des Moines have adopted a new community focus--Childhood Obesity. In the coming months, we will be exploring opportunities in the community where Junior League can make the most impact.
