Sponsored

Martin Smith, JLB Volunteer COR Chair — Corps of Volunteers members pitch in to make Birmingham’s nonprofit events a success. (Martin Smith)

When women come together with a shared purpose, communities thrive. For more than 100 years, the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB), a women’s organization dedicated to developing leadership skills and improving the city through volunteer service, has been part of that story. Projects like the JLB’s Corps of Volunteers (COV) are helping carry the tradition forward.

The JLB’s Corps of Volunteers is a small but mighty team within the JLB that serves various nonprofits across Birmingham. The JLB’s large volunteer base is one of its best, most unique assets, and projects like COV are continuing the JLB’s strong legacy of impactful service in the Magic city.

Here’s now the JLB is showing up for Birmingham and some lessons the COV team has learned along the way

1. Leadership grows when you say yes

Stepping into a leadership role was a big motivator for Martin’s involvement with the JLB, but it all started with saying yes.

“I knew I wanted to volunteer on a more consistent basis. COV felt like the perfect way to give back and stay connected to our community.”
Martin Smith, Chair, COV

What she didn’t expect was how much growth saying “yes” would spark. Leading COV became more than coordinating volunteer shifts—it became an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen leadership skills and make a real difference for Birmingham’s nonprofits.

Through hands-on experience, Martin learned to:

Manage a team
Solve problems on the fly
Keep volunteers motivated

And she learned it all while helping local fundraisers, health initiatives and education programs succeed.

2. A dedicated volunteer and support team is the secret ingredient

COV shows up where Birmingham’s nonprofits need them most—from the Friends of CASA of Jefferson County luncheon downtown to the Magic City Mac + Cheese Festival benefiting Community Grief Support.

Martin discovered that an organized volunteer team can be a nonprofit’s most valuable asset. Whether managing logistics, coordinating volunteers or jumping in wherever needed, COV members ensure events run smoothly so nonprofit leaders can focus on their mission.

Other events COV has supported include: 

Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Spring Plant Sale
Mitchell’s Place’s Dragon Boat Race & Festival

“Every time we volunteer, I see firsthand how much these events depend on us. We’re not just helping run a festival or luncheon. We’re helping nonprofits make a bigger impact in Birmingham.”
Martin Smith, Chair, COV

Want to find out more about COV or want to request volunteers? Visit this link.

3. Volunteering teaches the value of community and connection

Beyond leadership and logistics, Martin has learned that volunteering is about building relationships. Each shift brings opportunities to connect with other passionate women, local nonprofits and community members, forming networks that strengthen Birmingham as a whole.

“Being a volunteer and leader is a privilege. My hope is that others with a passion for service will join us.”
Martin Smith, Chair, COV

In keeping with the JLB’s mission, COV relies on fundraisers, donors and women ready to step and serve. The best part? There’s always room for more leaders who want to make a difference in Birmingham.

Admission for new members will open this fall. Learn more about the JLB and donate here.

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