Jill Rogers Barham - Junior League of Little Rock

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
When I joined the League five years
ago, I had recently moved to Little
Rock. I was interested in being
involved in a volunteer organization and I
wanted the opportunity to get to know likeminded
women in the area. I had no idea at the
time just how rewarding the experience would
be. As a provisional, I remember grumbling
as I completed my fifth bargain barn shift,
wondering why I was in the League. But all
the shifts, money spent, and hard work during
my provisional year were completely forgotten
when I saw the tears in the eyes of the women
at the Women’s Shelter when we unveiled their
newly decorated posh dining room and pantry
area. I was hooked from that moment on! The
experience of seeing those smiling emotional
women was my introduction to a multitude of
special moments derived from seeing people’s
lives being touched by the League’s services to
the community.
This year, our Holiday issue highlights all
that the Junior League of Little Rock is and
has been in the past, which is why you’ll see
ornaments on our cover that represent our
League building and community projects. We
will cover each of our vital projects and show
how much of a difference we are making in the
community. Of course we couldn’t bring up
the community projects without mentioning
the successful fundraisers like 6 th K Café,
Holiday House, and Bargain Boutique, which
make those projects possible. We will give you
a snapshot into our past with details about the
history of our beautiful building, and a detailed
account of how we got to where we are today.
My favorite feature profiles ten of our amazing
sustainers. These are the women we aspire to
be, the women who stand out in Little Rock
either because of their successful careers, or
because of their heart for giving back to our
community.
Something that I had been missing during my
early years of involvement in the League was
the wonderful training opportunities available
to members. Becoming the chair-elect and chair
of a committee afforded me the opportunity to
be trained on several different levels, including
learning how to run committee meetings,
delegate tasks, resolve conflicts, review
financial statements, and manage multiple
tasks at one time. I made time in my schedule,
something I hadn’t done before, to attend the
All League Conference, Lunch and Leads, and
other various training opportunities the League
offers. I’ve learned so much that can be applied
to my career, and my other commitments in the
community.
I’ve learned that there is certainly no other
organization like us in Little Rock. I challenge
you to seize the moment that you have and
make sure that you take every opportunity to
train, meet new people, and make a difference
in the lives of the women and children in
Little Rock.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Maune
6 Interaction l Holiday 2009