Hello GFWC IL Juniors! If you were not able to attend Convention last week, here is a brief explanation of my plans for the organization over the next two years.
The theme for the 2014-2016 GFWC IL Junior Administration is “Just One Voice”. I believe that the GFWC IL Juniors understand the Power of One. Throughout the years, we have been so fortunate to see exactly what can be done because one person had a vision. Whether it is the vision to launch a new club or statewide project, new fundraiser, or even to start a new club, GFWC IL Juniors know how to get things done!
In preparing to become the next Director of Junior Clubs, I realized how very excited I am to serve our great state in this way. I’ve long since recognized the strength and power of the members we have here in Illinois. I’ve seen clubs as small as 6 members accomplish amazing things, raising thousands of dollars and doing the work of a club 10x its size. That’s because one of them stood up and said, “We can do it!”
And we can do it, ladies! We can do whatever we set out to do for our clubs and communities. It doesn’t matter how many members we have…or how many sponsors we have for our events. We just need to BELIEVE in each other and in ourselves and we can do anything!
During the 2014-2016 administration, my emphasis will be on three outstanding organizations: Children’s Research Foundation, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It is my most sincere hope that your clubs include these organizations in your fundraising efforts during this administration.
In addition to seeing our membership grow, I hope to re-energize efforts to charter more Juniorette clubs throughout the state, as well as hold a Juniorette Convention to support the clubs we already do have. The young ladies of our communities are tomorrow’s volunteers. They have so much promise, determination and most already have a deep passion for volunteerism. Why not serve as a mentor to them by forming a new club in your town or district? With so many external pressures of balancing school work and extra curricular activities, belonging to a GFWC IL Juniorette club can serve as an outlet for them and would be rewarding for all. I urge you to give this some thought and reach out to me if your club has interest in sponsoring a Juniorette club.
Remember, ladies, all it takes is one voice. Shout it out and let it be heard!
5 E. Van Buren Street,