History of the Association of Junior Leagues International

The Junior League, better known as the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) is a remarkable story of continuous growth and steadfast commitment to a mission of community service.  The first Junior League was founded in 1901 by an 18-year-old New York City college student named Mary Harriman.  Moved by the suffering she saw around her, Mary mobilized a group of 80 other young women to work at a settlement house in lower Manhattan.  The Junior League idea spread rapidly across the country.  In 1921, more than 40 Leagues joined together to form the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. 

Today, the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. is a thriving organization of nearly 170,000 members in 294 Junior Leagues in four countries (United States, Canada, Mexico and Great Britain), all pursuing the AJLI mission:  The Association of Junior Leagues International is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The Power of Association

AJLI strives to unite all the Junior Leagues; provide continuity and support; and serve as a steward for the Junior League Movement. Today, through regional, national, and international meetings, comprehensive resources and customized consultations, we add value to our member Leagues in their fulfillment of the Junior League Mission.

AJLI is governed by a 20-member Board of Directors, all of whom are members of the Junior Leagues in their communities. The Board is accountable to the Leagues for the development of goals, which enhance Leagues’ ability to fulfill the Junior League Mission. AJLI then works with the Board to provide services to Leagues that support the established goals.

The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc.
132 West 31st Street,
11th Floor
New York, NY 10001-3406
Tel: 212.951.8300
Fax: 212.481.7196
E-mail: info@ajli.org
Web: http://www.ajli.org