Membership

Thank you for your interest in joining the Junior League of Columbia (JLC)! The mission of the JLC is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

JOIN

Each year beginning in August, the JLC welcomes and trains a class of first-year members to prepare them for meaningful engagement in both the community and the League. Through a comprehensive training program, new members build lasting connections, participate in community service, and gain a deep understanding of the JLC’s structure, mission, and history.

Prospective members must meet the following criteria to be eligible for membership with the JLC:

    • Be at least 23 years old by June 1.
    • Have EITHER one active or sustaining current member who serves as a sponsor OR submit a letter of recommendation with the prospective member’s application. The letter may be written by an active or sustaining member of the League, or by a person who is not a member of the League but who can comment on the prospective member’s character and/or dedication to service in the community.
    • Reside in the Midlands area (Richland, Lexington, Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Orangeburg, Saluda, Newberry, and Sumter counties).
    • Be enthusiastic and excited about making a difference!
    • Show an interest in developing potential for community service.

Applications for the 2026-2027 New Member class have closed. Applications for the 2027-2028 New Member class will open on October 15, 2026.

 

Admissions Open Houses

For those interested in joining the JLC, we host Admissions Open House events in the fall where prospective members have an opportunity meet current League members and learn more about the League membership and the admissions process.

New Member Meet-Ups

Following the close of applications, incoming new members are invited to attend a New Member Meetup. This event provides an opportunity to connect with fellow new members and hear from JLC leaders about the year ahead. The date for this year’s New Member Meet-Up will be announced in February 2026. This event is hosted at JLC HQ.

Questions?

We’d love to hear from you! You can reach us at admissions@jlcolumbia.org.

 

NEW MEMBER REQUIREMENTS

New Members will have a financial responsibility to pay membership dues and the New Member course fee by March 15, 2026. Membership dues are $175 annually. The New Member course fee is a one-time fee of $150. 
Review the sample checklist for what is expected and required during your new member year. This checklist may be updated for the 2026-2027 League year, but it will provide an overview of the required items.

REINSTATE

To request reinstatement into the Junior League of Columbia (JLC), please fill out this form. Once your reinstatement has been approved, the JLC will contact you.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@jlcolumbia.org.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the JLC!

TRANSFER

The Junior League of Columbia (JLC) welcomes the Association of Junior League International (AJLI) members transferring from Leagues around the world.

To begin the transfer process, please contact your current League and ask them to transfer your membership to the Junior League of Columbia. Transfer requests are processed through the AJLI online system. Once your transfer is complete, the JLC will contact you.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@jlcolumbia.org.

We look forward to welcoming you to the JLC!