Thank you for your interest in the Junior League of Des Moines! The Junior League of Des Moines has a membership of over 700 women from ALL walks of life. Some of our members are in the workforce while others stay-at-home. We are single and married; young and old; yet we are ALL dedicated to improving the community through our volunteer efforts!
FAQs of Becoming a New Member
- How do I become a member?
Send us a completed New Member Interest Form, attend a New Member social event or be referred by a member. - Do you have meetings that I need to attend?
Yes. New Members are required to attend 5 General Monthly Meetings and 5 New Member Class Meetings held throughout the JL year. In addition, there is one Community Service Project to complete as a New Member Class. - Are there service hours required?
Yes. Members are asked to work 6 hours in our Bargain Basket Thrift Store throughout the year, and also work 4 hours at our annual Gift Mart Fundraiser held in November. - What is the financial obligation?
All Active Members have annual dues of $100. There is also a $40 one time New Member Course fee due at the second New Member meeting. Additional member requirements include the purchase of $75 worth of Gift Mart tickets which you can gift or resell and also a donation of $75 worth of merchandise to our Bargain Basket Thrift Store. - What happens once I am a member?
You pick a JLDM Council that fits your interests, needs, and talents. Meeting and financial obligations continue on an annual basis. You also continue to learn how to be the best community volunteer and leader.
Professional Development and Training Opportunities
Through the training and experience that our members receive, many have gone on to be actively engaged throughout our community: in business, schools, churches, non-profit boards and elected political positions. We pride ourselves on being an organization that trains women to build a better community!Being a member of the JLDM offers you many exciting opportunities...
- You will help improve the community significantly through effective action
- Develop yourself and your leadership potential as a woman
- Build friendships with a diverse group of current and emerging women leaders
- Create leadership opportunities for yourself as a volunteer in the future
- Promote the importance of volunteer service within Des Moines!
Our Focus Areas
Following a recent year of research, members of JLDM have adopted a new community focus - Childhood Obesity. In the coming months, we will be exploring opportunities in the community where JLDM can make the most impact. In addition, members will be educated to serve as childhood obesity advocates.
Our award winning Mary Louise Smith Women's Leadership Initiative is a skills-based leadership curriculum available only to members of the Junior League of Des Moines. The program offers an opportunity for our members to further sharpen their strategic planning skills, training and presentation skills.
Click here for more information about our current programs.
The Next Step
If you decide to become a member of the Junior League of Des Moines, you will gain training as a "new member." The new member program will allow you to better understand the history of our League, our mission, vision and goals and above all, the opportunity to make new friends.
This is an exciting time for the Junior League of Des Moines as we continue to impact our community through effective action and leadership. We are grateful for your interest in our organization and we hope to welcome you into our membership soon.
If you would like to receive more information about JLDM or attend an upcoming prospective member meeting, please send us an Email or download and print a membership interest form using Adobe Acrobat below.
