Become a Member

There are three main steps to becoming a member:

1.       Complete the New Member Training Course.  We provide a training course before you become an Active Member because we want to be sure that you have an understanding of our organization and are placed in a position that suits you and your needs for volunteering.  The training course consists of:

  1. New Member Retreat where you become better acquainted with other New Members and the JLL including a bus tour of past and current projects in the Greater Lansing Community;
  2. Monthly New Member training meetings from January to April; and
  3. New Member Project “Kids in the Kitchen” in which we educate Lansing area children during an event about healthy eating as part of a nation-wide effort in connection with the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI). 

2.       Attend General Membership Meetings.  You will attend monthly general membership meetings beginning in January through April.  (JLL’s calendar is similar to the school year – there are no summer general membership meetings.)  We enjoy dynamic speakers, updates on JLL activities, food and socializing at the meetings.  The New Member year culminates in May at a celebration dinner together with all members.

3.       Fees.  In 2010-2011, New Member fees for the year are $97.50.  This covers dues of $29.00 for JLL and $17.50 for AJLI, arrangements fee of $21.00 to cover cost of general membership meetings, and $30.00 to cover the New Member training course.

Once you become an active member (please note that this WILL NOT APPLY until next Junior League year beginning in September) you will participate in the following: 

  1. Placement. Every Active Member serves in a year-long placement, which might entail working with our volunteer organizations, fundraising, administrative tasks like finances or public relations, web design, event planning, organizing socials and much more.  You give input into your desired placement after learning about the various options during your New Member training year. 
  2. Done in a Day (“DIAD”) Project. As an Active Member you must complete one DIAD, typically a 4-5 hour project completed in one day.  For 2010 - 2011 options include, but are not limited to, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Sparrow Women Working Wonders 5K Race, Ronald McDonald Dinners, and Caring about Kids Christmas gift shopping.
  3. General Membership Meetings (GMM).  Active Members attend monthly GMMs during the school year, except for December.  There are also a number of optional social activities throughout the year.
  4. Signature Fundraiser.  Active Members are responsible for selling and/or purchasing the equivalent of four raffle tickets.  This can also be met in a variety of ways such as obtaining donations or sponsorships at a certain level.  Participation for the Spring Fundraiser is optional.
  5. Fees. Annual dues for Active Members currently are $122 for 2010 - 2011, which covers dues of $65 for JLL, $35 for AJLI and $22 to cover the cost of general membership meetings.

Ready to join?  Please contact our new member committee by clicking on this link:  New Member Committee or by contacting the Junior League of Lansing office at (517) 324-8716.

Please note:  We understand you may have conflicts occasionally with meeting times for the training course or general membership meetings.  Please don’t let this keep you from joining–just let us know.  If you have questions about financial requirements or your financial situation warrants special consideration, contact the JLL Treasurer or the Junior League Office.