Update
PROVISIONAL
New Year, New Experiences! It is mind-boggling how quickly the year has flown by. The Provisional class ended 2021 celebrating the year and the holidays at the annual Provisional Christmas party on Saturday, December 11, 2021 which was held at the Junior League office. The Provisional Leader team worked tirelessly that morning starting around 8 a.m. to decorate and transform the party into a magnificent holiday experience for the ladies. The room was filled with the sounds of classic Christmas tunes, wooden ornament crafting, delicious local catering by Chef Melvin Nelson, Jr., an ornament gift exchange, and each Provisional received a mug with hot chocolate mix and marshmallows to enjoy the cold weather. It was truly a memorable event. Welcoming in 2022, the January Annual Interviews were held January 18 through 20 via virtual platform due to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases. These interviews gave each Provisional the opportunity to share their personal experience with the League thus far. The interviews are also to ensure that they are on track to fulfill all of their obligations for their Provisional year. The Provisional team appreciates the feedback received, and we will take what we have learned to further enhance future Provisional classes and the League as a whole. In our February meeting, Provisionals were given the opportunity to learn more from the Communications VP Kirsten Shrewsberry about social media and it allows us to build community awareness about the League and to gain new members. They were also able to explore the different
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Jessica Latin
aspects of fundraising with the Fund Development VP Ali Smith, including how fund development events are chosen, the importance of these events, and the need for shifts. Throughout the last few months, Provisionals have continued to gain more opportunities to observe and participate in Red Apron Pantry, MAGIC, and Safe Sitter community placements. At the Red Apron Pantry placement, ladies assisted with the packing process and distribution of food to clients in the community. In the MAGIC sessions, Provisionals jumped right into interacting with the mentees and assisted with any preparations for the meeting. During Safe Sitter, Provisionals were able to assist students in the class with learning and implementing safe practices when caring for small children and infants. Coming in mid-March, our Provisionals will be choosing their first placement for their year as an Active member in the 2022-2023 League year. We are hopeful that finalizing their placement will give them a further sense of belonging in the League and will give them the space and opportunity to learn more about the operations of the League in conjunction with serving the community, and all while fostering lifelong connections with other members. It has truly been a pleasure working as the Provisional Chair, thus far. I consider it a privilege to welcome in so many amazing women and to work alongside a dynamic leadership team. I am so excited to see what their future holds within the League and beyond.
