Junior League’s new member retreat outlines expectations

FAYETTEVILLE — The Junior League of Northwest Arkansas recently hosted 60 women at its annual New Member Retreat at the Courtyard by Marriott.

New members were welcomed by current membership and sustaining members during a social hour in the lounge area, then the new members were taken through an orientation workshop where they learned more about the league’s history and mission, as well as the founding of the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas.

The league is an educational and charitable organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Members were then escorted to league president Vanessa Miller’s home for dinner with the board. The next morning, new members came together for a breakfast back at the hotel and were addressed by Miller and past president Kamron Whitehead. They also spent time in breakout sessions, learning more from their training leaders about their charitable work objectives for the year and what they’re expected to do to serve the league and the community.

The retreat culminated with a four-hour work day at EOA Children’s House, a year-round therapeutic child development and crisis intervention center that serves children from 6 weeks through 5 years who have suffered from physical, sexual and emotional abuse and life-threatening neglect. New members and trainers worked together to deep clean the facility and make preparations for Children’s House’s upcoming graduation.

“The dynamic of the weekend was truly a deep dive into the league’s mission and work,” said new member small group leader Gracie Ziegler, “The New Member Education committee worked hard to make sure the new members quickly felt integrated into the organization, and it was clear from the work that was achieved at Children’s House that the ladies will be a true asset to the league and our community.”