Dear Fellow League Members, 

Thank you for your patience, understanding and support as the leadership of the Junior League of Baton Rouge works to determine the best course of action for the remainder of the league year.  

A major focus of the Board of Directors conversation has been on supporting our membership in the best ways that we can. After thoughtful discussion and consideration of the impact of COVID-19 on our community, we have opted to continue to suspend ALL in-person activities, events and meetings until May 1.

We also recognize that the uncertainty of this time can lead to stress and anxiety and we further recognize that many may be facing financial hardships. While we hope all members will continue to support the work of the League and of their committees through the remainder of the year, no member should feel anxious about her membership obligations or requirements at this time. Flexibility and grace will be extended, as detailed below:  

• Membership & RRR Dues Deadline Extended to April 30: The deadline for payment of dues has been extended to April 30, 2020 for all members. Any member desiring to set up a payment plan should contact Renee Trimble, Financial Vice President, at reneetrimble.jlbr@gmail.com immediately. Your dues serve to fulfill our mission and we ask that you pay your dues as early as possible. Your dues help the operations of the League and will provide a strong start to the 2020-2021 League year being led by Norisha Kirts Glover.
• Placement Credit for 2019-2020: All members will be given placement credit for the 2019-2020 League year.
• Membership Meetings/Trainings: All members will be given credit for 5 meetings for the 2019-2020 League year.
• Hollydays/Touch A Truck Shift Credit: All members that were signed up to work a Touch A Truck shift, will be awarded shift credit. However, those members who did not work their 8 hour Hollydays shift nor arrange makeup shifts with the Membership Vice President will not be awarded credit unless the fine under our Policies and Procedures is paid.
• Volunteer Fair/Placement Fair: We are exploring (virtual) ways to continue to provide you information regarding the different placements available for next year. Stay tuned for more information.
• Online Placement: Online placement will begin May 11, 2020. Additional communication will go out with instructions regarding this process.
• Other Financial Obligations (Hollydays Raffle and/or Fundraiser Shifts): All financial obligations, including late fees, for Hollydays raffle tickets and missed Hollydays shifts will be due by May 15, 2020.
• JLBR Headquarters: Our headquarters will be closed to volunteer activities, events, and meetings. Groups should not re-gather at another location. When possible, League members may continue their work virtually.

I want to thank our Board of Directors and Executive Management for their thoughtfulness in prioritizing our members during these unprecedented and challenging times. There is a significant amount of work ahead of them through the remainder of the year, so if you have a chance to interact with them by phone or email over the next few months, give them a (virtual!) hug and send some good cheer! The decision to cancel so many events and opportunities has not been made lightly, and three key principles were kept top of our minds:

1. As a mission-focused, member-driven organization, YOU are our top priority. The importance of protecting the health and well-being of our members. We believe we have a social responsibility to do our part to lessen the effects of COVID-19 spread in our community. This remains at the very top of all decision-making criteria. 
2. JLBR is one of the many pieces in our Baton Rouge community, and so the League has responded to the call to serve our community during times of need. We have a long history of serving Baton Rouge, and we remain committed to fulfilling that mission in a way that is safe for our members. We are working with our agencies to identify their needs, and partner with them that can be executed safely. Opportunities will be communicated for those who would like to serve.
3. We will continue to foster a sense of community within the League. We are exploring ways to make video content available to our members so that we can continue to provide valuable training, and keep our members connected to each other and to the League. We also encourage members to find ways to connect with their fellow League members while practicing social distancing: send handwritten notes or check in via phone, email or text. The friendships and relationships that we build in the League should be nurtured, perhaps now more than ever!

During this time of uncertainty, one thing that has remained constant is the support of League members. The League is a special place where women passionate about doing more for our community come together in service to a larger mission. As members of the Junior League of Baton Rouge, we were called for such a time as this. We are just the women this moment needs. I am honored to stand with you in service.

Sincerely,

Namisha Patel-Vasanji
2019-2020 President
Junior League of Baton Rouge

Women as Catalysts for Lasting Community Change
in the Areas of Health, Education and Cultural Development