Become A Member

JOIN THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ROCKFORD

Founded in 1930, the Junior League of Rockford, Inc. is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

From all generations, all walks of life, we are bound by a single goal: to help alleviate poverty for women and children in the Rockford area.

OUR MEMBERS

The Junior League of Rockford, Inc. reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism. Each member brings a unique perspective to our organization and enriches our League. We have a diverse group of over 186 women, including active members and sustainers, who give their time to further JLR’s projects and mission.

Here is a snapshot of our active members:

  • Are all ages and from diverse backgrounds
  • Are business owners, working mothers, professional women, and stay-at-home moms
  • Serve on numerous boards and committees throughout our community

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates must:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.  There is no upper age limit.
  • Must work or reside within Winnebago County or the surrounding area.
  • Demonstrate an interest in voluntarism and a commitment to community service.
  • Show an interest in developing your potential for voluntary community participation.

COMMITMENT

First Year

  • Attend monthly General Membership Meetings held the 3rd Tuesday of each month, September to May from 6:30-8:00pm at The Olympic Tavern, located at 2327 N Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103.
  • Attend new member training events scheduled throughout the fall and early spring.
  • Work with other new members to organize a group project to help the community.
  • New members can participate in committees the first year if they want to jump right in.
  • Fill out an application and pay $150 dues or request a dues scholarship or alternate payment arrangement.

Second Year and Beyond

  • Attend monthly General Membership Meetings held the 3rd Tuesday of each month, September to May from 6:30-8:00pm at The Olympic Tavern, located at 2327 N Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103.
  • Participate on a Team with your peers (Fund Development, Community, Membership, Nominating & Placement, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, and Board)
  • Pay $150 yearly dues by April 1st each year or request a dues scholarship or alternate payment arrangement.
  • Volunteer for 10 hours during the year for our Project
  • Raise $200 to support Fundraising Initiatives
  • Volunteer 10 total hours to prepare for and staff the annual Fundraisers (Spring and Fall)

*** We understand that members cannot always meet all membership attendance and volunteer requirements. Life happens. We can work with you to make the Junior League of Rockford fit into your life.

WHY JOIN JLR?

  • Opportunity to be a part of a reputable organization that is committed to improving the Rockford Community and beyond for over 90 years
  • Connection with a community of over 180 Active and Sustaining Members with diverse background, talents, and passion for volunteerism and effecting positive change
  • Hands on training and experiences that deepen your knowledge of our community
  • Leadership development through service in leadership roles, workshops, and additional opportunities
  • Ongoing volunteer opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of people in our community
  • Interact with community agencies and civic leaders while gaining insight into community needs and strategizing to fulfill them
  • And so much more!

PROCESS TO BECOME A MEMBER

May to September: Optional new member recruitment events are held during the Summer and Fall. These events are a chance to meet active league members and learn more about JLR.

September to May: New members attend general membership meetings, trainings, and work on a new member group project.

Anytime: Complete the Membership Interest Form to get updates about new  member events.

  • Complete your application  and pay the yearly $150 dues or request a dues scholarship or alternate payment arrangement.
  • 25% discount to members who join from December 1st – January 31st
  • 50% discount to members who join from February 1st – March 31st
  • Dues waived for members who join from April 1st – May 31st
  • If you join after our new member trainings have already taken place for the year, you can start attending meetings but will begin your training with the following years class. You will only become an active member after you complete the new member trainings.

IMPORTANT DATES

New Member Events:

Learn more about the Junior League of Rockford and meet the members at a relaxing evening at Hidden Creek Estates! Bring your own chair to relax around the fire! The wine bar will be opened, Pizza Fresca will be on site, and H!p Pocket will be playing tunes during the evening – you won’t want to miss it! July 13th, 2022 5:00-9:00 PM. RSVP HERE

New Member Trainings

*Dates and Additional Information Coming Soon*

Location: JLRockford Headquarters, 4118 Pinecrest Road, Rockford, IL 61107

New Member Project

New Member Class of 2021 – Blessing Bags for Remedies Renewing Lives 
New Member, Jessica Reilly, shares why this project was chosen “We decided to connect with a past JLR organization, Remedies, where we put together bags with haircare products for women and children there. These could be women struggling with substance abuse or fleeing domestic violence situations. Many times when they leave, they have nothing more then the clothes on their backs. We also wrote encouraging notes to include in the bags and hopefully help someone on their journey.”

New Member Development Contact Information

Mackenzie Nardiello, Membership Team Lead

Email: MackenzieJLR@gmail.com

Telephone: 815-742-0560

If you want to get an idea of what Junior League is about, contact us for upcoming events so that you can come to a meeting or event!