What is the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay?
This question is best answered by our mission statement: The Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Are there other Junior Leagues?
As of June 2007, 293 Leagues exist in the United States, Canada, Mexico and United Kingdom, with a total of over 170,000 members. The San Francisco Bay Area has five Junior Leagues: Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, Junior League of San Francisco, Junior League of San Jose, Junior League of Palo Alto*Mid Peninsula, and Junior League of Napa-Sonoma..

How did the Junior League begin?
In 1901 Mary Harriman, together with 85 other women, founded the Junior League for the Promotion of Settlement Movements in New York City. The name was later shortened to the Junior League. Early League projects included establishment of orphanages, programs in the arts, dental health for children, home nursing, parks and playgrounds. The organization became international when the Junior League of Montreal joined in 1912. JLOEB began as the Fenton League and became the Junior League of Oakland in February 1935, with a charter membership of 61. In 1974, the name of the League became the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, Inc. to reflect the expansion of the League's membership and service area.

What does JLOEB do?
The League provides four types of community support, all of which center on our focus area of supporting charitable endeavors of JLOEB.
The League:
provides the community with trained volunteers.
organizes Done in a Day projects to respond to short-term community needs requiring volunteers.
analyzes and advocates for public policy at both the state and federal levels.
annually distributes one-time grants to community agencies.

What are the JLOEB community projects?
During the 2007-2008 year, JLOEB will contribute financial support, administrative guidance and trained volunteers to the following community projects:

The Super Stars Literacy is a comprehensive after school literacy project for kindergartners, 1st, and 2nd graders designed to make reading fun and exciting. Older children as well as adult volunteers serve as tutors/mentors. The project encourages parent involvement by offering training support services with an emphasis on training parents as literacy volunteers so that the local community can sustain the program after JLOEB is no longer involved.

Done in a Day (DIAD) tackles short-term community needs that require volunteers for one to a few days. The DIAD Committee has the wonderful opportunity of being able to offer the League's greatest resource - our members - to assist community agencies with projects and events that they are unable to staff on their own. The flexibility and the short-term nature of these projects allow the League exposure to a rich variety of community agencies and volunteer experiences. DIAD projects such as refurbishing gardens at a homeless shelter, hosting a family event at an agency for physically challenged children, and wrapping holiday gifts for children living in poverty are examples of projects planned and implemented by the committee.

How are JLOEB’s project selected each year?
Our Board of Directors evaluates proposals from non-profit agencies that pertain to our focus area and fit within JLOEB’s financial and volunteer parameters. After our Board approves community project proposals, our membership has an opportunity to vote on the projects to be selected for the following year.

Who belongs to JLOEB?
The most common characteristic shared by members is that they are women committed to contributing to their communities. As of June 2006, JLOEB has over 550 members. Of these, 144 are active and 414 are sustaining members. Sustainers have 6 years of active service (i.e. provisional/new member year does not count) and continue to support the League and their community. The average age of our active members is 35. Additional data about JLOEB active members from our 2006-2007 membership survey indicates:

65% work, either full- or part-time
67% are married
57% have children
60% live in Contra Costa County
40% live in Alameda County

What are the benefits of joining JLOEB?
Membership in the Junior League provides many benefits. The most significant is the personal satisfaction that comes with making a positive contribution to your community. While a member of JLOEB, you will have the opportunity to develop new leadership skills. You will have access to community leaders and will build relationships with a diverse group of dedicated, talented women. You will learn a lot about the East Bay communities and how to collaborate with other organizations to achieve a common goal. As a member, you will receive training and can sharpen your skills in areas such as public speaking, graphic design, marketing and public relations, financial analysis and budgeting, fundraising, advocacy, volunteer coordination, non-profit administration and program development. Should you move out of the area, you can transfer your membership to another Junior League.

Do I have to be “sponsored” or recommended by a current member to join JLOEB?
JLOEB welcomes all women 21 years of age and older who are committed to voluntarism and does not require a new member to be sponsored.

Isn’t the Junior League really just a social organization?
No. JLOEB strives to fulfill our mission statement, while focusing on projects supporting our charitable endeavors. The social element is one of the many benefits of League membership, but it is not our primary purpose.

Can I have a trial membership in JLOEB?
During your first year of membership, you will participate in a New Member Course, which runs from August through April, designed to introduce you to the League and offer you a taste of League involvement. Throughout the New Member Course you will have the opportunity to sample a number of events and projects, learning more about how the League works in collaboration with community agencies.

What is the cost to belong to JLOEB?
Active member dues are currently $175 per year, payable in February. When you join JLOEB in August, you will pay a total of $188 to cover the New Member Course fee, and your membership dues for the partial League year. In the following spring, you’ll pay the regular active member dues for the following League year.

What is the time commitment expectation as a member of JLOEB?
Active members (those who have completed the New Member Course) typically spend 10 to 12 hours per month on League activities. These activities include attending monthly general meetings for the entire League membership, regular committee meetings and project work, participating in training, working on one-day projects and helping with fundraisers.

What happens if I’m unable to attend a JLOEB meeting?
While we depend on our members to fulfill their commitments so the League can accomplish its goals, we understand that personal and business conflicts sometimes arise. We strive to offer a variety of flexible options to meet members’ needs and our members work together to help each other as needed.

As a member of JLOEB, will I be able to network for professional purposes?
Although the Junior League was not established as a “professional” organization, many opportunities exist for members to discuss their professions and share information. As noted above, more than half of our members work in full or part-time paying jobs, either outside their homes or in home-based businesses.

How can I get additional information about JLOEB?
You may contact our office by phone at (925) 284-3740 or by e-mail at info@jloeb.org.