December 2014 • Issue 5
In This Issue: • October ODI • 2014 Holiday Shoppes Recap • Sectionals • JLS Books Club • Member Development • Sustainer News • Kudos • Phase I & II Paperwork • Meeting Briefs • SPECIAL INSERT: 2013 – 2014 Report to the Community
MARK YOUR CALENDARS December 1: Phase I Paperwork Due • E-mail to Nominating Advisor
December 6: Sustainer Pie Making
• 9 am – Noon • Blessed Sacrament Parish Center
December 9: Holiday GMM
• Social: 6 pm; Meeting: 6:30 pm • Genesee Grande Hotel • $15/person; RSVP by Dec. 3
December 16: Board Meeting
• Social: 5:30 pm; Meeting: 6 pm • JLS Office
December 16: Hanukkah December 25: Christmas January 1: Happy New Year! January 13: GMM
• Social: 6 pm; Meeting: 6:30 pm • JLS Office
January 20: Board Meeting
• Social: 5:30 pm; Meeting: 6 pm • JLS Office
Junior League October ODI
Kseniya Hogan and Liz Lane represented the Junior League at ODI (Organizational Development Institute) in Kansas City, MO, on October 24th to the 26th. Here is what they had to say: First of all, we want to thank the Board for giving us the opportunity to attend such an amazing event. Not only did we receive some invaluable training, but we were truly inspired! We were able to meet so many great women from all around the country, and hear their experiences in the Junior League. It is truly breathtaking to see such a large group of women at one place for the purpose of bettering themselves and the community they reside in. We were able to hear from great speakers with years of experience in the Junior League, and the non-profit. Susan Danish, the AJLI Executive Director, spoke about how we respond to change and how we can use our change preferences to work with others. Research shows that people demonstrate one of three preferences when creating or reacting to change: Conserver, Originator, or Pragmatist. Conservers prefer the known to the unknown, originators are idea people who prefer a faster approach to change, and pragmatists, usually the mediators between conservers and originators, fall somewhere in the middle. By understanding your preference you can adapt your preferred style for a situation in order to be most effective. Something I’m sure everyone in the League could benefit from, considering we are always faced with change (rotating positions). Vicki Clark presented about diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence. “The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences”. We have to move beyond tolerance. Diversity does not simply or automatically occur in the League. Organizations must become inclusive by working in intentional ways to increase benefits and satisfaction for all stakeholders
and for the institution. Food for thought! Georgia Quatman Lynch, a sustainer in the Kansas City League, gave a heart-warming talk about her years of experience in the League, and what it did for her in her life. Because of the skills she developed in the league, she was asked to help with raising funds to restore the dilapidated Union Station, once a landmark in Kansas City that had been left abandoned for years. Georgia, along with her fellow Junior League friends, spent years fundraising and holding events, and were able to take part in bringing the old Union Station back to life in 1999! They were also able to build a science museum next door! What an accomplishment! Kseniya went on to learn about Diversified Fund Development with Carol Scott while Liz took the Governing for Excellence track with Anne Dalton. In the Diversified Fund Development track, we learned about moving away from traditional fundraising to diversified funding. We spoke about the importance of believing in our mission and vision, and letting that show when we are building relationships
The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • December 2014 | 1
HOLIDAY SHOPPES RECAP
with potential donors, sponsors, etc. Fundraising is about selling, and you must believe what you are selling! We learned about grant writing, corporate sponsorships, special events, major gifting, endowments…the list goes on! Please let Kseniya know if you want to hear more! With Anne Dalton and the Governing for Excellent track, we discussed the crucial importance of each Junior League’s Board of Directors and an evolving business model most Leagues are adopting called an ALT Board. This new structure splits the current “Council” board with Council VPs and Officers into a “governance board” and “management team”. This model builds the infrastructure needed to develop a longterm strategic plan while maintaining and enriching current programs and activities. The Syracuse League is already on its way to achieving this model with VPs serving two year terms and an accessible and transparent Nominating Process. But the new structure adds new exciting positions and opportunities for the members of the League to learn and grow! For more information, feel free to contact Liz! On top of attending some really informative training sessions, we were able to walk around and check out Kansas City. With the Royals playing in their first World Series since 1985, there was an awesome energy in the city, and it was exciting to be right in the middle of it! We are so happy to be able to experience an ODI, and hope that other League members will enjoy it as much when they go!
Contact Them About The ODI: (l - r) Kseniya Hogan: kseniya.hogan@gmail.com Liz Lane: elizabeth.laneb@gmail.com
Thank you for all coming together to make the 19th Annual Holiday Shoppes a success! We had over 5,000 come through the doors of the Horticulture Building to see the amazing event we all put together! The committee had an intense last couple of months, but we know it’s worth it when it’s all over. I love to be able to see the smiles on everyone’s faces before they walk through the doors of what will no doubt be a fantastic experience. There is no other event that you can get your holiday shopping done early and support a heartfelt non-profit at the same time! This year, we kicked it up a notch with our Winter Wonderland theme. Thanks to Marie Norkett and all of the volunteers on Wednesday and Thursday for taking the time to really transform the Fairgrounds. I know everyone loved it! As I’m sure most of you saw, Christie and Julianna were all over the television and radio getting the public excited about the event. Thanks to Heather Connell for making all of the advertising happen and really getting our event out there! The raffle table caught everyone’s eyes as they walked in, and we made more money on the raffle this year than last year because of it! Not to mention the exciting donations that made for a great large ticket raffle drawing. Thanks to our Raffle Co-Chairs, Mary Ann Revere-Lopez and Rachel Ford, for really getting out there and selling our tickets. As I’m sure some of you noticed, we had more than 35 new merchants attend Holiday Shoppes this year! Thanks to Marissa Montreal and Whitney Browne for making sure our merchants were as excited to be there as we were! Thanks to Amy Slivka for taking on the role as Tickets and Staffing Chair and making sure all volunteers knew what to do and attendees were greeted with friendly faces as they first entered our events. Thanks to Sarah Dempsey for transforming the theme of Community Boulevard to respect the past and look forward to the future. Thanks to Bonnie Kelly for making sure our merchants and our volunteers were well
2 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • December 2014
fed and had hot coffee! Thanks to Jill Ellis and Sheryl Capozzi for making sure we were accounting for all of our money! Thanks to Rea Carver and Kate Zwecker for starting a Facebook campaign to attract new attendees and getting the word out on social media! A big thank you to Jessica Murray for taking photos and documenting the event on social media. A huge thank you to Sarah Weber and Heather Ford Wallace for being a sounding board, a friendly face, and a safety net all at the same time. And thanks to all of you – for volunteering your time and for making this year’s fundraiser a success! Congratulations to the Sustainer with the most tickets sold, Evonne Pacini, and the four members who sold the most tickets – Rea Carver, Cheryl Saidel, Jill Lawlor, and Jackie Azbill. Congratulations also to everyone who sold 10 or more tickets and will be able to attend the Holiday Party for free! Our presale ticket sales definitely contributed to the attendance increase this year! Keep your eyes open for the dates for Holiday Shoppes 2015. If you would like to be a part of growing Holiday Shoppes into an even bigger success, let your Nominating Advisor know! We’re always welcome to new faces and new ideas! Thank you JLS!
Contact Holiday Shoppes Co-Chairs: (l - r) Christie Novak: cmn@dbbllc.com Julianna Hebert: juliannahebert7@gmail.com
A Big THANK YOU To our 2014 HOLIDAY SHOPPES Sponsors & Supporters! Platinum Sponsor:
Going Green Sponsor:
Silver Sponsor:
Media Supporters: Bronze Sponsors:
Neil & Helene Gold Raffle Sponsors: Friends of the League:
The Holiday Shoppes Merchants
NY Maple Booth Thank You to Our Merchants: • A La Maison • A New Attitude • Allen Stoneware • Antique Underground • Applegrove Farm • Arbonne • Bargenes • Bayside Wood Products • Bente Designs • Bev & Co. • Biffled, Inc. • Boom Babies • Boom Babies • Born in Fire • By Gone Days Shoppe • Candy Cane Clothing Company • Changing Room, The • Charmed Lockets • Chocolate Pizza Company • Cindy’s Gift Solutions / Thomas Joyce Frames • Clee Knits • Cloz’s • CMF Enterprize • CNY Occasions • Connie Shipos Designs • Corry Enterprises • Country Ewe, The • Creations By Nella • Creative Designs By Carol • Creative Outlet • Crescent Moon Clothing • Cutco Cutlery • Designs by Elle • DK DesignZ • Dreissig Lady& Fan Hands
• Empire State Lyme Disease Assocation • Evil Sisters • Exotic Mills • Francis House, Inc • Fusions by Lola • Gifts From the Heart • Global Imports, LLC • Grace Adele • GSM Jewelry • Hair Jeweler, The • Headlines • Health and Comfort • Healthy Sisters’ Soup & Bean Works • Hope for Heather • I’m Melting...Glass • In the Basket • In The Beginning • Infused! • Jane Morgan’s Little House • Jannette’s Designs • Kaylie Beth’s Boutique • KLB Designs • La Bella Boutique • Lady Jayne LTD • Lago Jewelers • Les Savons de Lou Lou! • Littoral Line Studio • LooRoo Lovies • Man in the Moon Candies • Mary Kay Cosmetics • Mary Lansley Originals • Mary’s Fault • Metro Home Style • Mia Bath & Body • Miche Handbags
• Michelle Masters Studio • Mo’ Dough • Molly Project, The • Moonlight • Morgia Designs • Mounts by Mark • Nana’s Topping • Nantucket Cat, The • Natural Creations • Natural Creations by Nancy • Neino Fab • New York Almond • Olive on Brooklea • Orange Vessel Company, Inc. • Pain Free Products • Palatine Cheese • Pampered Chef, The • Peggy Park • Perfect Beginnings • Positively Pink Packages • Rainbow Acre Fiberfarm • Rhubarb Kitchen Shop • S and I Signs • Sabrosa Salt Company • SallyeAnder Soaps • Scentsy Wickless Candles • Sewing Siblings, The • Showoffs • Simple Roast Coffee Co • Sparetime Specialties • Stella & Dot • Stone Grafix • Surprenant’s Berry Farm • Sweet Salvage Gift Shop • Syracuse Poster Project • T-Bags & Rags • Tastefully Simple
• Terra Organic Spa • Terry Smith • The Scrub Hub • Thousand Islands Winery • Tulipwood Lane • Tupperware • Varick Winery & Country Store • Vermont Harvest • Vintage Jewelry Refurbished • Vintage Room, The • White Sleigh Ltd., The • Wicker World • Winetini • Witty Wicks Candles • Wren’s Den, The • WRKDesigns • Yan Yan • Younique • Zilla’s Queen
The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • December 2014 | 3
SECTIONALS ARE COMING! This February we are returning to the traditional sectional format. The Training and Education team is working on a variety of activities that offer information about our current focus area and potential future interest areas, as well as opportunities for personal growth. Some will fall into both categories. For instance, we are aware that many members interested in the McMahon Ryan Darkness to Light training to prevent child abuse were unable to fit last spring’s scheduled workshops into their schedules. February Sectionals will include a special presentation for Junior League members on the evening of Monday, February 9th. A workshop on Public Speaking (date TBD) will help sharpen the skills needed for reports to GMMs and in other aspects of your lives. Other activities are still in their planning stages as we negotiate the schedule around the winter school break. Watch your e-mail blasts for more details as February approaches.
JLS BOOK CLUB • January 12, 7pm, JLS Office: Special Meeting with Sustainer book club. “Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown, Edward Herrmann, and Daniel Brown. Stay in the loop about the Book Club. Contact me to be added to the e-mail list.
SUSTAINER NEWS Call for Nominations for the Mary Harriman Award:
Recommendations for nominees will be due at the end of February for the Mary Harriman Award. Please take some time to think about a Sustainer who exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding leader that has improved the social and economic conditions of others while embracing the mission and vision of the of the Junior League. The suggestions for nominees (along with the initial paperwork) should come from the Sustainer ranks. Your input is valued and I hope that you will take the time to consider a fellow Sustainer for this prestigious award. The nomination application can be found on the JLS website. Please e-mail your completed nomination form to me at apsumida@gmail.com or mail to the Junior League office. Sustainer Tidbits
Contact the Book Club Organizer: Jenny Jackson: jennyjackso@gmail.com
It was great to see some familiar and some new faces at Holiday Shoppes. Thank you all for your continued support of our largest fundraiser of the year. Saturday, December 6th is the date for our Annual Pie Making at Blessed Sacrament Church from 9am – Noon. Please contact Sheila Corbishley at shcorbishley@
Member Development The new member class of the Junior League of Syracuse had its first official meeting on Tuesday, October 28th. There are currently 7 individuals in the new member class. At the meeting the structure of the league was discussed. There was also an overview of the new member requirements including meeting dates/times. The new member class will be meeting with a number of the agencies that the league has partnered with is the past including Dorothy Day House and Vera House. We are looking forward to a great 2014 – 2015 year!
gmail.com or 463-5731 if you are able to participate. Saturday, December 6th is also the date when our own Lynn Horowitch (and husband David) will be honored by Vera House at the 2014 New Beginnings Gala at the OnCenter. We will be putting together a Sustainer table for the event. If you are interested in attending please contact Judy Winslow at judy.winslow13@gmail.com or at 315-682-1950. Our monthly R&R’s continue to be popular at the new Pascale Italian Bistro at Drumlins. Please stop by on the fourth Tuesday of the month around 5:30pm to catch up with old friends. Help Needed:
I really could use a volunteer or two to put together a Lunch ‘N Learn for the first quarter of 2015. Please contact me with your ideas and availability. Contact the Sustainer VP: Amy Sumida: apsumida@gmail.com
KUDOS Lynn Hororwitch and her husband David were honored at the Vera House 2014 New Beginnings Gala Julianna Hebert has been accepted into the Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism program at the Sage Graduate Schools. ___________________________ Contact the Membership Development & Recruitment Co-Chairs: (l - r) Audra Mueller: gustielawyer@gmail.com Amanda Spence: amandamathey@yahoo.com
4 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • December 2014
If you would like to submit a Kudos, please e-mail the NOTES Editor, Whitney Daniels at whitney@wrkdesigns.com
2015 – 2016 Phase I & II Paperwork Active Members – have you completed your Phase I Paperwork? The submission deadline was December 1, 2014, however, Nominating Advisors will still accept your paperwork if you have not yet had an opportunity to review and submit. As a reminder, Phase I Paperwork forms were updated to an electronic version that was included in a November E-Blast – no paper copies were mailed. Please contact the JLS Office or your Nominating Advisor if you need a blank form. Phase I Paperwork provides a foundation for the Nominating Committee to build next year’s leadership team. Nominating uses Phase I Paperwork as a starting point for the slating process, which will continue over the next few months until the full 2015 – 2016
JLS Leadership Team has been slated. There is still time to contact your Nominating Advisor if you are interested in being considered for a leadership position. As we wrap up 2014 and ring in the New Year, it’s also a good time to start thinking about your JLS Committee interest for 2015 – 2016. To be considered “in good standing,” all Active members are required to actively participate in at least one JLS Committee or a Board/Chair position. The Phase II Paperwork (to be released in March 2015) will give each Active member the opportunity to identify her top three choices for Committee placement. There are several resources you can go to for further information about Committees: the JLS Poli-
cies and Bylaws outline the details associated with each Committee; the current Chair of each Committee will also provide first-hand insight into Committee dynamics and activities; and as always, your Nominating Advisor is a great resource of information, especially if you’re seeking advice on what Committee is the best fit for you. Contact the Placement Chair: Laura Nelson: lanelson19@gmail.com
Meeting Briefs October GMM Meeting: • Council Announcements/Updates: Community reviewed upcoming collaborations; New Member meeting on October 28th and are expecting 8 – 10 in attendance • Holiday Shoppes Update: Reminder to complete and submit staffing forms and purchase presale tickets; 109 merchants committed to date, 152 booth spaces sold; Maple Booth open again this year, 10% of their profits will be donated to JLS; New t-shirts for members to wear, in place of red aprons; Cazenovia Jewelry, Mirbeau Spa, and Stuckey Audi & Co. confirmed for raffle donations • Nominating confirmed Phase I paperwork will be sent electronically by November 1st and are due December 1st • JLS Book Club is having a Movie Night on Octobe 23rd to see ‘Gone Girl,’ • Board/Management Update: ODI Certificates of Attedance - Jessica Murray, Megan Husted, Courtney Bintz and Liz Baker; Officially transitioned to Jitasa – third party provided accounting system; Website updates revealed October 15th, pictures are needed!; Human Trafficking Lunch & Learn is November 6th and two more to be scheduled this league year • Guest Speaker was Kate Holmes with Catholic Charities, Catholic Youth Organization October Board Meeting: • Governance: Discussion of creating a governance board or strategic committee to focus on future/growth. Possible leadership roles – PE, PEE, Treasurer, Fund Development VP, Active Member at Large • Management updates: Jitasa – third party provider of accounting services is up and running. Have had two AP payment proposals. Reviewing how we will track spending by councils; Digital Cheetah – reviewed website mock up and hope to share live public site with membership at Holiday Party in December • Human Trafficking - Lunch and Learn Nov 6th - 75 invites will be mailed out; McMahon Ryan – Met with Executive Director Linda Cleary and their designated Human Trafficking staff member to discuss collaborations. Meeting again on Oct 28th to collaborate on the project to put together toiletry kits
for the Youth Shelter. • Holiday Party – working on finalizing a location for the event Genesee Grande or catering here in the ballroom. November GMM Meeting: • Community: Cheryl Saidel/Beth Edward – Committee meetings are being held at agencies we are collaborating with. Next event is at the SWCC and also McMahon Ryan – Holiday Angel project – baskets for families. Dorothy
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The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • December 2014 | 5
Day event Dec 6th – looking for volunteers. Salvation Army refurbish of playroom begins in Jan 2015. • Holiday Shoppes: Christie Novak/Julianna Hebert – Final count 124 Merchants and 176 booths. Bridge Street is this Friday and Radio interviews this week as well. Please pick up and wear the JLS T-shirt when working the HS shift this weekend. • ODI Presentation: Liz Lane/Kseniya Hogan – Held in Kansas City, MO (their 100th anniversary). Liz and Kseniya shared their experiences and what they learned over the weekend. Focus area workshops were provided and Kseniya attended the Diversified Fund Development track with Carol Scott and Liz attended the Goverance track – Governing for Excellence with Anne Dalton • Phase I & II Paperwork: Jill Lawlor – Will be voting for three new Nominating Advisors at the December Holdiay Party – Liz Baker, Jessica Murray and Courtney Bintz will be rolling off the committee. Reminder to complete Phase I Paperwork, Mock Slating Process was presented to give membership an overview of the Nomintaing Committee and the slating process November Board Meeting: • Jitasa: New Chart of Accounts was reviewed – Expense number and class number should be provided for each charge • Website: Approving final image on mockup, if not live by December Holiday Party will share mock site. Going live with content first then building membership section. • Community: S.O.A.P.S – Launch HT plan for 2015 at January GMM; Theresa Florez may be speaking at our January GMM and looking into a public fundraiser • NYSPAC – 2 focus areas: HT and Family Medical Leave • Holiday Shoppes Review: Over 5,000 in attendance, Assistant Treasurer will present final numbers at December Holiday Party GMM. Fund Development Committee is compiling a 3 – 5 year cost analysis of the Holiday Shoppes cost at the NYS Fairgrounds. Contact the Secretary: Kelly Gillespie: gillespie@twcny.rr.com
2014 – 2015 Board Members President: Heather Ford Wallace President-Elect: Jenny Jackson Donahoe PEE: Cathy Dotterer Treasurer: Jill Ellis Secretary: Kelly Gillespie COMMUNICATIONS VP: Sarah Shea Dempsey
Community VP: Megan Husted Fund Development VP: Sarah Weber
The notes By Mail Any member who would prefer to receive a copy of The NOTES via USPS can notify the office at office@jlsyracuse.com. Many thanks in advance!
READ THE NOTES ONLINE You can now read The NOTES online on the JLS website: www. JLSyracuse.org or on Issuu at: issuu.com/jlsyracuse
JLS Office Hours: M/W/Th: 12 – 4 pm • Tue: 2 – 6 pm • Fri: 9 am – 1 pm NOTES Deadline: 2nd Tuesday of each month NOTES Editor: Whitney Daniels whitney@wrkdesigns.com
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6 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • December 2014
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• Introduction and Welcome • Community Collaborations • Advocacy • Membership Development • Communications • Fund Development • Holiday Shoppes 2013 • Sustaining Members
2013 – 2014 Board Members President: Heather Ford Wallace President-Elect: TBA Treasurer: Cathy Dotterer Secretary: Jill Lawlor COMMUNICATIONS VP: Sarah Shea Dempsey Community VP: Linda Dombrow Fund Development VP: Sarah Weber Membership VP: Jennifer Jackson Parliamentarian: Anna O’Neil Sustainer VPS: Lynn Horowitch & Amy Sumida
Introduction and Welcome The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. (JLS) has promoted voluntarism, developed the potential of women, and improved our community for nearly 94 years. 2013 – 2014 was a year of growth and development for the JLS. This past year has been another amazing push towards of furthering our mission and vision. The 18th Annual Holiday Shoppes experienced another successful year. We are fully supported by our own membership to run this amazing shopping extravaganza. The Holiday Shoppes had a new theme, color scheme and more than 5,000 visitors this year. We are continuing to grow our membership. The JLS is always looking for women who want to join us to make a difference in our community. We provided a year-long training course to fully educate our new members on all aspects of The Junior League of Syracuse as well as two volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits. We have provided our membership with valuable training on topics that are affecting our Central New York community. The JLS has begun our issue-based community work on Human Trafficking. The JLS is raising awareness about the fact that Human Trafficking does happen here. We completed a successful grassroots advocacy campaign and worked with our sister leagues in Albany (via NYSPAC) to advocate for a change in our laws to help the victims and punish their
traffickers. We can’t give up on our fight to help victims of Human Trafficking. It was truly an honor to serve as President this year but I couldn’t have done it all without my amazing board of directors. Every board member contributed to this year’s success; they all have such strengths and a passion for the JLS that will keep us strong and viable in the years to come. I also have the unique opportunity of continuing my Presidency for the 2014 – 2015 year. It is such a great opportunity to continue to build on the success of this year. We will continue our efforts on the issue of Human Trafficking as well as continued support of the various collaborations. The JLS will continue to recruit and train the civic leaders of tomorrow. We are tireless in our commitment to improve our community. Together we are a force for change!
Heather Ford Wallace President, 2013 – 2015
Community Collaborations
Spreading awareness about Human Trafficking and/or empowering potential victims was woven into each of this year’s Community Collaborations. Donating locally-sourced foods to address food vulnerabilities: Assumption Food Pantry / Regional Market Food drive — Most Saturdays throughout the duration
of the Regional Market summer season, JLS members volunteered to collect food from market vendors to donate to Assumption Food Pantry. The vendors were very generous and donated fresh produce and baked goods. This activity focused JLS members on addressing food vulnerabilities in the community that The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • 2013 – 2014 Report to the Community | 7
could lead to desperate responses, such as participating in Human Trafficking. Providing support to the vulnerable homeless: Catholic Charities’ new emergency shelter for men — In July 2013,
Catholic Charities opened to the community a new men’s shelter. The shelter is a lowbarrier, 12-hour emergency shelter and a 24-hour, transitional program for men ready to take the next step past substance abuse and toward independent living. JLS representatives attended a reception and presented a donation of socks for residents, which are a valuable commodity to homeless men. This activity enabled JLS to address a tangible need in the community and build a bridge with an organization we would be interested in partnering with in the future to share our anti-Human Trafficking message.
number of toys and books, including a play kitchen and food, train set, building blocks, a Matchbox car set with rug, and several children’s books. All items were selected from MMR’s Amazon wish list, and the volunteers provided specific items requested by the center. The group also toured the center and discussed child advocacy needs and the center’s role of combating Human Trafficking in Syracuse. Holiday baking to address hunger in Syracuse — A group of JLS members met on
a Saturday in December 2013 at a community church kitchen to bake several dozen cookies and desserts for Assumption Food Pantry. This activity continued the JLS focus on fighting hunger vulnerabilities in Syracuse that can lead to desperate situations such as Human Trafficking.
Building physical strength and positive self-image in community youth — Several
Saturdays during fall 2013 and spring 2014, JLS members volunteered with the Fleet Feet “Kids in Motion” program at Onondaga Lake Park. This program focuses on teaching youth healthy living skills to build confidence and make them less vulnerable to negative activities, such the lures of Human Trafficking predators.
parking lot of the CNY Philanthropy Center in April 2014 to collect donations of clothing, home goods, and food pantry items. The collaboration gave the League to opportunity to show ongoing support of Catholic Charities and share the Anti-Human Trafficking message with attendees. Advocating “STEM” careers to build young adult opportunities: Syracuse City School District — JLS volunteers planned
and executed the second annual STEM event at Danforth Middle School on May 9, 2014. Speakers and activities were presented to educate middle school students on careers in science, technology, engineering and math. The event was so successful that the committee was able to secure a date for spring 2015. This event enables JLS to fill a critical need in the community and encourage youth to pursue lucrative and fulfilling careers that will prevent them from becoming vulnerable to Human Trafficking.
Building confidence in young women: Becca’s Closet — Becca’s Closet is a student-
run organization at Liverpool High School that recycles used dresses and accessories for high school girls. JLS members participated in the donated dress sorting event in November 2013 and dress donation event in May 2014. This collaboration enabled JLS members to help young women participate in prom and spring dances, which boost their confidence. At the dress donation event, JLS members staffed the anti-Human Trafficking table, sharing the message and distributing t-shirts, mugs, posters, and books to other community volunteers and families attending the event.
Advocacy Evaluating community needs to appropriately allocate United Way donations — A group of JLS volunteers participated in
the United Way Program Allocation Review Process throughout the winter (January – March 2014). This was a great opportunity to support the United Way in its grant review and fund allocation process that occurs every three years. It was also a unique opportunity for JLS members to learn about the fund allocation process and community agencies and their programs in the Syracuse area. Ending sex abuse of children: McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center — In collaboration with the Junior League’s
Encouraging play to support children in crisis: McMahon/Ryan (MMR) Child Advocacy Center — Ten JLS members
attended a playroom donation and facility tour at McMahon-Ryan on a Saturday in November 2013. The group donated a
Human Trafficking awareness efforts, “Darkness to Light” child abuse prevention training was offered by McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center to JLS members in the spring 2014. This collaboration served to further build our commitment to MMR’s mission of child advocacy and Human Trafficking prevention in the community. Supporting emergency services to combat Human Trafficking: Catholic Charities Emergency Services — JLS
members helped Catholic Charities plan, advertise and run a donation drive in the
8 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • 2013 – 2014 Report to the Community
For the second year, the Public Policy Committee’s attention focused on working with the Junior League’s New York State Public Affairs Committee (NYSPAC) to secure legislative approval of the Trafficking Victims Justice and Protection Act. TVJPA makes a series of changes in New York State law to improve protections for trafficking victims and facilitate prosecution of traffickers. Junior League of Syracuse was represented at NYSPAC’s Annual Fall Conference and at the 2-day Albany conference in May 2014. The Albany conference included a day of briefing on the status of TVJPA and a day of meetings with legislators expected to have the greatest impact on the legislation’s success (or failure). As of this writing, the legislation remains stalled. Member time dedicated to Public Policy Committee activities over the year was approximately 75 hours. Financial investment was $200 for NYSPAC dues and $489 for travel to the Spring Conference.
Membership Development New Member Class — Annual
recruitment events in September 2013 drew more than a dozen new provisional members. From October through April,
new members were trained on the mission, vision and history of JLS, and participated in community impact projects. The new member class created a wreath for the Everson Museum Festival of Trees event, and visited Dorothy Day House to provide meals, play bingo and distribute goodie bags to the ladies. Fourteen new members were voted in as active members at the May 2014 General Membership Meeting, and every new active member jumped in to volunteer opportunities presented by the League this year. Member Education & Training — In addition to the hands-on education and training members received throughout the year by carrying out committee work and leadership roles, JLS members received formal training at monthly General Membership Meetings (GMMs): • September – Agent Todd Bunnenburg spoke about Human Trafficking • October – John Duncan spoke about Onondaga County Human Trafficking courts • November – Agent Ronni Dickhaut spoke about Human Trafficking • January – Local agency panel spoke about the efforts to end Human Trafficking • February – StrengthsQuest training for members • March – JLS Treasurer and Fund Development VP educated members about JLS finances • April – Panel of representatives from local housing shelters: Catholic Charities, Onondaga County and Salvation Army • May – Panel of representatives from agencies combatting hunger in our community: Food Bank, Assumption Food Pantry, Downtown Pantry and Emergency Assistance Program, and Onondaga County Health Department
Communications
The JLS employed a variety of communication and marketing strategies to deliver year-round internal and external messaging of the JLS’s community impact, leadership development, membership recruitment, and fundraising efforts during 2013 – 2014. The League’s publications – The NOTES (monthly newsletter), Annual Report, and Report to the Community – have a new, cohesive look. The Communications Council played an integral role in all activities of the League, helping spread awareness about JLS and the issue of Human Trafficking at Macy’s Shop for a Cause and New York State Fair Women’s Day. Social media played a huge role in the League’s Human Trafficking Outreach Proj-
ect. League members visited 113 places around Central New York to share materials and raise awareness about Human Trafficking. Members then used Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the hashtag #JLSendHT to publicize the places they had been. Through the use of social media tools (e.g. “liking” and “sharing”), JLS reached a huge audience of social media users that would not have otherwise been tapped.
Fund Development
The Fund Development Council continued to explore opportunities through which to diversify and expand revenue sources for the JLS. As part of this process, the Council assessed current development efforts, analyzed a proposed fund raising event, and educated members about the League’s finances. The JLS annual appeal again successfully leveraged the annual membership renewal campaign, and the JLS continued its partnership with Macy’s, participating in the August 2013 Shop For A Cause event at Destiny USA.
Holiday Shoppes 2013
The Holiday Shoppes event remained the League’s primary fundraiser, once again providing the necessary revenue to support issue-based community projects and member leadership development opportunities. Due to the tremendous efforts of members and the Holiday Shoppes committee, attendance increased to more than 5,100 guests. In addition to a new Winter Wonderland theme, 20 new merchants participated in the 2013 event, with television and radio advertising opportunities reaching new lev-
els as well. Combined, these opportunities helped to create a successful and enjoyable shopping experience for event patrons, and enabled the JLS to share our Human Trafficking awareness campaign and commitment to the community with Central New York residents. The Holiday Shoppes event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, donors, and community supporters, and participating merchants: • Sponsors: Price Chopper, Time Warner Cable, Feldmeier Equipment, Inc., Dellas Graphics, Neil & Helene Gold, Chocolate Pizza Company • Friends of the League: F. Olivers, NY Maple Booth, Insomnia Cookies, King+King Architects • Media Sponsors: Y94, Syracuse Woman Magazine, News Channel 9, Clipper Magazine, 93Q, YMM, Lamar • Raffle Sponsors: Stickley Audi & Co., Mirbeau Inn & Spa, Syracuse Stage, Cazenovia Jewelry, Ramada Geneva Lakefront, Phoebe’s, Ventosa Vineyards, and the Holiday Shoppes merchants
Sustaining Members
Sustaining member gathered at events throughout the 2013 – 2014 year, demonstrating the lifelong volunteer efforts and camaraderie that the Junior League fosters. Sustainer events included the annual golf outing in September at Drumlins Country Club; pie-baking in December to benefit the Rescue Mission; monthly book club meetings and “R&Rs”; and the annual cocktail party in May. In May, Sustainers also took part in an informative “Lunch and Learn” at St. Joseph’s Primary Care Center-West, learning about the initiative between St. Joseph’s Primary Care Center West and Nojaim Brothers Supermarket. Sustaining members supported the Active membership by participating in a “Lunch and Learn” on human trafficking in October. Twenty-two Sustainers came out to learn about this issue and the League’s anti-human trafficking awareness campaign. Sustainers volunteered for a variety of shifts at the League’s largest fundraiser, The Holiday Shoppes. Sustaining members’ support of this fundraiser is essential to the event’s success. Sustainers were well represented at the League’s Annual Dinner in June 2014, where Cheryl Ward was honored with the 2013 – 3014 Spirit of Mary Harriman Award, and Peggy Fabic received the 2013 – 2014 Sustainer of the Year award.
The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • 2013 – 2014 Report to the Community | 9
431 E Fayette Street, Suite 225 Syracuse, NY 13202 O: 315-423-9773 F: 315-471-1464 office@jlsyracuse.com www.JLSyracuse.org Mission The Junior League of Syracuse is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Vision The Junior League of Syracuse will be an organization of diverse women committed to enriching the quality of life for women, children and their families in the Central New York Community.
Find the Junior League of Syracuse Online! Visit JLSyracuse.org for direct links.
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