Membership FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AS POSED BY PROSPECTIVE NEW MEMBERS

WHAT IS THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LANCASTER?

The Junior League of Lancaster is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. As part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., we are one of 295 Junior Leagues located in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. With over 125,000 members, the League’s purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. We reach out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.


WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE JUNIOR LEAGUE?

The Junior League of Lancaster empowers women through leadership training and collaborating with other organizations to achieve common goals in the Lancaster community. You will build relationships with a diverse group of dedicated, talented women who derive from diverse backgrounds, interests, and professions. 

As a member, you can receive training and develop your skills in areas such as public speaking, public relations, budgeting, fundraising, advocacy, event coordination, marketing, team building, and so much more!

Should you move out of the area, you can transfer your membership to another Junior League by notifying the Corresponding Secretary to initiate the transfer-out process.


IS THE JUNIOR LEAGUE JUST A SOCIAL ORGANIZATION?

There are many opportunities for socialization; however, the Junior League of Lancaster strives to fulfill our mission statement, while focusing on projects supporting our charitable endeavors. 


I’M READY TO JOIN THE JUNIOR LEAGUE! HOW DO I GET STARTED?

At present time, the Junior League of Lancaster conducts two Orientation sessions each League year for prospective new members. The first session is held in late summer/early fall (the Fall Class) and the second is held in mid-to-late winter (the Spring Class). Provisional members are required to attend all Orientation activities as stipulated by the Membership Development Committee. The Junior League of Lancaster is currently recruiting women who are interested in pursuing membership as part of the Spring 2024 New Member Class.

Please visit the Joining the Junior League of Lancaster page for more information about our eligibility criteria, the application process, and details regarding our Spring 2024 Orientation itinerary schedule. All potential members must complete a New Member Application form prior to the first day of Orientation.

We encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a Junior League of Lancaster member to regularly visit our website, like and follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn), and get to know us by stopping in one of our monthly General Membership Meetings (GMMs) or attending one of our League functions!


WHAT IS A NEW MEMBER?

A new member –  also referred to as a Provisional member – is defined as a member engaged in a period of training focused on gaining exposure, along with a greater understanding of The Junior League of Lancaster’s community involvement, initiatives, partners, and fundraising. This process prepares Provisionals for upcoming Active status.


WHAT IS AN ACTIVE MEMBER?

Active members have successfully completed New Member Orientation and its delineated requirements.

Actives continue training to become effective volunteers and civic leaders. Their focus is on cultivating and nurturing the relationships we hold with our local community partners, running The Junior League of Lancaster as an efficient and impactful non-profit organization, and executing various fundraising efforts throughout the League year to support its operations. They maintain their Active status by demonstrating volunteer service to the community and to the League by fulfilling the obligations that are expected of Active membership.


WHAT IS A SUSTAINING MEMBER?

After eight (8) years of committed service to The Junior League of Lancaster, a member may elect to transition to Sustaining status if she chooses to do so. Sustaining members remain involved with the League’s work, including fundraising endeavors and serving as advisors with partners, projects, and in some cases, on committees run by Active members. Unlike Actives, women who achieve Sustaining membership are not subject to specific outlined membership requirements. They are still required to pay dues.

Sustainer Emeritus status is automatically granted to a Sustainer who has reached the age of eighty (80) years.


HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED TO REMAIN ACTIVE?

We are an organization that promotes volunteerism; therefore, each of our Active members participate on a committee. Time requirements vary based on this placement. During the placement process, you can determine the number of hours you’re willing to commit to for the upcoming League year. That commitment is taken into consideration when determining placement. There is no minimum number of hours required. 

Each month there are also a number of optional activities that take place, including socials and volunteer opportunities.


WHAT IS MY FINANCIAL OBLIGATION?

Active members of The Junior League of Lancaster pay annual dues of $150.00, which are due no later than June 1st. Dues can be satisfied online via Digital Cheetah or via check, which should be mailed to our headquarters (1130 Marietta Avenue/Lancaster, PA 17603). Payment plan options are available and can be explored by contacting the Treasurer

Sustaining members of The Junior League of Lancaster are required to remit payment in the amount of $85.00 by June 1st. Those who achieve Sustainer Emeritus status are exempt from fulfilling the organization’s dues requirements.


WHAT ROLE WILL MY ADVISOR PLAY?

The role of the advisor is to ensure that each League member has a good League experience. The advisor will communicate with advisees each month about General Membership Meetings (GMMs) and League events as well as address any concerns on committee placement.

WHEN ARE MEETINGS SCHEDULED?

The Junior League of Lancaster holds monthly General Membership Meetings (GMMs) to conduct Junior League business and announce upcoming events. These meetings take place on the first Monday of each month from September through June. They may be moved to another Monday during the month to accommodate holidays and other special occassions. In addition, committees hold monthly meetings. These are scheduled by the individual committee chair.


WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO MEET FELLOW JUNIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS?

Attending General Membership Meetings (GMMs) and committee meetings are a great start. Then, get involved with Done-in-a-Day (DIAD) events along with other volunteer opportunities, and join us for monthly social events hosted by various committees. 


WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE FOR JUNIOR LEAGUE MEETINGS?

Members typically attend meetings in casual or business casual attire. You will see everything from suits to jeans. Be comfortable, but please be respectful.


WHERE IS THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LANCASTER’S HEADQUARTERS?

Our headquarters is located in the Carriage House on the property of President James Buchanan’s Wheatland mansion at 1130 Marietta Avenue/Lancaster, PA 17603. On-site parking is available.


THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THIS INFORMATION! I HAVE A QUESTION THAT ISN’T ADDRESSED. WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?

We’re glad this FAQ was a beneficial resource to you! If you have any additional questions that weren’t covered, please contact the Membership Development VP.