The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) coordinates a global network of women-led civic organizations known as Junior Leagues. These organizations focus on community improvement, volunteer service, and leadership development.
Mary Harriman founded the first Junior League in New York City in 1901. As a social reformer, she brought together a group of women to address poor living conditions in underserved areas. The model expanded quickly as other communities adopted the idea of trained volunteer service led by women.
The growing number of Leagues created a need for structure and support. In response, AJLI formed to offer guidance and continuity across the network. The Association developed resources to help Leagues strengthen operations and stay aligned with their shared purpose.
AJLI now includes around 170,000 women across 294 Junior Leagues. These organizations operate in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Each League remains autonomous but follows a similar mission centered on civic responsibility and community leadership.
The Association provides leadership training, educational materials, and opportunities for collaboration. It also supports communication between Leagues through conferences and shared initiatives.
In addition to its support role, AJLI documents the legacy of Junior Leagues. It maintains records that include historical timelines, archived videos, and profiles of individuals who helped shape the organization over time. These materials help preserve the contributions of Junior Leagues within their local communities.
Anyone seeking more information about the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. can visit its official website for a detailed overview of its history, structure, and network of affiliated organizations.