By Amy Truel
I meant to write this article a month ago-really. I had such a great experience at ODI (Organizational Development Institute) in Houston and there was so much I wanted to share. But, I came back to my life-my busy, busy life. You know the deal.
So there I was, one month later, on a 7 hour car ride to Newport Beach for Thanksgiving and something really cool happened. I thought, “I’m going to come up with the top 10 things I learned at ODI and it will be genuine since I have to do it all from memory.” I didn’t have my notes, but I did have my iPad, some noise canceling headphones, and a strong desire not to listen to Prince of Persia which the kids were watching in the backseat :) I’m sure it is a great movie, but I want to watch it, not listen to it.
So here you go, the product of my procrastination:
Top 10 things Iearned at ODI no particular order)
1. It is easy to finish a book when you have a weekend without your kids. Loved The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo!
2. The Houston Junior League HQ is a palace and they even have their own parking garage.
3. We are a 110 year old women's movement. It is true because Vicki Clark says it is so.
4. Humanity: look for the good in people and focus on that. Sara Speer Selber evoked a lot of emotion around the room when she dared to mix things up and challenge some common beliefs. Read for yourself here.
5. We need to do a better job communicating what we want from our external partners. We worry so much about what we have to offer that we sometimes forget to think about what we want out of the relationships.
6. Toiletry drives are great when you are staying in a hotel! I collected two large bags full of toiletries to benefit domestic violence victims at Next Door Solutions, our DIAD November toiletry drive.
7. Some leagues offer Affinity Groups like Book Clubs or Running Clubs. Not sure if we’ve tried this before but sounded like a good idea to me.
8. Motivate by being passionate and tapping into what members are passionate about.
9. We are a part of something so much bigger and should capitalize on collective resources. How cool would it be to have buddies in similar roles at other leagues to chat with? Be sure to check out the AJLI Website for helpful info!
10. You can design your league focus around one issue and still appeal to a variety of member interests. DIAD can help by providing a broader focus for balance. I have to admit I was skeptical when I first heard about leagues that focused on one issue, but thoughtful planning can make it work. Check out how they do it in Phoenix here.
Thanks for this amazing opportunity-I really enjoyed it, learned a lot, and met some great league members from all over the country. I have lots of handouts for anyone with a burning desire to learn more about Achieving Community Impact!
Amy Truel is currently serving as a co-chair for our Done in a Day (DIAD) committee.
November 26, 2010
November 22, 2010
Next Door Solutions Toiletry Drive
By Melissa Hollatz
I just got back from dropping off the first batch of toiletries at Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence, the beneficiary of our November toiletry drive (www.nextdoor.org). We’ve collected two full bins already, and we still have through the end of November to continue our collections.
What a great group of Junior Leaguers we have to give so generously – our donations really make a difference to the women and children who flee their abusers and are unable to bring anything with them. There were three women in the lobby when I went by, and they looked just like anyone I pass on the street every day. It’s horrible to think of how much violence goes on that we just don’t know about. Sadly, Next Door’s shelter ran at around 97% of its capacity last year, and it doesn’t look like things are slowing down.
Did you know last year Next Door answered over 10,000 calls to their hotline, served hundreds of women and children in its shelter, and thousands more through its advocacy work, drop in safety planning, and other programs? Thank you to everyone who contributed to the drive (and, by the way, if you’re looking for a holiday gift for someone who already has everything, I think a donation to Next Door in their name might be just the ticket!).
Next Door just did a teen survey where 2/3 of the teenagers surveyed said they knew of people in abusive relationships, and where 17% admitted to committing abuse themselves and another 20% were experiencing it. Terrible statistics, and it makes me think of what important work Next Door is doing and it makes me proud that we can help. Thanks so much to everyone who contributed.
Melissa is a Board Member at Next Door Solutions and a member of the Done in a Day (DIAD) Committee. Along with fellow League members Liz Webb and Kate Yagen, Melissa is coordinating the drives for DIAD this year.
I just got back from dropping off the first batch of toiletries at Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence, the beneficiary of our November toiletry drive (www.nextdoor.org). We’ve collected two full bins already, and we still have through the end of November to continue our collections.
What a great group of Junior Leaguers we have to give so generously – our donations really make a difference to the women and children who flee their abusers and are unable to bring anything with them. There were three women in the lobby when I went by, and they looked just like anyone I pass on the street every day. It’s horrible to think of how much violence goes on that we just don’t know about. Sadly, Next Door’s shelter ran at around 97% of its capacity last year, and it doesn’t look like things are slowing down.
Did you know last year Next Door answered over 10,000 calls to their hotline, served hundreds of women and children in its shelter, and thousands more through its advocacy work, drop in safety planning, and other programs? Thank you to everyone who contributed to the drive (and, by the way, if you’re looking for a holiday gift for someone who already has everything, I think a donation to Next Door in their name might be just the ticket!).
Next Door just did a teen survey where 2/3 of the teenagers surveyed said they knew of people in abusive relationships, and where 17% admitted to committing abuse themselves and another 20% were experiencing it. Terrible statistics, and it makes me think of what important work Next Door is doing and it makes me proud that we can help. Thanks so much to everyone who contributed.
Melissa is a Board Member at Next Door Solutions and a member of the Done in a Day (DIAD) Committee. Along with fellow League members Liz Webb and Kate Yagen, Melissa is coordinating the drives for DIAD this year.
Spotted: That Inspiring Little Girl at Safeway
By Cynthia Muñoz
Those of you who attended the November General Meeting might appreciate this.
At 8:30 on Saturday morning, my husband, son and I stopped at a Starbucks in Almaden Valley for some morning caffeine. As we're leaving the parking lot, we drive by the front of the Safeway and I spot a little girl standing in front, with what appears to be a violin in her hands. I take a second look and also see who I think is her father sitting in a lawn chair by her, a collection bucket of some sort, and a poster with some graphics that I vaguely recognize. I realized it was the little girl that Poppy Pembroke (from the Second Harvest Food Bank) talked about during her presentation to us!
I couldn't believe it and I started excitedly telling my husband about her inspiring story of being appalled that there were children who went without food and decided she wanted to help raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank by playing violin for donations. My husband thought I was a little nutty for being so excited about it, like I just saw Brad Pitt standing there playing violin or something, but what a coincidence! (And in the end, he did agree that she was one amazing little girl.) How proud her parents must be of her! I thought about my own little guy in the backseat and I hoped we'd be able to teach him to be as selfless.
Tonight at dinner, he announced he wanted to go through his toys and pick out things to give to kids who don't have toys. Don't know if it's motivated by thinking of others and being thankful for how much he has, or if it's because his birthday AND Christmas are coming up and he's trying to make room for new stuff. I didn't ask too many questions. I just enjoyed the moment and chalked it up to a great start for an almost-six-year-old.
Those of you who attended the November General Meeting might appreciate this.
At 8:30 on Saturday morning, my husband, son and I stopped at a Starbucks in Almaden Valley for some morning caffeine. As we're leaving the parking lot, we drive by the front of the Safeway and I spot a little girl standing in front, with what appears to be a violin in her hands. I take a second look and also see who I think is her father sitting in a lawn chair by her, a collection bucket of some sort, and a poster with some graphics that I vaguely recognize. I realized it was the little girl that Poppy Pembroke (from the Second Harvest Food Bank) talked about during her presentation to us!
I couldn't believe it and I started excitedly telling my husband about her inspiring story of being appalled that there were children who went without food and decided she wanted to help raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank by playing violin for donations. My husband thought I was a little nutty for being so excited about it, like I just saw Brad Pitt standing there playing violin or something, but what a coincidence! (And in the end, he did agree that she was one amazing little girl.) How proud her parents must be of her! I thought about my own little guy in the backseat and I hoped we'd be able to teach him to be as selfless.
Tonight at dinner, he announced he wanted to go through his toys and pick out things to give to kids who don't have toys. Don't know if it's motivated by thinking of others and being thankful for how much he has, or if it's because his birthday AND Christmas are coming up and he's trying to make room for new stuff. I didn't ask too many questions. I just enjoyed the moment and chalked it up to a great start for an almost-six-year-old.
November 19, 2010
November Provisional Meeting Recap: Focus on Fundraising
By Adi Raz
The second Provisional meeting of the year really helped us get in the holiday spirit! It is always so exciting to see all of the Provisionals in one room-so much positive energy is contagious. I think a lot of us were still on the sugar rush from the Sprinkles Cupcakes at the General Meeting.
(Be sure to visit Sprinkles Cupcakes at Stanford Shopping Center 11/29-12/3 to purchase the special Home Tour cupcake. All proceeds from the sales of this cupcake will benefit the JLPA•MP and our Community Projects)
After being treated to a delicious meal of pasta, salad, and those amazing olive rolls, we were all set to get started. I love how the Provisionals who plan the meeting get to introduce the speakers. It was especially sweet to see a daughter Provisional introduce her mother Sustainer. It served as a reminder that the Junior League transcends the generational gap and is a family within a family.
The theme of the November meeting was Fundraising and we got to hear all about the different ways the Junior League raises funds for its various Community Projects. It was really interesting to learn about the Endowment Fund and how one can contribute to it. We heard an update from The Shop and got excited to do a little holiday shopping there. And of course, who can forget the Home Tour, which is looking to be the most glittering event on everyone’s event calendar. Beautifully decorated homes, a cocktail party, and a holiday boutique-who can resist? (Tickets are still available!!!)
My favorite part of the evening was the Done-In-a-Meeting Project. I don’t think I have ever had more fun wrapping empty boxes, and I know they will look so beautiful under our tree at Home Tour. We also collected more utensils to make ornaments for the Kids in the Kitchen themed tree. Although we may have arrived in our heels and work clothes, nothing stopped us from sitting cross-legged on the floor, gabbing and wrapping boxes. The Done-In-a-Meeting Project really represents the heart and soul of what Junior League is all about: helping to build communities (one roll of wrapping paper at a time).
To learn more about our Community Projects, click here
To learn more about the JLPA•MP Endowment Fund, click here
To follow The Shop on Facebook, click here
To learn more about and purchase tickets for Finishing Touches: A Holiday Tour of Fine Homes & Boutique, click here
The second Provisional meeting of the year really helped us get in the holiday spirit! It is always so exciting to see all of the Provisionals in one room-so much positive energy is contagious. I think a lot of us were still on the sugar rush from the Sprinkles Cupcakes at the General Meeting.
(Be sure to visit Sprinkles Cupcakes at Stanford Shopping Center 11/29-12/3 to purchase the special Home Tour cupcake. All proceeds from the sales of this cupcake will benefit the JLPA•MP and our Community Projects)
After being treated to a delicious meal of pasta, salad, and those amazing olive rolls, we were all set to get started. I love how the Provisionals who plan the meeting get to introduce the speakers. It was especially sweet to see a daughter Provisional introduce her mother Sustainer. It served as a reminder that the Junior League transcends the generational gap and is a family within a family.
The theme of the November meeting was Fundraising and we got to hear all about the different ways the Junior League raises funds for its various Community Projects. It was really interesting to learn about the Endowment Fund and how one can contribute to it. We heard an update from The Shop and got excited to do a little holiday shopping there. And of course, who can forget the Home Tour, which is looking to be the most glittering event on everyone’s event calendar. Beautifully decorated homes, a cocktail party, and a holiday boutique-who can resist? (Tickets are still available!!!)
My favorite part of the evening was the Done-In-a-Meeting Project. I don’t think I have ever had more fun wrapping empty boxes, and I know they will look so beautiful under our tree at Home Tour. We also collected more utensils to make ornaments for the Kids in the Kitchen themed tree. Although we may have arrived in our heels and work clothes, nothing stopped us from sitting cross-legged on the floor, gabbing and wrapping boxes. The Done-In-a-Meeting Project really represents the heart and soul of what Junior League is all about: helping to build communities (one roll of wrapping paper at a time).
To learn more about our Community Projects, click here
To learn more about the JLPA•MP Endowment Fund, click here
To follow The Shop on Facebook, click here
To learn more about and purchase tickets for Finishing Touches: A Holiday Tour of Fine Homes & Boutique, click here
November 16, 2010
November is Inspirational Role Models Month
posted by Summer Brill
November is Inspirational Role Models Month, did you know that? I didn’t either, until Amy Truel (DIAD co-chair) told me today. She told me she found out by reading the AJLI (Association of Junior Leagues International) Blog Connected. The AJLI (www.ajli.org) has a wonderful website full of interesting articles, links to a blog (yes, they have one too!) links to their Facebook and Twitter and access to AJLI membership.
Read this post on the AJLI blog about Inspirational Role Models Month and chime in on the AJLI comment section. We also want to hear from you here! If you have an Inspirational Role Model, tell us (send to stories@thejuniorleague.org) and we’ll post on our Blog or self post on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/jlpamp).
Who inspires you and why? I’ll start…
My Inspirational Role model is my friend Jill. We’ve known each other since our days at Arizona State University. She now lives in Chicago and I’m in California, but we keep in touch via Facebook, text and email. Although she is a plane ride away, she continues to inspire me with her thoughtfulness and unending support for her friends in need.
When my brother was in Iraq with the Marines, she started sending him letters and included funny articles, notes from her friends and general words of thanks and encouragement. She was not close with my brother before he left to serve, and I’m not sure they met more than a handful of times either. I did not ask her to write, she did it on her own. It didn’t take a lot of time, but her impact was great. He told us how getting letters from non-family members really lifted his morale and that of his fellow Marines.
A few years ago, a friend of hers had a daughter who became very ill and continues to rehabilitate to this day. From the very beginning, Jill rallied support among her friends, family and coworkers to lend encouragement and support to this friend of hers. I began to follow the progress of this young girl and even donated to one of the many many fundraisers put on by Jill and her friends to support this family. I’ve never met her friend nor the little girl, but I think about them often and keep tabs on them and lend support from afar, because Jill brought them to my attention.
And she continues to keep this family in the minds of those around her by continuing fundraising efforts through runs and activities. Just last week she climbed the Sears Tower in honor of her friends in need! These are just a few of the ways Jill supports those around her. She is the first one to participate in any donation or drive. She doesn’t hesitate ever to support those in need. She inspires me to lend support great and small.
See, that wasn’t so bad! Share! Tell us who your Inspirational Role Model is. Need some “inspiration”? Read the AJLI Blog post here, then send us your Role Model and why, we’ll share on our Blog. Or, share yourself on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/jlpamp).
You can access the AJLI member area with your AJLI number. It is located in your profile in our Member Directory. In the Member Area, choose ME on the Quick Links section. In your profile, the second box down has your AJLI Member ID. You can use this on the AJLI website (www.ajli.org) to create a unique login and password. Still can’t find it? Contact webmanager@thejuniorleague.org.
November is Inspirational Role Models Month, did you know that? I didn’t either, until Amy Truel (DIAD co-chair) told me today. She told me she found out by reading the AJLI (Association of Junior Leagues International) Blog Connected. The AJLI (www.ajli.org) has a wonderful website full of interesting articles, links to a blog (yes, they have one too!) links to their Facebook and Twitter and access to AJLI membership.
Read this post on the AJLI blog about Inspirational Role Models Month and chime in on the AJLI comment section. We also want to hear from you here! If you have an Inspirational Role Model, tell us (send to stories@thejuniorleague.org) and we’ll post on our Blog or self post on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/jlpamp).
Who inspires you and why? I’ll start…
My Inspirational Role model is my friend Jill. We’ve known each other since our days at Arizona State University. She now lives in Chicago and I’m in California, but we keep in touch via Facebook, text and email. Although she is a plane ride away, she continues to inspire me with her thoughtfulness and unending support for her friends in need.
When my brother was in Iraq with the Marines, she started sending him letters and included funny articles, notes from her friends and general words of thanks and encouragement. She was not close with my brother before he left to serve, and I’m not sure they met more than a handful of times either. I did not ask her to write, she did it on her own. It didn’t take a lot of time, but her impact was great. He told us how getting letters from non-family members really lifted his morale and that of his fellow Marines.
A few years ago, a friend of hers had a daughter who became very ill and continues to rehabilitate to this day. From the very beginning, Jill rallied support among her friends, family and coworkers to lend encouragement and support to this friend of hers. I began to follow the progress of this young girl and even donated to one of the many many fundraisers put on by Jill and her friends to support this family. I’ve never met her friend nor the little girl, but I think about them often and keep tabs on them and lend support from afar, because Jill brought them to my attention.
And she continues to keep this family in the minds of those around her by continuing fundraising efforts through runs and activities. Just last week she climbed the Sears Tower in honor of her friends in need! These are just a few of the ways Jill supports those around her. She is the first one to participate in any donation or drive. She doesn’t hesitate ever to support those in need. She inspires me to lend support great and small.
See, that wasn’t so bad! Share! Tell us who your Inspirational Role Model is. Need some “inspiration”? Read the AJLI Blog post here, then send us your Role Model and why, we’ll share on our Blog. Or, share yourself on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/jlpamp).
You can access the AJLI member area with your AJLI number. It is located in your profile in our Member Directory. In the Member Area, choose ME on the Quick Links section. In your profile, the second box down has your AJLI Member ID. You can use this on the AJLI website (www.ajli.org) to create a unique login and password. Still can’t find it? Contact webmanager@thejuniorleague.org.
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