Our History

1990's Summary

In the early 1990’s, 230 Leagues participated in a public awareness campaign to encourage early childhood immunization called Don’t Wait to Vaccinate. At the end of the decade, the Leagues prepare to launch a public awareness campaign on domestic violence.

•  20th Anniversary Book

1999

• The second annual summer membership retreat was held on July 15, 1998, at the Civic Fine Arts Center. We were privileged to have AJLI Area IV Director Sandi Kemmish with us for the day.
• The Ramkota Inn was the site of the July 31, 1998, 20th Birthday Celebration of the Junior League of Sioux Falls. Past and present members of League and friends of the League joined in celebrating twenty years of community service.
• The new Junior League of Sioux Falls logo was presented to the community for the first time at the birthday celebration
• A "visual history" of the JLSF's first 20 years and a historical booklet were compiled and unveiled at the July 31st anniversary celebration.
• The second annual JLSF Membership Appreciation Night was held at Wild Water West on August 11, 1999.
• Booming Bargains was held for the 20th consecutive year. The event grossed over $20,000.
• The sale times for Booming Bargains were changed to Friday evening from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30-11 a.m.
• A "family plan" was implemented for this year's Booming Bargains which allowed a friend or family member to work a required shift if the JLSF member was unable to do so.
• The Booming Bargains committee solicited four Compaq computers for the sale, one of which was donated to the JLSF office in order to update our system.
• Lorrae Lindquist and Suzanne Veenis attended the AJLI Fall Conference in Beverly Hills, CA in October 1998.
• Neighborhood Small Groups were held during November in lieu of a monthly general membership meeting. Two morning sessions and two evening sessions were held.
• Enabling Fund requests were approved for the following:
1. $500 to the Sioux Falls Family YMCA Transportation Fund.
2. $500 to the Children's Inn for the purchase of Christmas decorations.
3. $100 to the Families and Schools Together (F.A.S.T.) WORKS program for art and craft supplies.
4. $500 to Family Services, Inc. for use in printing brochures and advertising for the Survivors of Suicide group.
5. $250 to the American Red Cross Sioux Empire Chapter to become a partner in their purchase of an existing structure in the Sioux Falls community to house their headquarters.
6. $150 to Volunteers of America to purchase children/infant books at their childcare facilities.
• Rolling Readers, in its first year as a project of the JLSF, served students in kindergarten and first grade in three Sioux Falls schools. JLSF volunteers and volunteers from the community at large read to students in these classrooms once each week.
• Rolling Readers distributed books twice during the League year. These were books that the students were able to keep and take home with them.
• A number of emergency-packages for new residents of the Heartland House were provided by the JLSF or were secured by the Heartland House committee.
• Several members participated in a Done in a Day project decorating the Children's Inn for the holidays.
• The membership once again assisted with the annual Target Shopping Day in December 1998.
• Jane Johnson hosted the JLSF Holiday Potluck, an evening of socializing and food that included actives, provisionals, sustainers and their spouses.
• The JLSF Holiday Brunch and December General Membership Meeting was held on Saturday, December 12th at Minnehaha Country Club. The Arrangements/Education & Training Committee organized a Holiday Gift Mart that included several vendors.
• Suzanne Veenis attended president-elect training in New Orleans, LA.
• Members had the opportunity to participate in a Done in a Day project that involved reading to children at the Banquet.
• The Arrangements/Education & Training Committee scheduled several different small group enrichment opportunities throughout January-May 1999 that offered valuable training as well as an opportunity for the membership to get better acquainted with one another.
• The 4th Annual "Through a Bird's Eye" auction was held on March 13, 1999, at C.J. Calloway's. The event grossed nearly $10,000.
• Denise Baar was this year's JLSF representative to Leadership Sioux Falls.
• Rhonda Britzman and family received the "Fun Family" award from Family Services, Inc. The Britzman family was nominated by the JLSF.
• Rhonda Britzman attended the AJLI O.D.I. conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Suzanne Veenis and Nancy Olsen attended the AJLI Annual Conference, which was held in St. Louis, Missouri.
• Public Relations & Membership Development participated in the Volunteer Fair at Lincoln High School.
• The JLSF received an award from CASA in recognition of the League's instrumental role in establishing the CASA program in Sioux Falls.
• Year-end In-League Awards were presented to Susan Heidepriem, Allison Alvine, and Traci Hyland
• Projects approved by the membership for the 1999-2000 League year are as follows:
1. The Junior League Children's Gallery at the Washington Pavilion
2. Extension of the Rolling Readers project. The name will be changed to Junior League and Rolling Readers Read Aloud Zone (R.A.Z.).
3. Women's Refugee Network Training & Education
4. Done in a Day projects

1998

• Held a Habitat House Blitz Building Week July 7-19. Over 360 women volunteered on the house. The onsite hours totaled over 2,979 hours
• House Built Primarily by Women received national media attention; Good Morning America and Mary Hart provided air time
• Lisa Griffin and Roberta Hopkins received recognition at the Habitat for Humanity Celebration for their work on our house
• The Habitat House was completed in September
• Summer membership retreat was held in July
• Developed a Calendar of Events/Guide for the whole year
• Held Member Appreciation Picnic with families at Wild Water West
• Public Relations developed a new logo for the JLSF. They also redesigned the stationery/letterhead, envelopes, brochures and produced a video
• Completed the Child Sexual Abuse Evaluation Center project
• Newcomers Directory was distributed through LSS
• Booming Bargains grossed over $14,000 in sales
• Placement held a soup and pie luncheon for members in October
• The Children’s Medical Library received the “Friends of Health Science Award” from the SD Library Association
• Two members served as delegates for ODI conventions
• Items were collected at several GMM for various non-profit organizations
• Public Affairs participated in the Youth Summit
• Public Affairs provided members with a PA handbook
• A Fall Membership Retreat with AJLI representative, Brenda Lloyd-Jones was held in October
• Members participated in Target Days
• A Holiday “Mistletoe Potluck” was held for the first time this year
• The December GMM was held on a Saturday morning this year along with a new Holiday Gift Mart to enhance the meeting attendance
• The Community Advisory Board was introduced and served as a panel at the January meeting
• Two members were delegates to the Policy Institute in Washington DC
• Held a mini-project at the Banquet. Members prepared and served meals
• The Birthday Party Ad Hoc Committee finalized plans for the 20th Birthday Party to be held on Friday, July 31, 1998
• Project Research co-sponsored the Jacob Wetterling, Share The Hope event on missing children with the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Department
• The third annual “Through a Bird’s Eye” grossed over $10,000
• Enabling Fund donated $600 to the Washington Pavilion project
• Enabling Fund donated $165 to the Girl’s Chorale
• Enabling Fund contributed $500 to the “10 years and Running” Race Against Breast Cancer
• Rolling Readers project passed
• Heartland House Emergency Survival kit project passed
• Held a Volunteer Recognition Party and members exchanged gifts at the April GMM to celebrate National Volunteer Month
• Missy Radigan and family won the Family Matters Award
• The House Built Primarily by Women won the JC Penney/VIC Golden Rule Award
• Welcome Josefina event held in April raised over $3,000 for CASA
• JLSF raised over $250 at the second Barnes and Noble’s Book Day
• Members approved the Council System of governance at the May Annual meeting. This new form of government will become effective for league year 1999-2000
• Board of Directors voted to establish an endowment fund with the Sioux Falls Area Foundation
• Two members attended the AJLI Annual Conference in Orlando
• Mayor Hanson was the guest speaker at the May Annual meeting

1997

• AJLI Cookbooks were sold at the Sidewalk Arts Festival
• The 18th annual Booming Bargains grossed over $20,000. Public Affairs registered 14 voters that day.
• Karen Clark, AJLI trainer, spent October 10 with JLSF training members and facilitating small groups
• Two members attended Joint Board in St. Paul
• Ten members made a difference at the Children’s Home Society on “Make a Difference Day”
• JLSF raised $393 at our first Barnes and Noble “American Girls Day”
• Samantha’s Ice Cream Social raised $3,910 for the Children’s Medical Library
• JLSF collaborated with KELO AM/FM on an entry for the Parade of Lights and received a donation of $450 for the “House Constructed Primarily by Women”
• Education and Training hosted a variety of fun and informational small groups in January
• The 2nd “Through a Bird’s Eye” grossed approximately $11,000 for the “House Constructed Primarily by Women”
• The Child Sexual Abuse Evaluation Center was voted in as a project
• The membership approved the American Girls’ “Welcome Josephina” fundraiser to benefit CASA
• The Education and Training and Arrangements committees were combined into one standing committee
• The Public Relations committee published the first JLSF Annual Report to be distributed to the members, the community and neighboring leagues
• The Strategic Planning committee developed a focus area statement and a 1997-2000 Strategic Plan
• Project Research and Development researched the feasibility of a long term project and presented ideas to the membership
• A new business size copier was purchased for the JSLF office
• A Membership Enabling Fund was established
• A $250 donation was made to the Junior League of Fargo-Moorhead for their flood relief fund
• Two members attended the AJLI Organizational Development Institute in Chicago
• A new Reserve Fund Policy was presented and passed
• Board of Directors insurance was purchased
• United Way contacted JLSF for names to be used for placement on community boards
• President/President-Elect training was held in Toronto
• JLSF provided ticket-takers for the “Anne Frank: A Child of the World” exhibit
• A cookbook idea was researched and presented to the membership but was turned down by a slight margin
• The Children’s Medical Library was passed on to the community
• 1500 copies of the “Service Directory for newcomers” were produced and will be distributed through LSS
• Three new in-league awards, the Unsung Hero, the Spirit, and the President’s were instituted
• HyVee coupons continued as a successful fundraiser
• Two members attended Annual Conference in Atlanta
• JLSF gained a voice on the Sioux Falls Forward III Task Force
• The Public Relations committee produced a card with “quick phrases” members can use when asked questions about JLSF
• JLSF participated on the Community Steering committee for the Community Health Agency’s Immunization Study
• Ground breaking for the “House constructed Primarily by Women” took place on May 17

1996

• Membership votes to eliminate age limits on membership
• 17th annual Booming Bargains rummage sale grossed over $19,000 in its first time at Sioux Empire Fairgrounds Expo Center
• Public Affairs collaborated with The American Academy of Pediatrics to promote awareness of Child Health Month
• Peggy Kirby, Sustainer, was chosen as a Volunteer of Distinction in the AJLI Centennial cookbook
• Sustainers plan a Halloween fun day at the Children’s Home Society for Make a Difference Day
• Children’s Medical Library project designated the Harriet Ronning Library as their site selection and selected a Board of Directors
• HyVee Coupons continued to be sold as an alternative fund raiser; raised $1,000
• Three members visited sexual abuse evaluation centers in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth
• Membership tables thrift store idea after research by ad hoc committee
• Community Advisory Board held fall and spring meetings
• Advisory Planning committee proposed Bylaw and Standing Rules revisions to change election of Nominating Committee and to realign our mission statement to coincide with AJLI’s
• JLSF members volunteered at the Target Shopping Day and the Salvation Army Angel Tree in December
• Strategic Planning began the process of adding to and enhancing the JLSF Strategic Plan by completing Value Statements
• JLSF members volunteered to assist with the Anne Frank, A Child of the World display sponsored by the Girl Scouts to be held in 1997
• Placement Committee will utilize single placement next year
• The dues timeline was changed to align us with AJLI’s fiscal year
• The first Care Fair was held in March at the Western Mall to inform the public of the agencies and opportunities in Sioux Falls to help children and families
• Projects voted in:
Children’s Medical Library Addendum
Newcomers Service Directory
Habitat for Humanity
Child Sexual Abuse Center Addendum
• JLSF collaborated with Pier 1 Imports on their grand opening and received a generous donation
• President Elect attended PE training and the Public Affairs chair attended the Policy Institute at the same time in Washington DC
• Placement Committee held the annual Placement Fair at the April general meeting
• Public Affairs collaborated with the USF Center for Women to sponsor the Silent Witnesses at “Denise Brown, No Excuse for Abuse”
• Habitat for Humanity Impact Study committee planned and held a fundraiser, “Through a Bird’s Eye”, and raised $7,400 for the project “A House Built Primarily by Women”
• Financial Development proposed a new fundraiser “Samantha’s Ice Cream Social”
• A successful silent auction raised $1,100 for the Memorial & Tribute Fund
• Livewire purchased a computer scanner
• Fifteen members became actives with five carryovers to the next year

1995

• Nancy Evans, AJLI President, assisted with Board training while she visited as keynote speaker for the Annual Meeting of 1993-94
• Five members attended the Sioux River Summit Meeting in Sioux City, Iowa
• The Ad Hoc for Thrift Store Review Committee was formed
• 16th annual Booming Bargains rummage sale grossed $16,470
• Community Advisory Board held fall and spring meetings
• About 200 people attend the Foster Care/Adoption Fair
• JLSF served as a pilot for AJLI’s computer program for membership development information
• This is the 4th year for Mini Projects. They assisted with five different events
• Sustainer advisors were placed for the first time
• CASA hired an Executive Director and established a Board of Directors and was placed permanently in the community. A training program began in January and graduated nine advocates. A $40,000 grant from the National CASA Association was awarded
• The Shaken Baby Syndrome was a focus of Public Affairs’ campaign for Child Health Month
• Small Group Meetings in November used a day long format
• The Strategic Planning Team assisted committees in developing action plans
• The Council System was studied and tabled by the Board
• Medical Library for Families was publicly announced on the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon
• Alternative Funding Person placement was proposed for the future
• JLSF had a booth at the Sidewalk Art’s Festival
• Livewire buys PageMaker computer program
• Silent Auction brings in approximately $1,900 for the Memorial and Tribute Fund
• JLSF Standing Rules and Bylaws are revised with AJLI changes
• Denise Baar received the Jaycees’ Outstanding Young Homemaker Award
• HyVee coupon fundraising began
• Seventeen Provisionals to Actives, with two members reinstated
• A revised rolling enrollment plan was developed with a trimester training and educational program and a new dues structure to match the plan
• Raising the age limit for membership from 45 to 50 was proposed and adopted
• JLSF 10th Anniversary of membership with the Association of Junior Leagues International
• First time a Junior League of Sioux Falls President had a baby while in office

1994

• The CASA project was highlighted in a 28 minute video production, which aired on KELO-TV
• The Household Hazardous Waste Committee completed how-to video on the Paint Drop & Swap, and distributed it along with other education materials state-wide
• 15th annual Booming Bargains rummage sale grossed $19,684
• JLSF hosted 27 delegates from seven regional Junior Leagues at Joint Board training in Sioux Falls
• Community Advisory Board held fall and spring meetings
• JLSF was the recipient of a new computer system from Gateway 2000
• Two members attended the AJLI Computer Bulletin Board System (BBS) training in Minneapolis
• The Strategic Planning Team, constructed a new three-year Strategic Plan, which was adopted by the membership
• Hands on Mini Projects successfully completed seven short term projects
• The Mentor Mom project received a grant of $309 from the South Dakota Department of Education
• The Public Affairs Committee successfully lobbied for an addition to SD State statute, which would require that “the best interests of the child” be considered in court proceedings. JLSF member and legislator Barb Everist sponsored the legislation
• Six JLSF members attended the Legislative Session in Pierre
• Sally Foster Gift Wrap’s net income was $2,215
• The Public Relations Committee prepared and had printed a new JLSF information brochure
• The Livewire staff added a members photo directory to the membership book
• The Casey Murschel family was nominated and received the “Family Matters Award” from Family Service, Inc
• The Mentor Mom project received a Citationist Award from the Governor’s Volunteer of the Year Awards
• The CASA committee established an Advisory Council, joined the National CASA organization, and applied for grants to assist in establishing the program
• An annual dues increase was adopted by the membership effective 1995. Provisional and Active dues will be $75; Sustainer dues will be $55
• The second community “Paint Drop & Swap” event was held in conjunction with the city of Sioux Falls
• The Mentor Mom Project was turned over to the Volunteer and Information Center
• Projects voted in:
Hands on Mini Projects
CASA 2nd year
Adoption and Foster Care Fair
Childhood Disease Resource Library
• Nancy Evans, AJLI President for 1994-1996, visited the JLSF for two days in May. She was the keynote speaker for the Annual Meeting. She assisted with the new Board training. She visited the Mentor Mom project at Washington High School and was featured at a new conference there.

1993

• 14th annual Booming Bargains rummage sale grossed over $19,500
• Four members attend AJLI sponsored Organizational Development Workshop in Kansas City
• Four members attend Joint Board in Minneapolis
• Community Advisory Board held fall and spring meetings
• JLSF entered Augustana and St. Patrick’s Day Parades-8 ft. banner purchased and used for such events
• Video-taped programs on Mentor Mom Project and Household Hazardous Waste Education & Action Project facilitated and aired on KELO Land TV
• Household Hazardous Waste Project received $18,000 grant from US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Project facilitated community’s first “Pain Drop & Swap” event
• The Organizational Self Assessment Survey was administered for the first time to the JLSF membership
• Hands on Mini Projects successfully completed 8 short term projects throughout the year
• Environmental position statement adopted by JLSF\
• Sally Foster Gift Wrap sales grossed $2,700
• Active member Kristy Fiegen and sustaining member and past President Barb Everist elected to the South Dakota Legislature
• JLSF provided funding and steering committee representation for the 1993 Sioux Empire United Way Community needs Assessment
• JLSF recognized by Ronald McDonald House and Dakota Midwest Cancer Institute for our contributions to the community
• Collaborative venture with YEW Auxiliary in the production of Feathers & Follies fundraiser nets over $3,500 for each organization
• Guidelines approved for use of interest on Memorial & Tribute Fund; Silent Auction and Annual meeting benefits fund
• Mentor Mom Project successfully trained and matched 13 volunteer mentors with adolescent mothers
• Projects voted in:
Hands on Mini Projects
CASA Program
2nd year/Mentor Mom Project
2nd year/Household Hazardous Waste Project

1992

• $10,000 grant given from RACE project funds to American Cancer Society to establish Statewide Shared Cost Mammography Fund
• Booming Bargains sale netted $17,847
• Kids on the Block project hosted a national puppeteer training seminar for League and community puppeteers
• Ribbon cutting by Chamber of Commerce held for new JL office
• $4,000 provided for the educational component of the Breast Health Awareness luncheon, featuring Dr. Susan Love. League members assist Sioux Valley Hospital volunteers in organizing the event
• $81,251.58 granted to newly formed “Friends Against Breast Cancer”
• Two members of AJLI Focusing service team visit Sioux Falls. Ad Hoc Committee on Focusing is formed
• Pre-Kindergarten Prevention Education project chose “The Goody Pie Kids” curriculum and training was provided by the co-author Sara Berry from Virginia
• Hands on Mini Projects completed four short term projects
• Collaborated with the Sioux Falls Jazz Society and KELO Radio to organize Valentine’s Day Jazz Bash and recognized ten graduating seniors with “Rising Star” Awards
• Projects voted in:
Mentor Mom
Household Hazardous Waste: Education and Action
Hands On Mini Projects
• Sent two delegates to “By the People” Conference in Washington, DC
• JLSF nominee Cathy Clark received YWCA Leader Luncheon Award
• Voted to hold a spring fundraiser in 1993
• Held “Sassy Summer Rummage Sale” in May 1992

1991

• The Evening at the Zoo Project was a successful addition to Zippity Zoo Day
• Booming Bargains grossed $16,794
• JLSF voted to extend the age limit for active membership to 45, and allow members the option of going sustaining after 5 years of active membership
• The Theraplay Project furnished the Theraplay Room in the new Children’s Inn facility, and trained JLSF volunteers in theraplay skills
• Sally Foster Gift Wrap sales grossed $6,612
• An AJLI training session on time management was offered to JLSF members
• The Community Advisory Board met twice
• The Public Relations Committee implemented the AJLI “Don’t Wait to Vaccinate” Campaign for JLSF
• The third race Against Breast Cancer event (formerly Race Against Breast Cancer) grossed over $50,000. McKennan Hospital will continue the race event
• A separate non-profit volunteer organization, Friends Against Breast Cancer, will continue the Shared-Cost Mammography Fund and related activities
• Sioux Valley Hospital will continue the luncheon as an ongoing fall breast cancer education event
• JLSF joined the VIC to collaboratively publish a community events calendar
• Two provisional courses were held in 1990-91
• Established a Community Vice-President position to replace General Projects Chair position
• Changed JLSF administrative and fiscal year to June 1-May 31
• Two members attended the AJLI Leadership Institute training in Chicago
• Established the JLSF Enabling Fund to replace the Adhoc Emergency and Community Needs/Assistance Funds
• Four members attended the regional Cluster Meetings and training sessions in St. Paul in the spring
• Projects voted in:
Hands on Mini-Projects
Kids on the Block
Pre-Kindergarten Education
Recycling/Waste Impact Study
• Sustainers began meeting regularly at no-host luncheons
• JLSF nominee Sue Aguilar won a Jefferson Award
• JLSF received a Golden Rule Award for Race Against Breast Cancer
• JLSF moved the location of its office from VIC to 3101 W 41st Street

1990

• First year of JLSF office at 304 S. Phillips, Suite 310 in the VIC office of the Hanson Building
• First year to use five year plan of Goals and objectives, strategies developed at committee level for the year
• Second Zippity Zoo Day held for the Zoo
• Booming Bargains grosses $20,930
• Sally Foster Gift Wrap profits were $2,645
• Projects voted in:
Evening at the Zoo
Children’s Inn Theraplay Room
Breast Cancer Awareness and Education
• First Community Advisory Board was established
• Wrote position statement on women
• Second Race Against Breast Cancer held. The total net profits for this year were $73,574
• Received “First Place Public Relations Campaign for Communication Excellence in Promoting Volunteer Activities” Award for Race Against Breast Cancer Project at Annual Conference

1980's Summary

272 Junior Leagues
During the 1980’s, Junior Leagues gained recognition for national advocacy efforts to improve the nation’s child welfare system. Leagues helped gain passage of the first federal legislation to address domestic violence. Leagues also developed a campaign that actively and comprehensively tackles the impact of alcohol abuse on women. The campaign, called Woman to Woman, involved over 100 League communities.
In 1989, the Association was presented with the prestigious US President’s Volunteer Action Award.

1989

• 2nd year of Sally Foster Gift Wrap fundraiser
• 11th annual Booming Bargains held grossing $22,000
• 1st Zippity Zoo Day held September 24, 1988 at the Great Plains Zoo and Museum
• Grand opening reception and ribbon cutting for Second Street Manor, October 19, 1988
• Williamsburg Christmas celebrated by JLSF
• Projects voted in:
Race Against Breast Cancer (2nd year)
Childcare Learning Lab
Zippity Zoo Day Addendum
CASA (Impact)
Special Needs Cookbook (Impact)
• First long range plan established
• Secured the Delbridge Museum Theater as meeting place for JLSF general and board meetings at no cost in lieu of assistance with Zippity Zoo Day Project and history with the Delbridge Museum projects.
• Membership voted in our first office space at the Volunteer and Information Center in the Hanson Building
• Race Against Breast Cancer luncheon held April 26, 1989 with 900 in attendance
• JLSF ties for first place in the AJL brochure contest with “Phone Friend” brochure
• First Race Against Breast Cancer Project 1989 raises over $78,000 for breast cancer education and research. The actual race was held May 13, 1989
• First JLSF summer rummage sale grossing $2,000
• First Annual Report published

1988

• Sally Foster Gift Wrap fundraiser established
• Joint Board for 37 delegates from South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and Canada was hosted by the Junior League of Sioux Falls, Fall of 1987
• Projects voted in:
Zippity Zoo Day
Race Against Breast Cancer
Individual Learning Styles
Phone Friend Addendum
Prairie People Addendum
First Steps Impact Group
• The 10th annual Booming Bargains was highlighted by a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and grossed $20,000
• A Tribute and memorial Fund established
• The first position statements of the Junior League of Sioux Falls developed on children, elderly and gender equality
• Second Street Manor (women’s transitional living facility) opened in May, 1988

1987

• JLSF wins the Governor’s Volunteer of the Year Award and receives $1,000
• Projects voted in:
Halfway Back
Prairie People State Centennial
Senses 5 Traveling Exhibit
Phone Friend
Race Against Breast Cancer (Impact)
• 2nd Annual Community Research Luncheon held for community leaders.
• 2nd Board retreat held at Inspiration Hills
• JLSF joins Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce
• Combined accounts to make one general fund.

1986

• Three year training plan instituted
• Projects voted in:
Victim/Witness Services Program
Delbridge Museum Addendum to the existing project
Expansion to the Ronald McDonald House project
Phone Friend Help-Line (Impact)
• First Board Retreat held at Inspiration Hills
• Kaleidoscope in Sioux Falls August 6-13

1985

• AJL representatives Jeanne Hallerman and Taffy Woodbury come for final AJL visitation.
• JSL was voted into AJL membership by the AJL Board of Directors.
• Two new projects voted in:
Delbridge Museum Resource Manual
Phone Friend (Impact)
• Perspective Program on KELO-TV was presented for the PAL project.
• Kaleidoscope approved by the members.
• Delbridge Museum training manuals completed and tours begin.

1984

• Projects voted in:
Senior Daybreak
Protect-A-Life (PAL) (Activity)
Toy Lending Library (Impact)
• Letter of Agreement is signed outlining the JSL and AJL Responsibilities for membership in AJL.
• Starlab Planetarium is presented as a gift to the Siouxland Heritage Museums.

1983

• Projects voted in:
Adult Day Care Center (Activity)
Kids and Puppetry
• Application is made for membership in the Association of Junior Leagues.
• Groundbreaking ceremonies held at 2001 S. Norton for Ronald McDonald House.
• Ronald McDonald House is opened.

1982

• JSL becomes a charter member of the Women's Network
• Projects voted in:
"Senses 5" Touch and Feel Gallery
Ronald McDonald House Research Committee
• Volunteer Career Development is developed and offered to all members.

1981

• Projects voted in:
Citizens Against Rape and Domestic Violence
Prison Family Outreach
• Alena Morris, a national consultant, speaker and AJL member presents two day workshop on "Creative Life Planning" for members and the community.

1980

• The first projects are voted in:
Starlab Planetarium
United Cerebral Palsy Auxiliary
Girls Club Activity Center
• Sustainer group is formed.

1970's Summary

235 Junior Leagues
Throughout the 1970’s, the Association expanded its participation in public affairs issues, especially in the areas of child health and juvenile justice. In 1973, almost 200 Leagues worked with the National Commission on Crime and Delinquency and the U.S. Justice Department on a four-year program that sought to improve the criminal justice system.

1979

• $8,800 is raised in the first community fundraiser, the Booming Bargains rummage sale.
• Members first participate in community placements.

1978

• A steering committee of AJL members forms to develop the concept of organized voluntarism:
Jean Anstine Jeanne Kracht
Kris Egger Sandee Scheel
Susan Hagen Marilyn Selkirk
Karen Kirkeby
• The Junior Service League of Sioux Falls is incorporated.
• Sixty-eight Charter members attend the first general meeting and participate in a provisional course throughout the first year.
• First LIVEWIRE is printed as a newsletter for all members.

1960's Summary

211 Junior Leagues
During the 1960’s, many Junior Leagues added environmental issues to their agendas. The Junior League of Toledo produced the educational film, Fate of a River, a report on the devastating effects of water pollution. Leagues also established programs addressing the education, housing, social services and employment needs of urban residents.

1950's Summary

189 Junior Leagues
In the 1950’s, nearly 150 Junior Leagues were involved in remedial reading centers, diagnostic testing programs and programs for gifted and challenged children. Leagues collaborated in the development of educational television and were among the first to promote quality programming for children. In 1952, the Mexico City League created a comprehensive, internationally recognized center for the blind. By the end of the decade, Junior Leagues were involved in over 300 arts projects and multiple partnerships in many cities to establish children’s museums.

1940's Summary

167 Junior Leagues

1930's Summary

144 Junior Leagues
Junior Leagues responded to the Depression during the 1930’s by opening nutrition centers and milk stations. They operated baby clinics, day nurseries for working mothers, birth control clinics and training schools for nurses. Junior Leagues also established volunteer bureaus to recruit, train and place much-needed volunteers in the community.
During World War II, Junior League members played a major role in the war effort by chairing hundreds of war-related organizations in virtually every city where Junior Leagues operated.

1920's Summary

27 Junior Leagues including the first League outside of the U.S.
In 1921, the Association was formed to provide professional support to the Leagues. During the 1920’s, the Junior League of Chicago pioneered children’s theater and the idea was taken up by more than 100 Leagues across the country.

1910's Summary

During the 1910’s, Junior Leagues shifted their focus from settlement house work to social, health and educational issues that affected the community at large. The Junior League of Brooklyn successfully petitioned the Board of Education to provide free lunches in city schools. During World War I, the San Francisco Junior League formed a motor delivery service that served as a model for the nationwide Red Cross Motor Corps.

1900's Summary

Junior League Founded

In 1901, Mary Harriman, a 19-year-old New York City debutante with a social conscience, founded the first Junior League. Moved by the suffering she saw around her, Harriman mobilized a group of 80 other young women—hence the name “Junior” League—to work to improve the squalid conditions in which immigrants were living on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Mary Harriman’s vision for improving communities by using the energy and commitment of trained volunteers caught on. The second Junior League was started in Boston, MA in 1907 and was soon followed by the founding of the Brooklyn, NY Junior League in 1910. The rest is history...