JLP Foundation Seeking New Board Members!

Junior League of Phoenix Foundation Seeking New Board Members! 

The Junior League of Phoenix Foundation Board of Directors is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join us as members of the Board to steward our mission. Ideally, Board candidates will have a desire to become involved in non-profit management, finance, grant funding, marketing and/or advocacy. What is essential is a desire to act as a fundraising liaison for our donors. Learn more about the Foundation and the programs we serve at foundationjlp.org.

Interested in joining us?

An informational happy hour will be held on Tuesday, March 7 at 6:00 pm at Junior League of Phoenix Headquarters. Please join us for light appetizers and beverages and to learn more about the opportunity. Please RSVP attendance to JLPHXFoundation@gmail.com or sign-up through Digital Cheetah (if you are a JLP member).

Resumes will be accepted until March 13, 2017. We will be conducting interviews with selected candidates on a rolling basis, with the intention of appointing new Board members by April 15, 2017. Please share this invitation with JLP provisionals, actives and sustainers and other community members. Please direct resume submissions to JLPHXFoundation@gmail.com.

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Save the Date April 5th for a special Leadership Training!

Naomi Chavez Peters, a noted leadership development, talent development and communications leader, will be presenting to the Junior League of Phoenix at a special leadership training meeting, funded by a grant by the JLPF. Stay tuned for more details including a special reception for JLPF donors!

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The Junior League of Phoenix Foundation fosters and sustains the mission and community impact of the Junior League of Phoenix through stewardship of financial resources. The Junior League of Phoenix 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. 

“Volunteering is my passion.”

 CLO Fireside Chat featuring Katherine Cecala

“Katherine is a woman who makes her community better, she is JLP.” – Eileen Sullivan, Junior League of Phoenix Sustainer

If one is looking for inspiration this new year, President of Junior Achievement of Arizona and Junior League of Phoenix sustaining member, Katherine Cecala, is a captivating choice for a role model. On December 7, 2016, a small group of current Junior League active members were privy to Katherine’s vast wisdom and experience via the inaugural Fireside Chat series hosted by the Community Leadership and Outreach (CLO) Committee.

Katherine provided an overview of her community leadership experience and how her JLP life has intersected with and contributed to her community work. In addition to a career in NPO leadership, she has served on over 35 boards as a volunteer and has developed a reputation as a “fixer” due to her ability to take on touchy situations and turn them into positive experiences for everyone through communication and compassion.  Katherine is bold and assertive but also incredibly patient. She shared advice with members about how to come alongside people to create change within organization. The techniques Katherine shared ranged from bringing up important points three times (as it research has shown it takes people that many times to take in certain messages) to implementing employee benefits that other organizations might consider excessive to create win-win scenarios that motivated people to prioritize the organization’s long term needs over personal interests.

Perhaps most meaningful about Katherine’s story was her honesty and humility in telling it. She talked pointedly about how failures and missteps and personal struggles have intersected with and helped form her professional and community pursuits.

The small group format allowed the attendees to ask questions throughout the “Fireside Chat” and engage with Katherine personally during the mingling time before and after the “Fireside Chat”.  Individuals asked questions about fundraising strategies, people management, and work/life balance.  Additionally, attendees had a chance to mingle with each other and to further develop their network within the JLP.

In the end, the CLO “Fireside Chat” with Katherine provided interested JLP members with an opportunity to learn from and interact meaningfully with an established community leader and to explore their interest and commitment to engaging with the Greater Phoenix community to generate meaningful and positive change for the benefit of all.

The CLO “Fireside Chat” speaker series has been generously funded by the Junior League of Phoenix Foundation to increase available training opportunities for JLP members.

For more information about the CLO Fireside Chat series, please contact CLO at jlp.clo@jlp.org or (602) 234-3388 x228.

Jeannette Maré, founder of Ben’s Bells, to speak at January GMM

Jeannette Maré, Ben’s Bells Founder and Executive Director, will lead “A Conversation on Kindness”, an in-depth discussion of the challenges and opportunities we encounter in every interaction as we strive to create a kinder community, at the Junior League of Phoenix January General Membership Meeting.

During this presentation, Jeannette will reflect on her own personal experiences with kindness in the face of devastating grief, as well as her work with Ben’s Bells Project and the power of kindness to transform people and communities. She will discuss the emerging body of research on the science of kindness.

The mission of Ben’s Bells is to inspire, educate, and motivate people  to realize the impact of intentional kindness, and to empower individuals to act according to that awareness, thereby strengthening ourselves, our relationships and our communities.

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About Jeannette Maré  (pronounced mar-ay)

Jeannette Maré is the founder and Executive Director of Ben’s Bells Project.  Jeannette’s leadership has anchored the organization through remarkable growth, including the opening of three studios, collaborating with hundreds of local organizations and recruiting over 25,000 annual volunteers. As part of her vision, Ben’s Bells has become nationally recognized and “kindness” is becoming part of the nation’s collective consciousness.

Before becoming full time Executive Director of Ben’s Bells, Jeannette was faculty at the University of Arizona teaching discourse analysis. She holds a Masters Degree in Linguistics from Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. Jeannette lives in Tucson and is grateful to have the opportunity to combine her two passions – teaching and community building – in her role with Ben’s Bells.

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About Ben’s Bells Project

The mission of the Ben’s Bells Project is to inspire, educate and motivate each other to realize the impact of intentional kindness and to empower individuals to act according to that awareness, thereby strengthening ourselves, our relationships and our communities.

Ben’s Bells Project was founded in 2003 after the sudden death of Jeannette Maré’s two-year old son, Ben. The simple, everyday acts of kindness following his death helped Maré survive and begin to heal. She was inspired to establish the Ben’s Bells Project as a way to recognize and continue the kindness shown to her. On the first anniversary of Ben’s death, four hundred bells were hung in public places for strangers to find. To date more than 42,000 Bells have been hung in Tucson and beyond.

In addition to Bell distributions, Ben’s Bells Project provides kindness education programming for more than 300 schools, organizations and businesses. Ben‘s Bells is honored to be a part of the emerging field of multidisciplinary research that demonstrates the powerful effects of kindness on individuals’ long term health and on the overall quality of life in communities.

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Recent research demonstrates that kindness benefits our physical and mental health, and that recognizing kindness in others increases a person’s happiness and satisfaction. But just as solving a calculus problem requires advanced math skills, the challenges of daily life require advanced kindness skills. By focusing on kindness and being intentional in our personal interactions, we can improve our ability to connect.

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JLP Volunteer Updates

JLP Impacts the Community: 970 Volunteer Hours Completed To-Date

Our Community Impact shifts are going strong!  215 JLP volunteers have completed 54 shifts, 160 shift hours and 970 total volunteer hours this year already! This is incredible! Keep up the amazing work and thank you so much for all you give back to our community and to the league. Find volunteer shifts on the Member Calendar, here.

Farm Days at the Phoenix Zoo JLP Volunteers assisted with Farm Days at the Phoenix Zoo on November 4 and 5. They assisted with arts and crafts, the children’s farmers market, and even exploring with children which fruits and veggies they would eat together. We continue to work towards our focus area of “Building A Healthy Arizona” by teaching children about healthy eating habits!

 

Nominating Committee Announces President Elect

Wendy Brooks slated for President in 2018-20

The Nominating Committee of The Junior League of Phoenix is pleased to announce they have selected Wendy Brooks as President Elect (PE). She is slated to follow Cathy Comer’s presidency and will begin her tenure in 2018 through 2020. Ms. Brooks initially joined the JLP in 2003 and completed one active year here. She then transferred to the Junior League of Denver followed by the Junior League of Kansas City before returning to the JLP in December, 2007. Ms. Brooks’ area of focus was initially membership where she attended the Organizational Development Institute (ODI) track in member retention and was Vice President of Membership, along with various other leadership roles in Provisional, Placement and Nominating. Her recent focus has been on the fundraising side where she was Valley Impact Luncheon Chair and is currently serving as Development Manager. Ms. Brooks has two sons, Ethan who is a senior at ASU and Noah who is in 6th grade at Scottsdale Preparatory Academy.  She works in the mortgage industry as a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator.

 

CLO Panelists Announced, continued!

CLO Panel: Community Leadership and Municipal Boards and Commissions

On October 25, 2016, the Community Leadership and Outreach (CLO) Committee will be hosting a panel of community leaders that are currently serving on or have recently served on a municipal board or commission. The purpose of this panel is to demystify this type of civic engagement and to encourage Junior League of Phoenix members to pursue community service and leadership in the form that best suits them.

CLO has invited people serving in the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, from a variety of differently focused boards/commissions, and from a variety of age groups to participate in the panel so that Junior League of Phoenix members will be able to get a broad perspective on this form of service and identify if it is something they would like to pursue in their communities.

Panelist #2: Mike Sonenberg

Mike Sonenberg, P.E. is an environmental engineer at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, and has served on several boards, including the Tempe Aviation Commission, the Air and Waste Management Association – Grand Canyon Section, and his HOA Board. Mike grew up in Tucson, and graduated from the University of Arizona in 2006 with a degree in Engineering Management and minor in Chemical Engineering.

Mike moved from Tucson for a job opportunity after graduating and has made his home in Tempe ever since.  Although, like most engineers, he was not interested in serving on a board in his younger years, he became interested in the Tempe Aviation Commission a few years ago while looking for a way become more involved in the community in his adopted home while making a meaningful contribution of the knowledge gained in his career. Mike has served on the commission for a year and is seeking reappointment in December 2016.

For more information about the CLO Municipal Boards and Commissions Panel, please contact CLO at jlp.clo@jlp.org or (602) 234-3388 x228. JLP members may sign up to attend through Digital Cheetah.

CLO Panel: Community Leadership and Municipal Boards and Commissions

On October 25, 2016, the Community Leadership and Outreach (CLO) Committee will be hosting a panel of community leaders that are currently serving on or have recently served on a municipal board or commission. The purpose of this panel is to demystify this type of civic engagement and to encourage Junior League of Phoenix members to pursue community service and leadership in the form that best suits them.

CLO has invited people serving in the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, from a variety of differently focused boards/commissions, and from a variety of age groups to participate in the panel so that Junior League of Phoenix members will be able to get a broad perspective on this form of service and identify if it is something they would like to pursue in their communities.

Panelist #1: Donna Reiner

Donna’s love for the arts and history has led her to obtain degrees in music history, cultural humanities, historic preservation, and adult education. Since arriving in Arizona over 30 years ago, Donna has worked for Arizona Cactus-Pine Girl Scout Council planning program for cadettes and seniors; taught English, humanities, and music appreciation at the college level in prison and out for Rio Salado Community College, Glendale Community College, Central Arizona College, and Northern Arizona University; served as the Director of Education at the former Phoenix Museum of History; and was the interim Executive Director of the Heritage Square Foundation (Rosson House). Now Donna is her own boss and spends her time writing and volunteering.

Grounded in the political and community service process in high school through Junior Statesman of America, Donna has put that experience to good use by serving on the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission from 2002-2009, and the City of Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission from 2010-2016, the board of directors for the Coronado Neighborhood Association, two local history museums, the Heritage Square Foundation, and currently serves on the boards of the Arizona Preservation Foundation, the Friends of the Orpheum Theatre, the Grand Avenue Rail Project (GARP) and the Maricopa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

For more information about the CLO Municipal Boards and Commissions Panel, please contact CLO at jlp.clo@jlp.org or (602) 234-3388 x228. JLP members may sign up to attend through Digital Cheetah.

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2016 Provisional Community Night

Did you know that last year Fresh Express sold over $50,000 of affordable produce throughout “food deserts” across Phoenix? Or that Junior League of Phoenix members have a goal of completing 3000 hours of community impact this year? Or that Kids in the Kitchen teaches kids the sugary content of foods through the use of sugar cubes?

These were just some of the many learning outcomes of the Provisional Community Night hosted September 22.

Through their first Super Saturday training in August, provisional members learned about the general structures, procedures and priorities of the JLP, but the Community Night is designed to provide an overview and personal connection to the many signature and partner programs through which the JLP impacts the Phoenix community. Additionally, provisional members learned more about the history and purpose behind our focus area, “Building a Healthy Arizona”, through which JLP combats obesity in youth and families while also addressing hunger and food access.

Community Team Leader Michelle Moore and representatives from the community committees taught provisionals the mission, activities and ways to get involved with Kids in the Kitchen, ROCKETS, Phoenix Day, Fresh Express and Community Impact. Thanks to their leadership and enthusiasm, our provisionals are more excited than ever to promote volunteerism and improve our communities through service!

Volunteer Internationally with AJLI + Cross-Cultural Solutions

Cross-Cultural Solutions is a nonprofit working to address critical global issues by providing meaningful volunteer service to communities abroad, and contributing responsibly to local economies. As a leader in the field of international volunteer travel for over 20 years, they know that the best approach to International volunteering—the only approach—is one designed by the community.

The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. and Cross-Cultural Solutions have partnered together to offer Junior Leagues and their members the opportunity to volunteer internationally with countless opportunities to connect with and learn from, local people in these global communities. There are three opportunities:

It’s Easy…..

Join the next extraordinary Cross-Cultural Solutions volunteer service opportunity: Rabat, Morocco.

Experience an eye-opening first-hand look into Islam and its beautiful and historic layers while you’re taken on a sensory journey through the warm and welcoming country of Morocco. As an international volunteer, you’ll support dynamic grass-roots initiatives that lend services to the women and children of Morocco’s most vulnerable populations. In addition to volunteering, you’ll explore the many colorful medinas of Morocco, visit ancient ruins, and perhaps take a camel trek through the Sahara Desert!

Our March trip is filled but we’ve scheduled two additional trips to accommodate demand:

• August 20 – 27, 2016
• October 29 – November 5, 2016

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Plan a League Trip— Cross-Cultural Solutions will help you customize a trip for your League.  You and your League can volunteer together, grow together, learn together and raise funds all while changing your lives and those of others.

Volunteer Independently —Enroll in your own Volunteer experience in one of 9 countries around the world where Cross-Cultural Solutions works- spend a week or a month with your friends, your family or alone making a difference in a community of need.

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Program fee and discounts—Program Fees vary by destination and length of stay. Cross-Cultural Solutions is a 501c3 not-for-profit. Program fees are 100% tax-deductible for US tax payers. All Junior League members are eligible for a $400 discount on any program they choose.

Groups traveling on an AJLI trip or a Junior League Program may benefit from the follow discounts:
One out of every 8 participants, irrespective of their League, will earn a complimentary program. The fee for the 8th participant will be disseminated among the 8 travelers, thereby lowering the cost for all. Furthermore, for each person who enrolls, CCS will make a $100 donation to AJLI and a $50 donation to the traveler’s League.

Pricing for family and friends!
Bring a friend or family member along and the referring Junior Leaguer receives an additional $262 outreach discount on their travel. Children 12 and under receive the child discount of $700 off of their program fee.

The Association and Junior League will benefit from invited family and friends as well with the $50 and $100 donations.

To reserve your spot or for more information, CLICK HERE to visit the Junior League—CSS webpage.

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*This article was originally published in The Civic Lede, an official publication of The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., and has been reprinted with permission.  The Civic Lede spotlights notable developments in philanthropy, not-for-profits, women’s interests, voluntarism and leadership, and offers commentary on the issues on which The Junior League has been active for many years.

Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards – nominations due 7/15!

NOW OPEN! Nominations are due July 15, 2016.

Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards Nominations: Arizona’s Top Honor for Volunteer Service

The Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 15th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards.  Please nominate a deserving individual or group in your community for what is considered to be the highest volunteer award in Arizona.

Award Categories Include:

• Lifetime Community Service: Individuals who have exemplified the ideals of service over 25 years.
• Service to Others: Individuals 18 years of age or older at time of nomination.
• Inspired Youth Leadership: Youth (17 years and younger) and Youth Groups.
• Stewardship: Business, Faith-Based, Nonprofit, and Public Entities.

Those selected as this year’s recipients of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award will be honored at a special reception in November.  Click here to access the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards nomination form.

Nomination Guidelines:

• Volunteers may be nominated by anyone or may nominate themselves.
• Volunteer service must be performed in Arizona and may not include hours served as part of academic credit.
• Nominee’s volunteer organization must serve the community at large (not limited to its own members).
• In the event that a nominee is submitted multiple times, the review panel will consider only the first nomination form submitted.
• The Commission on Service and Volunteerism reserves the right to award one or more recipients per category and reserves the right to withhold distribution of an award of a category if deemed appropriate.
• Any youth, adult, group or business compensated by salary or any other means from the organization that benefit from their services is not eligible to receive an award.
• Previous recipients are not eligible for nomination.