Making an Impact in our Community: What Lies Ahead for JLSP?

Contributed by Jill S. and Christine S.

Excitement is building amongst JLSP members as we work to develop the future of JLSP’s community outreach program. At a recent Leadership meeting, Actives, New Members, and leaders, all indicated that they are excited about JLSP’s “projects.”

Based on Association of Junior Leagues International trainings, the project research committee is using Issue-Based Community Impact, a roadmap from which to develop a system of choices to effectively engage the community around us. Issue-Based Community Impact is more effective than our traditional “projects” approach because the model helps us to determine where JLSP members’ interests and community needs overlap while defining what specific results in our community we seek to impact. The model works to establish the League as a community resource and offer leadership opportunities for our members.

The Issue-Based Community Impact structure makes it possible to reach a point in the model where members are able to identify both with the broad issue JLSP will concentrate on, as well as the specific impact or results JLSP seeks to accomplish. These results are accomplished through very specific and detailed strategies and tactics.

These strategies and tactics are much like our previous “community projects,” but are generally multi-layered in order to address the chosen issue from different avenues.

JLSP’s current topic, previously voted on by the JLSP Membership is Improving the lives of women and children. With much participation and input from New Members, Actives, and Sustainers, Project Research is actively working to narrow down the Issue Areas and develop impact areas. At the January General Membership Meeting Jill S, chair of the Project Research Committee presented the three issue areas for membership
consideration. They were:

1. Academic Success: Successful students must be able to balance the social and academic aspects of school, expect to succeed, and have reached proficiency levels in basic skills.
2. Food Insecurity: The limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods.
3. Emotional Security: Self-image which builds self-esteem is crucial for girls in their pre-teen years. Self-esteem refers to how you feel about yourself while self-image is about how you see yourself and how you believe others see you.

Based on the input received from the comment forms distributed after the presentation and continued research, the Project Research Committee is pursuing the issue areas of Academic Success and Food Insecurity . The committee will present a training for members on these issues and possible impact areas at the March General Membership meeting and the membership will vote on strategies at the April General Membership Meeting.