December 2, 2017 | Kimberly Bowsher - President, Junior League of Ogden 2017-18
The 2017-18 League year is really a building year for the Junior League of Ogden. Compiling research and needs assessments from community partners, stepping back and taking a look at what the League is currently doing, what the community needs really are, and how well positioned the League and our women are for doing the work that needs to get done. It’s not a year for rah-rah- rees, but rather for quiet and thoughtful discourse. We’ve looked at our core projects over the last several years and we’ve challenged ourselves to do more, be more impactful, create long term change like our predecessors have done. But we’re also confronted with the harsh reality that there is seemingly never enough time, that 85% of the League is working women who can barely manage their personal schedules let alone coordinate with a committee for in person meetings and consistently move the ball forward. It’s a tough problem: we want to do more while having less time and womanpower to do so. It’s a time when prioritization, practical planning and strategic partnerships have become elemental to our success. Membership has provided a significant amount of feedback and input as to what’s desired, what skills exist, what times work best, and what you all hope to get out of your time in League. The Board, along with the committees, has put in countless hours pairing these items down, prioritizing needs, and working to really focus in on three key drivers of League success. 1. Mission focus 2. Money 3. Training From there, it’s up to you! My husband has watched my time in the League over the last several years in awe and admiration for what the League offers us as women. “I wish that existed for men” has been stated more than once and always followed sometime later by “though I’m sure it really is what you put into it, that you get out.” I cannot stress enough how incredible of an opportunity is before you – via the Junior League. As a board we’re working hard to make sure our business (and busy-ness) is centered purely on mission work, that there’s funding available for the mission and that you as members receive the training and every opportunity to see that mission through – for yourself and the community. A few opportunities to take advantage of right now: 1. Attend the FREE training programs offered through JLO called “CMBA” – Critical Mass of Bad Ass. There are thirteen sessions scheduled between now and the end of May. The schedule rotates so there will be an opportunity to attend something even if you work weird hours, have young children or whatever else may stand in the way. 2. Help with a fundraiser. Whether it’s the annual gala or one of our mini fundraisers like the Poinsettia sales, working with the finance team is one of the best places to make new friendships while working towards a common goal. The financial aspects of the league are also mandatory to every other function we undertake: launching a human trafficking awareness campaign, sending women to training to learn how to manage projects and create lasting change, hosting health programs and community education days, maintaining a community garden and education facility. 3. Get really active in your committee. The most important “boots on the ground” work of the League is carried out by the committees. If you want to learn how to manage a budget, put a program together, understand community relations and complex issues, your best place to learn is in a committee. If you have something you’re dying to get your feet wet in, let your advisor or the Membership team (Daysha) know and they can help you find the right place to get involved, even if that’s not your primary placement. What you put into the League is what you get out of it. And when we say “it’s about the women” we mean it. It’s about you, and all of us, making a commitment to gain new skills, get into the nitty gritty, understand our community and take on projects that don’t get done with just a hoot and a holler. It’s about the women showing up for themselves and for their community. It’s about you.