Applications for the 2010-2011 class are available.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Junior League of Charleston, Inc.. The following information will guide you through the application process and answer questions about the Provisional year, which is defined as your first year within the organization. Once you complete the requirements of a Provisional member during the Provisional year, you will become an Active member of the organization.
Mission and Purpose. The Junior League of Charleston, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Charleston, Inc. reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origin who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.
PROSPECTIVE MEMBER REQUIREMENTS
Membership in the Junior League of Charleston is both a privilege and a responsibility. The future of the Junior League depends upon the proposal of well-qualified, prospective members to carry-forth the League's mission. All prospective members must be informed of their proposal for membership. The prospective member should be aware of the time and financial commitment that is required during the Provisional year before she agrees to be proposed. Please consider the following eligibility criteria, membership proposal requirements and Provisional member obligations.
Eligibility Criteria
The prospective member must meet the following criteria for membership eligibility:
1. Age - She must be at least 21 years of age by May 31, 2010.
2. Residency - She must reside in the Charleston area by the start of the Provisional Course.
3. Voluntarism - She must have the following interests and commitment:
- Interest in voluntarism
- Commitment to community service
- Interest in developing her potential as a trained volunteer and leader
PROSPECTIVE MEMBERSHIP PROCESS
Proposal for Membership. A prospective member must be proposed for membership by an Active or Sustaining member of the Junior League of Charleston, Inc.. There are two means by which a prospective member may initiate the process of becoming a member of the League:
1. Proposal Method - This method is for the prospective member that knows a current Active or Sustaining member of the Junior League of Charleston, Inc.. The prospective member should contact such League member and let her know that she is interested in joining the League. The League member will act as her "Proposer" by proposing her for Provisional membership in the League and will provide her with a Provisional Member Application form. Please note that a current Provisional member is not eligible to propose a prospective member until she becomes an Active member.
2. Proposer Pool - The Proposer Pool is only for the prospective member that does not know an Active or Sustaining member of the Junior League of Charleston, Inc.. To join the Proposer Pool, the prospective member must complete the "Proposer Request Form." To the extent available, the prospective member will be matched with a Proposer from the Proposer Pool who will contact her and provide her with the Provisional Membership Application form to complete.
Provisional Membership Application. Under either method, both the prospective member and her Proposer will complete and sign their respective sections on the Provisional Membership Application form. The Proposer will assist the prospective member with obtaining the signature of another League member as her sponsor.
Application Fee and Deadline. The completed form signed by the prospective member, her Proposer and a sponsor, along with a non-refundable $35.00 application fee, must be delivered to the Junior League office no later than May June 30, 2010. It is the prospective member's responsibility to ensure that the properly completed application form with the payment of the application fee is submitted to the League by the stated deadline. Application fees will not be refunded for failure to fulfill the application or membership requirements. (Please note that all fees are subject to change per the League's Bylaws.)
Provisional Membership Invitation. Once the completed Provisional Membership Application form and non-refundable application fee have been submitted to the League office, the prospect will be invited for Provisional membership into the Junior League of Charleston, Inc., subject to the Provisional membership requirements. The prospect will transition to Provisional membership at a Provisional drop-in to be held at the League office in June (Dates for the 2010-2011 Provional Drop-Ins will be announced in the spring), at which time the prospect will sign the provisional contract, complete a Computer Information Form and pay annual dues ($160) and course fee ($75). Only one transition drop in needs to be attended.
Admission to Provisional Membership. Upon execution of the provisional contract and payment of the membership dues and the provisional course fee, which must be submitted to the League office no later than June 30, 2010, the prospect will be admitted to Provisional membership in the Junior League of Charleston, Inc. effective July 1, 2010.
THE PROVISIONAL YEAR RESPONSIBILITIES
The Provisional year is a 9-month course of study where the new Provisional member learns more about the Junior League of Charleston, Inc., The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) and the League's role in the Charleston community and learns about being a volunteer. It requires a commitment on the part of the Provisional to fulfill her Provisional year responsibilities. The foundation of your League experience begins here.
The Provisional Year Requirements for 2010-2011(subject to change):
- Attend the Initial Orientation Course (IOC) Date to be determined
- Attend six monthly Provisional meetings (includes IOC) - August through March
- Attend four monthly General Membership Meetings - August through May
- Participate in the Provisional Service Project selected by the League
- Attend various In-League Committee meetings (2 meetings during the year)
- Donate goods ("quota") worth $100 to the Whale of a Sale, the League's fundraiser
- Complete 2 volunteer fundraising "shifts" (4 hours total) during the week of the Whale of a Sale
- Pay the membership dues and provisional course fees stated in Financial Obligations
Meetings are usually held on Monday evenings, with Provisional Class meetings being held the first week of the month and general membership meetings (GMM) being held the fourth week of the month. IOC is held in August.
PROVISIONAL YEAR FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS for 2010-2011
In addition to the non-refundable application fee and fundraising quota valued at $100, a Provisional member is responsible for payment of the following amounts:
- 2010-2011 Membership Dues (due by June 30, 2010)
- Provisional Course Fee (due by June 30, 2010)
- 2011-2012 Active Membership Dues (due April 1, 2011)
