Women who aren’t familiar with the Junior League often ask me to describe it when they find out I am a member. If they have any knowledge of our organization, they have the “pumps and pearls” picture of well-to-do homemakers sipping tea together and writing checks to worthy causes. In reality, the Junior League of San Jose (JLSJ) is an organization of dynamic, motivated women from all sorts of backgrounds, many of whom are juggling work, marriage, children and multiple volunteer activities. Our current president, Dawn Bussey, has a husband and four children and also works full-time, plus giving countless hours to the Junior League!

I joined the Junior League because, in my 30’s, it’s more of a challenge to find friends with common interests than it was when I was in school. In JLSJ, I have found a group of varied and interesting women who value being involved members of their community, along with a great sense of being an integral part of something meaningful. JLSJ’s current community focus is helping young children enter elementary school ready to learn and thrive (this focus is reviewed and changed every few years so that we are able to touch many areas of need in our community). Among many community service partnerships, JLSJ volunteers this year are conducting reading trainings for parents through Bring Me A Book®, serving children who do not have access to quality books and who are not read aloud to on a regular basis. We also partner with the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose on The Wonder Cabinet, a hands-on early childhood center where children under the age of five are encouraged to explore, play and make their own discoveries.

Essentially, JLSJ is a network of professional, community-minded women in San Jose. I know several members who have had new jobs or even whole new careers arise out of their Junior League connections and experiences. The wonderful thing about volunteering is that you don’t get fired when you make a mistake! Women in the Junior League are encouraged to develop new skills and lead others to new heights. It’s absolutely invaluable training experience and encouragement that women don’t necessarily receive in the workplace. I have gotten a lot out of this organization and I recommend it to any woman seeking leadership experience, fun volunteer activities, new friendships, or all of the above! Check us out at www.jlsj.org.