I believe there are three qualities that lay the foundation for our League’s extensive work in the community: strength, training, and passion.
Strength is the backbone of our organization, and it comes from our dynamic membership. The JLNVB is comprised of many amazing women. These women have a long list of academic credentials, numerous philanthropic awards, degrees from prestigious universities, and recognitions on a national level. With these tools in hand they tirelessly give their time to numerous organizations. That list includes: Operation School Supplies with WAVY, United Way Day of Caring, Boys & Girls Club, CHKD Healthy You for Life, Girl Scouts, Ronald McDonald House, Edmarc Hospice for Children, Teens With a Purpose, Excellence Girls’ Club, Foodbank, The Up Center, ForKids, Inc., The American Red Cross, REACH, Barrett Transitional Home, Park Place Child Life Center, and more. The list might seem lengthy and redundant, but the sheer number of organizations (17 to be exact) and, more importantly, the number of lives touched by the JLNVB is just astounding (600 children with our Mobile Kids in the Kitchen alone)! This is not the work of an individual; it is the strength of our team, our members, which makes us thrive. It is their strength that continues to help challenge our communities and its leaders to be more, do more, and reach higher.
Our team would not be as strong as it is today without training. With “…training and developing the potential of women…” as part of our mission, extensive time and resources are dedicated to various training opportunities for our members. Whether it be our training with Wendy McGrady of The Curtis Group, an AJLI (Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc.) representative presenting at our general membership meeting this fall, our Passion Into Action luncheons, our board retreats, the ability for our members to attend ODI or other AJLI trainings at a regional or national conference, or simply the on-the-job training our members receive in their roles as volunteers…this is what makes us great and sets us apart! The JLNVB has always been an organic and ever-changing organization of talented women. Women have moved from active member to sustainer. Some have even found that their passion has called them elsewhere and with their League training they have moved on to other endeavors. We invest in our members and, in the end, our communities are stronger and better for it.
Finally, our members possess the passion to make a difference.
“A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision, comes from passion, not position.” (Author Unknown)
I believe this is the mantra of the women of the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc. More importantly, it has been the mantra demonstrated to me by our leaders since my membership began nine years ago. It is my passion and love for this organization that has inspired me to leadership and has guided me in my various roles as a successful businesswoman, friend, mother, wife and now as president of the JLNVB. This passion does not just reside in me, but rather in all of our members. The passion of our members has always been to effect positive change in the community at large. We all joined JLNVB to assist in helping the women and children of South Hampton Roads. In keeping with that mission, our passion has never been stronger.
The strength of our membership, the quality of our training, and the passion for our mission and the communities in which we live and serve will leave a great legacy behind, one that is sure to inspire future leaders. I hope you will join me in looking forward to an exciting and impactful year for JLNVB.
Sincerely,
Melissa Steadman
2012-2013 President
Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc.
