Why I Volunteer: Clare Richardson-Barlow

I originally joined the Junior League to serve in my community—at the time, that was a new community for me, in Monterey, CA. I had spare time, I wanted to get to know where I was living, and I was feeling ambitious, just out of graduate school and starting my career. Now, three years later and in a different city, volunteering with the Junior League of Washington (JLW) serves a similar purpose, but I am more focused on the value of what JLW provides—both for the community and me. I figure, as I learn more about the city I live in (wherever that may be), the people in JLW, and myself, my reasons for serving will probably continue to change, too.

The volunteer assistance that JLW members provide our communities is incredibly important. But I also take to heart the fact that in order to be better volunteers we have to keep learning new things, continue to work on our daily interactions with people around us, and make an effort to grow our individual skill sets (We can always improve—focusing on the “product” instead of the perks, for instance). JLW, and the Development and Training Committee, provides at least a piece of this service in my life. Seeing firsthand the incredible training opportunities we can offer our peers is inspiring; personal branding, being a mentor, public speaking, even retirement planning—those topics are useful. Maybe half of the women attending these classes are showing up because they need a membership credit, but does that really matter if they are learning something in the process?  Absolutely not; better volunteers make a better League.

When I first joined Junior League I was so pleased to have my mini placement on the Development and Training Committee—having been raised by two teachers it seemed like a natural fit. Now, 3 years later and on the same committee, when I consider what purpose I want a Junior League membership to provide me, I know that there are deeper reasons for my service than simply wanting to know my community. Yes, I serve because it’s fun, but I also serve because I want to have a positive impact on the people around me. Personal growth is a bonus.

 Clare Richardson-Barlow, JLW Development and Training Volunteer

Check out Development and Training events online! Upcoming topics include Transitioning Into Motherhood and The How To's of Home Buying.

Enchanting DC Kids, With Books!

[Photo Credit: Reading is Fundamental]

Magic happens when you give books to children, as Junior League of Washington (JLW) member and Celebrations Committee Co-Chair Sloane Hurst quickly learned in December 2012.

Participating in one of three book distributions as a part our Centennial celebration, Sloane said, “I cried my eyes out when a little first grader ran up to me and hugged me to say thank you for her OWN book! She asked me if she had to share it and I said that when she was done reading it she should give it to another little girl.”

The December event featured Paul Zelinsky, illustrator of Z is for a Moose who gave an engaging talk to the kids, sharing an animated storyline involving the moose. The kids then had the opportunity to tell Paul what they thought a “zmoose" looked like as he drew their description. The experience was truly “out of the mouths of babes,” including a flying turtle and shoes for the moose.



The power of ownership and reading is strong. In February, Junior League of Washington members will deliver over 10,000 books to children in the DC area including several distributions on February 5th, the second of three designated distribution days the JLW is hosting this year with Reading is Fundamental (RIF). 

Bringing 10,000 books (and 10,000 smiles) to DC Public and Charter School students is no small task—but  you can help “enchant” kids with books and share your love of reading by volunteering at one of the many February distributions, including those scheduled for February 5th.

RIF was founded with the mission to motivate children to have a lifelong, life-changing love of reading. This ignites a hunger for knowledge and a passion for learning.  The JLW is partnering with RIF to distribute over 30,000 books to DC area students in DC Wards 1, 5, 7, and 8.  The JLW-RIF partnership is a large component of the JLW’s Resolution Read effort to distribute 100,000 new books to kids in the greater Washington, DC area in celebration of JLW’s Centennial year.

The fact is nearly two-thirds of low-income families in the U.S. own no books.

Eyes sparkle, smiles emerge, and imagination comes alive when children are given the opportunity to own a book. During distribution shifts, JLW volunteers give individual attention to children when selecting books, help children write their name on their new books, read aloud to children, and offer a host of other small activities that will foster a passion for books and reading.

Join us for this magical experience at one of the several JLW Resolution Read distributions in February and check the website often for distribution opportunities to be scheduled for the rest of the JLW year!

One book can make a difference—and to help remember that, here is a catchy jingle: