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What a year it has been, friends! When
we gathered in May, I shared some of
the moments and experiences that have guided and inspired throughout my life. As we close out an unforgettable year, I am grateful for those moments that have been like a beacon to me throughout this journey. As we present our 2021 Matters Annual Report, I want to take you through a year to remember.
As we turned the page to begin the 2020- 21 League year, we were full of questions as we were facing many uncertainties. We expected we would alter some summer projects, and hopeful the fall projects and events would go off without a hitch. Trust
me when I say, that did not go as planned. What we quickly came to realize is we would need to reimagine the entire League year. Conversations began of how to proceed in what was sure to be a historic year. What our events would look like? How to keep our members engaged, while making them feel heard and safe? How to make our staff feel safe and heard? How to fulfill our commitment of improving our community if we cannot be with them in person?
We began by creating a COVID Advisory group to develop general discussion of what we could expect for the near future. From there we created four focus groups in the areas of Membership, Community, Fund Development, and Operations. These groups were charged with thinking through the known and the unknown.
We harnessed our volunteers’ creativity and flexibility as we reimagined summer projects in a matter of weeks, and nearly all of our year-round projects pivoted as the year progressed. Everything from “camp in a box” to prerecorded stories and instructional lessons, our volunteers exceeded all expectations. There is nothing our members cannot do.
There are many words used to describe women in the Junior League of Jackson—visionaries, change makers, fearless, resilient, innovative, bold, courageous. And members of the Junior League of Jackson are all of these. League members are made of integrity, grit, and determination. We respond to a crisis, no matter how big or small. We show up time and time again. It is amazing what we can accomplish together by making Every moment Count!
Sincerely,
Staci Tompkins McNinch
2020-2021 President
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
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