How do I get involved in the community?
This is a common question I hear from newcomers, empty nesters and young parents. For starters… joining a church and becoming part of a spiritual community is a great opportunity for service. A nonprofit you may donate to may also have opportunities for volunteering your time. Call them up. One opportunity for women is the Junior League of Greenville.
Wait, isn’t that for ladies who lunch? In a word, no. The Junior League of Greenville celebrated its 91st anniversary last year. It has an incredible history of answering the call to serve throughout the decades. From being a founding member of Pendleton Place and Roper Mountain Science Center to being involved in hundreds of nonprofits in Greenville, the organization’s mission remains the same: developing the potential of women, improving the community and promoting voluntarism.
Did you know… the Junior League of Greenville was a longtime property owner on Main Street in Greenville and has had a successful retail shop for 70 years? The Nearly New Shop, now located off Laurens Road, sells affordable housewares and clothing for families. The shop even hosts the annual Cinderella Project with the South Carolina Bar Association, an opportunity for disadvantaged teenage girls to come shop for prom dresses, jewelry and clothing.
What are some other changes? The majority of women who join now work full time from home. In addition, there is no longer an age limit to become part of this 1,200 women strong organization. Members just need to be over 21. The newest members who joined this year range in age from 23 to 50!
Past President of the Junior League Minor Shaw reiterates the strength in numbers. “I can think of no better way for a young woman to become “connected” to her community than through membership in the Junior League. I have been in the Junior Leagues of Atlanta, Houston, Durham, NC and, of course, Greenville. In every case, I benefitted from the collective wisdom of the outstanding women whom I met through the Junior Leagues of each community. Through that involvement, I learned leadership skills which have enabled me to continue making a difference in many other organizations in Greenville and beyond. The Junior League is a powerful network of incredible women, and I am both proud to be a member and grateful for all I have learned through the Junior League of Greenville.
Incoming President-Elect Kimberly Witherspoon has spent eight years in the Junior League leading various projects (in addition to her full-time law career). “Over its nearly 92-year history, the Junior League has provided leadership training to its members as well as valuable volunteer and monetary support for many of Greenville’s nonprofit organizations,” she says. “I am honored and humbled to be slated to serve with a group of women who are using their varied and impressive skills to serve the Greenville community.”
The Barna Group conducted a study of American cities that had the most volunteer hours per week, and Greenville-Spartanburg ranked an impressive fourth. In today’s culture, we equate busy with success. Reading a book while your house is a mess may be considered a luxury.
There are great opportunities in the Upstate to give back; let the mess go and get involved.
Amy Ryberg Doyle served for 12 years on Greenville City Council. She is married and has four children. An outdoors enthusiast, she likes to bike, swim and run, but not all in that order. She power-naps daily.
