1. What does the 'Junior' in Junior League stand for?
The first Junior League was started in 1901 in New York City by Mary Harriman, a young debutante. Mary saw an untapped resource in the 85 young women making their debut that year and was determined to organize them to improve living conditions for the new immigrants in the settlement houses. Although these first members were certainly 'junior', the Junior League of Toronto (JLT) welcomes all women over the age of 18 to become members. To learn more about the history of the Junior League, visit the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI).

2. Why should I volunteer with JLT?
Volunteering is always new and exciting at the JLT because members develop their potential while developing the community! Our team based approach also gives our members opportunities to form lasting friendships with other JLT members.

Become part of an international women’s organization comprised of 294 Leagues with approximately 170,000 volunteers in Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Great Britain. The Canadian Federation of Leagues consists of Leagues in Calgary, Halifax, Hamilton/Burlington, Montreal and Toronto.

3. What kind of training does the JLT provide?
The JLT is member-operated through a team structure, led by a board of directors. Members have many opportunities for growth and learning by serving on a variety of teams. In addition, Junior League provides formal training for its members by providing the opportunity to participate in local, national, and international conferences.

4. How does the JLT impact the community?
The JLT identifies community needs within the League's focus area, then initiates projects designed to directly address those needs. It collaborates with other organizations to maximize community impact. Projects are turned over to community organizations when goals are reached. The JLT may then continue to raise funds to support these projects and operations. The Central Group’s recent Kid’s in the Kitchen project focused on St. Alban’s Boys’ and Girls’ Club. While the West Group’s Tea for Teens project won the 2007 Talbot’s Canada Community Action Award, the North Group recently held their annual Tiaras and Ties project, focusing on high school graduates in the York Region.

5. What is the commitment?
Active members are asked to attend monthly team meetings, General Meetings, and participate in community volunteering. Often there are training, social activities, special events and fundraisers to participate in too. Minimal JLT work is conducted during the summer months. read more

New Member training takes place over a period of 4 months, followed by an assignment to a team. read more