The Junior League of Kingsport, Tennessee, Incorporated, officially began in February of 1958, when the Kingsport Junior Service League was accepted into membership in the Association of Junior Leagues of America, (now The Association of Junior Leagues International) becoming the first Junior League in the Sri-Cities area.
But our story actually began in 1935 when the Kingsport Welfare League was organized with sixteen charter members. in 1947 another local group, the Junior Guild, was accepted into the National Association of Junior Auxiliary, becoming the Kingsport Junior Auxiliary. The Kingsport Junior Service League was formed in 1950 by the merger of the two community service groups, the Junior Welfare League and the Junior Auxiliary. These women began the tradition of building a better community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The tradition has been continued and built upon by the Kingsport Junior League of today. The Junior League of Kingsport takes pride in a history that is rich and inspiring - one that is rooted in the belief that a group of women can be a powerful force for change.
Through the years, over $580,000 has been invested by League into Kingsport.
But our story actually began in 1935 when the Kingsport Welfare League was organized with sixteen charter members. in 1947 another local group, the Junior Guild, was accepted into the National Association of Junior Auxiliary, becoming the Kingsport Junior Auxiliary. The Kingsport Junior Service League was formed in 1950 by the merger of the two community service groups, the Junior Welfare League and the Junior Auxiliary. These women began the tradition of building a better community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The tradition has been continued and built upon by the Kingsport Junior League of today. The Junior League of Kingsport takes pride in a history that is rich and inspiring - one that is rooted in the belief that a group of women can be a powerful force for change.
Through the years, over $580,000 has been invested by League into Kingsport.
Founded in 1901 by New Yorker and social activism pioneer Mary Harriman, the Junior Leagues are charitable nonprofit organizations of women, developed as civic leaders, making a demonstrable impact on their communities. In 1921 the Leagues joined forces as an association, which is today known as The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., in order to bolster their power and amplify their voice through shared knowledge and common causes.
The core of our mission is advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Research shows that all the following barriers contribute to negative outcomes in women’s lives – lack of development and leadership opportunities; lack of community and meaningful connection; family and caregiver responsibilities; inadequate women’s wellness and safety measures, and; sexism, stereotypes and workplace bias. Through grassroots action and collective international awareness and advocacy, The Junior Leagues works to eliminate all these barriers so women can lead an optimal life.
As a result of this work, The Junior League—and the more than 125,000 women in over 295 communities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, and Kenya who comprise its ranks—has amassed an archive of tangible results and a reputation as thoughtful and influential change agents dedicated to the public good.
Today AJLI is a charitable nonprofit organization that provides continuity and support, guidance, and leadership development opportunities to its member Leagues. Through regional, national and international meetings, comprehensive resources, customized consultations, and League and member benefits, it supports its member Leagues in the fulfillment of The Junior League’s Mission. AJLI is governed by a Board of Directors, which is accountable to the Leagues and comprised of women who are members of the Junior Leagues in their communities. The Association’s remote-based staff, under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer, provides services to Leagues that support the established goals.
The core of our mission is advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Research shows that all the following barriers contribute to negative outcomes in women’s lives – lack of development and leadership opportunities; lack of community and meaningful connection; family and caregiver responsibilities; inadequate women’s wellness and safety measures, and; sexism, stereotypes and workplace bias. Through grassroots action and collective international awareness and advocacy, The Junior Leagues works to eliminate all these barriers so women can lead an optimal life.
As a result of this work, The Junior League—and the more than 125,000 women in over 295 communities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, and Kenya who comprise its ranks—has amassed an archive of tangible results and a reputation as thoughtful and influential change agents dedicated to the public good.
Today AJLI is a charitable nonprofit organization that provides continuity and support, guidance, and leadership development opportunities to its member Leagues. Through regional, national and international meetings, comprehensive resources, customized consultations, and League and member benefits, it supports its member Leagues in the fulfillment of The Junior League’s Mission. AJLI is governed by a Board of Directors, which is accountable to the Leagues and comprised of women who are members of the Junior Leagues in their communities. The Association’s remote-based staff, under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer, provides services to Leagues that support the established goals.