Membership Eligibility and Requirements

Mission and Purpose

The Junior League of Athens is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion 

The Junior League welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities.

JLA also shares the Association of Junior Leagues International’s (AJLI) commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. During the 2023 AJLI Annual Conference, delegates voted on and approved the following Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging standard:

The Association of Junior Leagues International condemns discrimination, harassment, and mistreatment based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, religion, veteran status, or any other classification of persons who have been historically and systematically denied equity and inclusion in our economy, education, civic privileges, and responsibilities in the voluntary sector, including in The Junior League. As affirmed by our member Junior Leagues, we are accelerating our efforts to take action and advance definitive, measurable policies and practices that eliminate racism in our countries, our communities, and our Junior Leagues. When we do this, we unlock tremendous power for our communities and realize our vision of women around the world as catalysts for lasting change. 

Member Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

The prospective member must meet the following criteria for membership eligibility:

  • Residency – She must reside or work in the Athens area
  • Voluntarism – She must have an interest in voluntarism, commitment to community service, and an interest in developing her potential as a trained volunteer and leader
  • A commitment to JLA Mission and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) statement

2025-2026 Requirements of an Active JLA Member *subject to change

Member responsibilities include:

  • Attend a minimum of six monthly General Membership Meetings (GMMs) – September through May. These meetings are typically held the second Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m.
    • Members may count attendance at two alternative/make-up meetings toward this requirement.
  • Participate in at least two volunteer shifts in the community (one in the Fall, one in the Spring)
  • Attend at least two membership events (one in the Fall, one in the Spring)
  • Participate in one fundraising activity (typically in November/ December)
  • Pay annual dues (currently $125)*

2025-2026 Requirements of a Provisional JLA Member *subject to change

Each year, the Junior League of Athens trains two classes (one Fall, one Spring) of first-year members (Provisionals) to encourage active participation and engagement among our newest members, to facilitate the training of strong volunteers and future leaders through hands on programs, and to create meaningful connections with the Junior League of Athens, the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) and the Athens community.

Membership is both a privilege and a responsibility. The future of the League depends upon its members to carry out the mission. The prospective member should be aware of the time and financial commitment that is required during the Provisional year as she contemplates joining. Please consider the eligibility criteria listed above as well as these Provisional membership requirements.

During the Fall OR Spring, the Provisional member must:

  • Complete one Provisional class community service project
  • Attend a minimum of three monthly General Membership Meetings (GMMs) – held monthly September through May. These meetings are typically held the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.
    • Members may count attendance at two alternative/make-up meetings toward this requirement.
  • Attend a minimum of four monthly Provisional membership meetings – held monthly September through May.
  • Participate in one volunteer shift in the community.
  • Pay annual dues (currently $125) and provisional course fee (currently $75)*, for a total of $200

The Provisionals who complete their class in Fall will become Active Members in the Spring with reduced Active requirements. The Provisionals who complete their class in the Spring will become Active Members at the start of the following League Year.

*Contact the Junior League of Athens Treasurer to arrange for monthly payments at treasurerjla@gmail.com.

Applications for the Fall 2026 Fall Class are now open! Applications will close on August 1, 2026.

Ready to apply?

Click here to fill out the New Member Application!

Please email Membership VP Anna May at jlathensmembership@gmail.com for more details.