Membership FAQs
Junior League of Sarasota Membership FAQs
Junior League of Sarasota Membership: Looking for connection, purpose, and a way to make a difference?
Junior League leaders at Legacy Luncheon.
Junior League of Sarasota membership brings women together to build leadership skills, serve the community, and create meaningful local impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.
Whether you are new to Sarasota, growing your career, raising a family, building a business, entering a new season of life, or simply looking for a deeper way to get involved, there is a place for you here.
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Who can join the Junior League of Sarasota?
The Junior League of Sarasota welcomes women who value our Mission and want to grow as leaders while making a difference in the community.
Our members come from many backgrounds, careers, neighborhoods, and life stages. Some are longtime Sarasota residents. Others are new to the area. Some have years of volunteer experience, and others are just getting started.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old by the time they apply and must live in Sarasota County or a neighboring county.
What is the Junior League of Sarasota?
The Junior League of Sarasota is an organization of women whose Mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.
For nearly 70 years, JLS members have served Sarasota County through hands-on volunteer work, community partnerships, fundraising, advocacy, and leadership development.
What do Junior League of Sarasota members do?
JLS members serve the community, organize League programs and fundraisers, attend trainings and membership meetings, and serve on committees that help carry out the work of the organization.
Members have opportunities to build skills in nonprofit leadership, project planning, fundraising, event planning, communications, advocacy, board service, community engagement, and more.
What are the benefits of Junior League of Sarasota membership?
As a member of the Junior League of Sarasota, you will have the opportunity to:
- Build meaningful friendships and professional connections
- Develop leadership skills through hands-on experience
- Serve alongside local community partners
- Learn more about Sarasota County and its needs
- Gain experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, events, communications, advocacy, and service
- Be part of a respected organization with a long legacy of local impact
What is the New Member experience like?
New Members participate in a one-year experience designed to help them learn, connect, and begin making an impact.
The first half of the year focuses on orientation, education, training, and relationship-building. New Members learn about the Junior League of Sarasota’s mission, history, community work, leadership opportunities, and membership expectations.
The second half of the year focuses on mentorship, integration, committee involvement, service, and social opportunities as New Members begin connecting more directly with the work of the League.
When can I apply for Junior League of Sarasota membership?
Prospective members are encouraged to apply as early as possible so they can receive updates about upcoming information sessions, deadlines, and New Member opportunities. Application deadline is August 1, 2026.
What are the New Member requirements?
New Members participate in orientation, training, meetings, service opportunities, fundraising support, and committee involvement.
Requirements may include:
- Attending New Member orientation and meetings
- Completing General Membership Meeting requirements
- Participating in volunteer service opportunities
- Supporting League fundraising efforts
- Connecting with committee work during the second half of the year
Specific dates, requirements, and expectations are shared during the application and onboarding process.
How much are Junior League of Sarasota dues?
New Member dues are currently $200 for the 2026–2027 New Member class.
After completing the New Member year, annual Active Member dues are currently $200. Sustaining Member dues are currently $120.
Financial assistance may be available for eligible members.
If dues are a concern, we encourage you to reach out. We want prospective members to understand the full membership commitment and available support options before joining.
What are Active Member requirements?
Active Members participate in the work of the League through committee service, volunteer opportunities, General Membership Meetings, trainings, annual dues, and support of League programs and fundraisers.
Current Active Member requirements include:
- Annual dues of $200
- Committee service
- Volunteer shift hours
- General Membership Meeting participation
- Support of League programs, fundraisers, and community impact efforts
Financial assistance may be available for eligible members.
What are Sustaining Members?
Sustaining Members are members who have completed their Active membership requirements and continue to support the Junior League of Sarasota through connection, service, mentorship, financial support, and participation in League events and opportunities.
Current Sustaining Member dues are $120. Financial assistance may be available.
Sustaining Members who reach the age of 80 by June 1 may request Emeritus status.
Do I need previous volunteer or nonprofit experience?
No. Members join with a wide range of personal, professional, and volunteer backgrounds.
Some members are experienced community volunteers, while others are just beginning their civic leadership journey. What matters most is a willingness to learn, serve, collaborate, and contribute.
I’m busy. Can I still join?
Yes. Many JLS members are balancing careers, families, school, businesses, caregiving, volunteering, and full lives.
Membership does require time and participation, but you do not need to have it all figured out before you join. The New Member experience is designed to help you understand the commitment, build relationships, and find meaningful ways to get involved.
What kind of training does JLS offer?
Training is central to the Junior League experience.
Through JLS membership, women gain hands-on opportunities to build skills in areas such as:
- Nonprofit leadership
- Project planning
- Fundraising
- Event planning
- Board service and governance
- Communications and outreach
- Advocacy
- Community engagement
- Collaboration and problem solving
These skills support members in the League, in their careers, and in the broader community.
How do I learn more about Junior League of Sarasota membership?
Prospective members are encouraged to apply or complete an interest form to receive details about upcoming information sessions and New Member opportunities.
You can also email membershipoutreach@jlsarasota.org with questions.
I am transferring from another Junior League. What should I do?
If you are an Active, Provisional/New Member, or Sustaining member of another Junior League and are moving to the Sarasota area, we would be happy to help you transfer your membership.
Please visit our Transfer Your Membership page or email recordsmanagementvp@jlsarasota.org.