Volunteer work has been something I have been exposed to all my life. My parents, Karen and Louis, had always been involved with one or another organization in the community. From helping out children in South Akron, donating clothes and teaching them various tasks, to working alongside my siblings and me with the Bar Auxiliary, Akron Civic Theatre, Special Olympics and the Fairlawn City Women’s Club, there was always an organization that I was working with throughout my childhood.
Whatever way I could, and can, get involved to give back, I do. I have been told numerous times that I need to learn the word “NO”. I have to thank my parents for instilling volunteerism, selflessness and community involvement in me. Thank you to my mom, my late dad and Spencer. Without the love, support, guidance and ability to volunteer I wouldn’t be here.
The Junior League was first started in 1901 by Mary Harriman in New York City, and the Junior League of Akron started in 1926. As we begin our 85th year, we will be working on many new and exciting things. Our summer will be spent revamping our Strategic documents with the assistance and input of Sustainers and Actives. Our goal is to better align our documents with the needs of our membership and with the national AJLI documents. This project will be called the “Roadmap.”
As we continue this year I hope to focus on offering training to our membership and encourage all members to utilize all that AJLI offers to us. We will also begin researching for a new focus project as we phase away from our current project, Adopt-a-High Rise.
“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Learning to work together and meshing with the many personalities and ideas that we have as a League is an important part of our training. We all have the same goal in the end, “Women building better communities”. We want to better our communities together, for a longer lasting, positive impact.
A quote from Debbie Brown Robinson, AJLI immediate past president, “We are planting the seed of a tree of which we may never enjoy the shade.” I think this speaks best of all the wonderful things the Junior League of Akron has done over the past 84 years, and will be doing over the next year and into the future with the Roadmap, focus project development, and working on a fundraiser all while celebrating our 85th year.
To have been so involved with the League during the past few years has been an amazing and wonderful experience. I have been trained to do so many things that I can take to the various organizations I am a part of throughout our community. I am looking forward to another wonderful year!
Best,
Keri-Ann Kalavity
President
2010-2011