Pedaling Through the Pandemic

Danielle Muenzfeld

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, the Junior League of Washington (JLW) continues to adapt and provide opportunities to “Center Our Community.” Based on safety guidelines and member feedback, the 20212022 Esprit Committee took a hybrid approach and offered both in person and virtual programming in order to strengthen member relationships and provide critical connection points for League members.

Over the last two years, many JLW members have joined together to virtually workout through group Peloton cycling rides. By adding the hashtag #JLW to their profiles, riders can see what classes other members are taking and join from the comfort and safety of their homes. JLW members in the same class can even connect with and motivate each other by sending and receiving Peloton “high fives,” a virtual acknowledgement of their effort. This connection point helps to motivate and keep members accountable in reaching fitness goals. Esprit has organized JLW riders to participate in different themed rides throughout the League year including Motivation Monday, Post-Holiday, and Galentine’s Day rides, with more to come!

To date, the #JLW hashtag has 194 members and continues to grow. Meredith Englehart, Esprit Committee volunteer, who has organized a number of rides “loved the idea of hosting an event from home that would get people up and moving.” To Englehart, “the events are extremely motivating - it’s nice to know you’re not riding alone and the folks you’re high-fiving are part of your network.”

JLW members have let the Esprit Committee “know that the Peloton events motivate them to prioritize their physical and emotional health. Attendees share how great it is to feel connected to other JLW Peloton riders. And we know the connection Esprit events provide is so important particularly in a time of increased social isolation,” expresses Dani Rizzo, Esprit Chair.

Virtual events enable JLW members to engage with the community no matter where they are – literally and figuratively. “[I’ve] really looked forward to all of the unique and creative ways that JLW has strived to connect members virtually from fun activities such as hand-lettering classes, to these virtual fitness opportunities. It’s definitely helped me to stay connected while keeping my family safe,” explained Prianka Sharma, a JLW member and new mom to a “pandemic baby.” For her like many others, participation in such events has been key to her experience.

“Through our programming, whether it’s a virtual fitness class, a neighborhood meet up, or a creative workshop, we are able to not only increase connection and member satisfaction but also directly contribute to delivering on our promise of purposeful member care during a year of continued uncertainty and social isolation,” shares Rizzo. •

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