MEMBER EDUCATION
ing, have used our time and talent to build a better Washington, D.C. During my Leadership Greater Washington training, I proudly remember a classmate asking me about the League and hearing someone answer the question for me, “the Junior League is the premier volunteer organization for women leaders.” Deidra Johnson: Our brand is strong because of the tremendous impact The Junior League of Washington (JLW) has had on the greater D.C. area for the past 102 years. Our legacy of philanthropic giving and community building has not only developed the leadership potential of the women who make up our organization, but also addressed countless societal needs.
BE PROUD OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP AND YOUR VOLUNTEER WORK, AND REMEMBER NOT ONLY WHY YOU JOINED, BUT ALSO WHY YOU REMAIN A MEMBER TODAY. 3039M: What characteristics does a successful brand ambassador for the JLW possess? How are these characteristics reflective of the League’s brand? JH: A women who proudly communicates her League story. I am honored to be a member of an organization that values each member and her contribution to our mission. DJ: Every woman in the League is a brand ambassador. When she is volunteering at the National Book Festival Pavilion of States; donating toiletry items for Horton’s Kids; attending a “Getting on Board” training; or just living her everyday life, she is an ambassador for the League. You never know when someone will ask you about being a member of The JLW; it recently happened to me in the cafeteria at work. Our brand is upheld and further bolstered because we have an extremely diverse membership base. The JLW is made of women from all over the world with a wealth of life experiences who are helping to reflect the community we serve and remain a vibrant, growing organization. 3039M: A big part of living the brand is refining your “pitch”— effectively communicating an idea in a short, 2-3 minute conversation. What is your pitch when speaking to someone unfamiliar with the JLW? JH: One of the oldest and largest Junior Leagues, JLW is a volunteer-run organization of 2,400 phenomenal women leaders. For 102 years and counting, we have used our time, talents, and treasure to build a better Washington.
DJ: My pitch is based on the mission statement. I usually tell people why I joined and transferred my membership when I relocated, and why, after more than a decade, I’m still an active member. 3039M: For someone aspiring to be a stronger JLW brand ambassador, what resources can she consult to become more familiar with this multifaceted, complex League and refine her own elevator pitch? JH: The JLW mission statement. More than 150,000 women are committed to the League mission through their membership, addressing the most pressing needs in the communities they serve. DJ: We have a number of great resources. I’d recommend reading our blog, LeagueLines, and 3039M, visiting our website, following the JLW on social media, and checking out our annual report (p. TK). And get active! Volunteer for a different placement, attend our special events and get to know other members. Personally, I have found tremendous value in hearing the experiences of other JLW women. 3039M: Can you provide an example where you or another member truly lived the JLW brand? JH: My placement this year has given me the chance to interact with so many League members who have taken ownership of their volunteer jobs with enthusiasm. In the last month alone, our women leaders have crafted an emergency response plan to protect the League and its members, persuaded the National Park Service to make the Bright Beginnings 5K course a priority for snow removal so the runners could take their marks, educated our youngest neighbors on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, welcomed our first JLW legacy, committed to 16 hours of formal training to further develop their non-profit management skills and worked tirelessly to offer creative opportunities for donors to fund our mission. DJ: There are countless examples from this year I could cite: leading a team of amazing women who promote the League daily as part of the Communications and PR Council, serving on the board of directors, buying goodies at a recent JLW Shops!, helping to sponsor a family during the Christmas season, recruiting two new members to the League and encouraging dozens of women to take on leadership roles… the list goes on and on. 3039M: Last one! To all those out there living the brand: what would your top recommendation be for being a better JLW ambassador? JH: Be proud of your membership and your volunteer work, and remember not only why you joined, but also why you remain a member today. Connect with your fellow members, and do what you say you will do. DJ: Make a commitment each year to truly “renew” your membership. Take time to remind yourself why you volunteer and share that passion by encouraging someone else to volunteer. •
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