Letter from the Editor

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. I’m tired of people getting sick during this pandemic and I’m tired of COVID. I’m tired of current events like war, racism, hate, and in my everyday life I’m tired of being too busy, tired of video calls and tired of being tired. These past few years have uncovered many vulnerabilities in our world and have brought about a magnitude of change. These changes affect all of us, in large or small ways whether we realize it or not. As I take a breath and think about how tired I am and how much I would love a mental break from it all, I think about those far less fortunate than me. I think about children in Mecklenburg County who are food insecure, who aren’t sure where their next meal will come from or if it will come at all. I think about the people who work hard, 40 to 50 hours a week, and yet they still can’t afford to pay all their bills. I think about the mental health problems that leave so many unable to lead a steady, productive life and their family members affected by it. I think about women who can’t afford diapers for their children. It is then I count my blessings. I am tired, but there is hope. Hope brings energy; energy leads to action and the best place for meaningful action is the Junior League. I am a “change agent” in the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) because I can make a difference in the lives of others and that gives me energy to overcome the tiredness. Being part of the JLC has been such an enriching experience; it has provided a great opportunity to meet like-minded women and make an impact where it is most needed. As a collective group, the women of the JLC do so much. They work outside the home and in it, raise children and care for their loved ones, go to school, teach others and even though they may also be tired, they find time to do what they can for others through the JLC.

In this issue of The CRIER, you will learn much about the contributions of the JLC and its members. The Done In A Day (DIAD) Committee brings the JLC together for monthly activities to help others. For example, I pulled into the parking lot of the JLC building in December with several boxes of diapers and there, in the rain, were JLC DIAD members collecting diapers for a local charity. JLC members put on and take part in the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) to provide and receive training to be better leaders in their professional lives and in their community. When I read the article on the Association of Junior Leagues International’s (AJLI) contribution to legislation and public health initiatives, I was astonished by all of the causes this organization has taken on over the years, from the AIDS crisis in the 1980s to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging today. So while I am sure there are many days when we are all worn down and tired, we put on our “change agent” capes and do all that we can to improve the lives of others. From our leadership team to our Communications Council, our office staff, historians and the amazing group of women on The CRIER Committee who donate their time to write the stories we bring you in this issue, I am proud to stand beside my fellow “change agents” this League year, because together, there isn’t anything we can’t do! All the best, Tammy Stanard

Editor, 2021-2022