LeagueLines The Newsletter of The Junior League of Austin January/February 2014
celebrating 80 years
fORTY-FIVE YEARS OF WISDOM
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PAST PRESIDENTS By Jennifer Bernier It has been 80 years since Gladys Bowman took the helm as the very first President of The Junior League of Austin. To date, 75 generous and committed women have followed in her footsteps. Through their leadership, these women encouraged the growth and change that has shaped the League into what it is today. In honor of their service and our 80th anniversary, we sent this talented group of women a series of questions. We were curious to find out what has changed, what advice they would give to current League members and how they feel The Junior League of Austin has been most impactful. We received answers from past Presidents spanning 45 years of service! When asked to describe the biggest change or shift they had seen in the League since serving as President, the most common answer was, not surprisingly, the size. “It continues to grow each year and although it may be a challenge to manage and engage such a large group, it is great to know that volunteerism is alive and well in our city,” writes Sandy Alcala (20102011). Another interesting perspective on League changes came from Nancy Edsel (19992000). She writes, “In reality, as much as The Junior League of Austin has kept up with all changes in technology, workforce, economy, etc., the basic tenets remain unchanged. It is still, and always has been, an organization made up of driven, compassionate women who want to volunteer to make the Austin community a better place. That is what makes the League so strong—it adapts but
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remains the great organization it always has been and builds on its long experience. Thank goodness the League never really changes!” These sentiments were echoed by Libby Malone (1986-1987), “While there are many exciting new developments including the new headquarters’ capital campaign; in my opinion, the real strength of the JLA is what has not changed—its steadfast adherence to the core mission of the League as a volunteer training organization for women.” We also asked for the biggest piece of advice these women would give to our Provisional class or women interested in becoming Provisionals. The number one response: respect the commitment. Eugenia Miller (1968-1969) advises, “Be sure you have the necessary time to devote to the demands of the Provisional year.” “Don’t be a Provisional until it is a time in your life you can take advantage of the training for at least five years,” were the words of Carolyn Curtis (1979-1980). Susan Driver (1978-1979) also reminds League members to value the fresh perspective our Provisionals bring to the table. “Even though someone is a Provisional, she may have an experience, idea or perspective that is just what the League needs to hear. What she lacks in longevity in the League, she may more than make up through her other experiences.” So Provisionals, don’t be shy! Another common piece of advice is to challenge yourself. Suzy Balagia (2003-2004) writes, “Take advantage of the League training and pursue placements out of your comfort zone.”