Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Recent events across our communities have brought us to a pivotal moment in history where we need to speak up for the values our organization believes in. The Junior League of St. Louis Board of Governance understands that it is critical for us to listen, learn and engage. Conversations on race can be painful, hard and personal. We are committed to being open, vulnerable and actively listening.

Following is the External Statement that the Junior League of St. Louis Board of Governance approved on March 22, 2021:

In solidarity with the Association of Junior Leagues International and our sister Leagues, the Junior League of St. Louis stands with our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) League and community members in calling for change. Racist rhetoric has no place in our society, and continued acts of violence and hate only drive our country apart.  Our hearts break for our AAPI community and collectively motivate us to act.

As a catalyst for community change, the Junior League of St. Louis reiterates our unwavering commitment to be an institution of anti-racist learning, development, and empowerment for all women. We actively seek an anti-racist, inclusive, and respectful community made of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities, and we know there is work that remains to eliminate racial injustice and achieve that vision.  

Read the full commitment here: Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Junior League of St Louis (jlsl.org)

 Aligned with intentionally promoting AAPI voices, we encourage you to visit https://stopaapihate.org for more information and resources.

Following is the External Statement that the Junior League of St. Louis Board of Governance unanimously approved on June 17, 2020:

The Junior League of St Louis, in conjunction with The Association of Junior Leagues International, condemns discrimination, racism, and racial injustice in our communities and in our Junior Leagues. Black women and other women of color have been systemically denied equity and inclusion in our economy, education, civic privileges, and responsibilities in the voluntary sector, including in The Junior League. As affirmed by our member Junior Leagues, we are accelerating our efforts to take action and advance definitive, measurable policies and practices that eliminate racism in our countries, our communities, and our Junior Leagues. When we do this, we unlock tremendous power for our communities and realize our vision of women around the world as catalysts for lasting change.

Where Do We Go From Here: The Next Steps

• In alignment with our strategic plan, the JLSL Board of Governance will focus on steps to turn the statement into both short term and long term, sustainable actions
• The 2020-2021 JLSL Board of Governance committee work plans will include specific strategic actions around diversity, equity and inclusion – throughout our organization
• We will convene Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Roundtables for our Junior League of St. Louis members to discuss institutionalizing equity
• Building on the foundation built by 6 years of DE&I focused efforts in our organization – we will continue to provide training and resources for all members