See why hundreds of local women will wear black during the new Little Black Dress Initiative

Sponsored

From Monday, April 25-Friday, April 29, when you see a Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) member wearing black, you’ll see a visual representation of the impact that the JLB has on our community. Keep reading to learn more about the Little Black Dress Initiative and find out how the JLB supports 30 community projects.

What is the Junior League of Birmingham?

If you’re not familiar, the JLB is an organization of 2,000+ local women dedicated to volunteering and giving back to local nonprofits. To reach their mission of promoting voluntarism and improving the community, the League works with community partners in four areas: education & culture, economic security & financial stability, health & wellness, and safety & crisis.

The JLB supports over 30 community projects, dedicating volunteers and funds toward them. Let’s let the numbers do the talking, shall we? JLB members dedicate over 55,000+ volunteer hours annually to these community projects and provide $1 million in funding.

#AskMeWhyIWearBlack will bring awareness + new funds to JLB’s mission 🌟

The Little Black Dress Initiative is a brand-new social media campaign from the JLB just in time for its centennial celebration. Throughout the campaign, League members will post on their individual social media platforms in black outfits with the hashtag #AskMeWhyIWearBlack to raise awareness about the League and its community projects.

“We are so excited to kick off this new campaign and fundraiser for the Junior League. Not only will we be bringing awareness to the JLB and the work we do in the Birmingham community, we will be raising funds that are crucial to continuing our work and fulfilling our mission. Look for us around town, and ask us why we are wearing black!”

Ellen King, Fund Development Vice President, Junior League of Birmingham

When you see a post with the hashtag or a League member wearing black, take a minute to ask them about their involvement in the League. Beyond raising awareness, the Little Black Dress Initiative is also a drive to raise funds necessary to support the League’s work with their community partners.

Every time I speak to someone in the JLB, I discover something new that the group is doing to make Birmingham a better place—and believe me, the passion of JLB members is contagious.

How JLB makes a difference in the community 👏

Here’s a small look at the programs that the JLB supports every year:

The Literacy Council: ESOL Community Classes

To help battle adult illiteracy in Alabama, the JLB, the United Way of Central Alabama and the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce formed The Literacy Council 1991. Today, JLB volunteers provide tutoring for learners whose primary language is not English.

JLB Diaper Bank

The JLB Diaper Bank collects and distributes diapers and period products to vetted community agencies that then distribute them to families in need, especially low-income and minority populations.

Collat Jewish Family Services: Senior Grocery Delivery Services

To strengthen independence of individuals and families, JLB members partner with Collat Jewish Family Services to deliver groceries to low-income older adults, aged 60+.

“It is important that we as members take every opportunity to spread awareness about the League and all that our organization impacts in our community. From community gatherings, volunteering, everyday to-do’s, to social media and beyond – we want to offer more support for each of our 30 community projects and other agencies we support.”

Amy Jackson, President, Junior League of Birmingham

Want to give back and support programs like these? Donate to the JLB today.

How you can support their mission👇

If you’re a JLB member, getting involved is easy. Don a black dress or black outfit for seven days and post on your social media platforms with the hashtag #AskMeWhyIWearBlack. Then, when friends and followers reach out, you can teach them about the JLB’s initiatives and community projects.

Even if you’re not a member of the League, you can get involved with this initiative by giving back. Plus, you can learn how to join the JLB for the upcoming membership year.

“The Junior League of Birmingham decided to bring this initiative to Birmingham because many people know of the JLB but don’t know what we do. This awareness can both help show people how they can get involved in the Birmingham community but also let people know different ways they can receive help from the JLB.”

Meredith Maitrejean, Marketing Chair for the Little Black Dress Initiative, Junior League of Birmingham

To stay updated on the Little Black Dress Initiative, follow #AskMyWhyIWearBlack on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Plus, donate and learn more.

Sponsored by: