By Alex Iwashyna, blogger at Late Enough 
Last week, my mom and I attended the 66th Annual Junior League Book and Author Dinner. That’s right MY MOM AND I. I can’t remember the last time my mom and I did anything without our regular entourage of kids, spouses, sisters. Three years ago?
The best part, besides the amazing authors like Karen Russell whose book, Swamplandia!, I’m currently devouring not only for the riveting story line but for her ability to turn a phrase that makes any writer sigh with delight, was that my mom invited me because I’m a writer. Best reason ever. Aren’t moms amazing?
Otherwise, the term “Junior League” would be enough to scare me off. I had no idea what these women did, but I pictured overly-social ladies in Lily Pulitzer carrying Coach bags — pretty much not in my league at all. But when I researched through my assumptions (although assuming is so much FUN!), the Junior League has given 30,000 volunteer hours to our community in all sorts of ways. And I'm totally a sucker for how much they focus on promoting family literacy because I think that reading and access to books are amazing gifts.
Plus, they put on Touch-a-Truck every fall which we adore.
Touching a truck in 2009
The Junior League seems to be everywhere. To quote one community leader “Every time I work with the Junior League, I feel like the Marines have landed.” I admire people willing to put their money and their feet where their community needs it. Even if those feet are in Diane von Furstenberg Gladiator Sandals. Admittedly, those shoes ARE fantastic.
If you would like to join the Junior League, applications for member ends May 9th, 2011.
If you missed the membership deadline, you can still donate to The Junior League of Richmond with a click.
Oh and you can definitely attend next year’s Book and Author Dinner with my mom and I. I'm pretty sure that she's stuck with me every year. As long as she keeps calling me a writer.
