What is the Junior League?

The Junior League 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.

How did the Junior League of Baltimore begin?

In 1910, Miss Mary Goodwillie gathered together ten friends to learn about social service, to better understand the needs of the Baltimore community, and to take steps to help ease the plight of the city’s oppressed. The group expanded and on April 22, 1912, Miss Goodwillie and her colleagues established the Junior League of Baltimore – the fifth Junior League internationally. The young members, many from families where community service was a way of life, quickly immersed themselves in their mission, “to promote voluntarism and improve conditions through trained volunteers.”

Who is eligible to join the Junior League of Baltimore?

Prospective members must be twenty-one years of age when they join the New Member class. Prospective members must be able and willing to complete the new member training program and related project(s) in addition to league-wide responsibilities. An Active or Sustaining member may refer a prospective member, but it is not necessary to be referred for membership. Sponsors are not required.

Do I have to be asked to join the Junior League of Baltimore?

No, you do not have to be asked to join the Junior League. If you are interested in membership complete the Membership Inquiry Form.

What are the criteria for membership?

• A belief in voluntarism
• An interest in the community
• A sense of responsibility and dependability
• A willingness to be trained as a New Member and as an Active member
• An availability of time for membership meetings, New Member course, volunteer work, and committee meetings.

What are the financial obligations of membership?

• New Member Course Fee (Fall 2024) $50.00
• New Member Dues (Fall 2024) $232.00
• Active Dues $232.00
• Sustainer Dues $118.00
• Leave of Absence Dues $118.00
• Active Non-Resident Dues $94.00

What is a New Member?

A New Member is defined as a member engaged in attending training courses established to prepare her for effective community and League involvement. New members must be at least twenty-one years of age when they seek membership in the League. The new member period is a training process in order to prepare new members for active status.

What is an Active Member?

Active members are those members who have completed New Member training and have been admitted to Active membership. They qualify for Active membership by demonstrating volunteer service to the community and to the League by fulfilling the requirements for Active membership.

What is a Sustainer Member?

Sustaining members are those members who have fulfilled the Active membership requirements of the League and who continue to support the League and the community. Sustaining members shall have all the benefits of membership except that they may not vote.

Can I rejoin the Junior League? 

Yes, former members are welcome to reaffiliate at any time by completing the Membership Inquiry Form.