Welcome to the 2022-23 League year!

As we begin our 91st year and continue our five-year strategic plan, there is a wide canopy of opportunity that awaits. New branches unfurl as we invest in the member experience, build systems and communications for members to navigate their League journey, connect the pieces of our community impact, grow influence and gain visibility for our brand, and seize opportunities for dynamic and resilient fundraising.

Beneath the surface, our organization’s deep roots in Baton Rouge give us the strength and support to endure challenges and the stability to continuously pursue being catalysts for lasting community change.

In the year ahead, you will see our theme of “Deep Roots, Wide Branches” come to life as we dig deep into the best parts of our core membership experience while pushing ourselves to develop in new, uncharted ways. Because you, and the community, need the Junior League to be an organization which thrives in times of change, and like a tree, we will push out new growth while ensuring our roots are nourished.

Here are just a few of the things you can expect to see as a member in the 2022-23 League year:

• Outstanding fundraising and community programming through a full Hollydays market (in only 129 days!), new Touch A Truck Raffle, expanded Women’s Leadership Conference, creative River Road Recipes programming, and Endowment education.

• Extended Community impact parishes that reflect our membership, including Ascension, Iberville, Livingston, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.

• Packed calendar with more than 25 membership meetings and training— including a much-requested training with DORLA in just a few weeks.

• Continued emphasis on your member experience through three new committees: Member Advisors (formerly placement/area advisors), Member Engagement, and Member Recruitment (formerly Arrangements and Membership Development).

• Rollout of our new AJLI and JLBR Mission Statement.

A Greek proverb says “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” My hope for you this year is that through service to the community and to each other you find meaningful ways to grow your strengths and nourish your skills so that in looking back on your time in the Junior League you are proud of the legacy you leave to others.

Thank you for entrusting me to lead our vision and actions this year. With your support and dedication we are ready for what comes our way.