2014 Women's Equality Day

By Kristen Henry, 2014-2014 JLSA President

Tomorrow marks Women’s Equality Day – a day set aside to celebrate the passage of the 19^th amendment to the constitution – the amendment that would immensely change women’s roles in the United States. But while gaining the vote, which took years of diligence and planning, was surely a gigantic step toward equality, there were still years of struggle. And years of work remain.

Even though women can vote (and have voted at higher rates than men in every presidential election since 1980!), we still only make up approximately twenty percent of both houses of the United States Congress.  More and more of us succeed academically, yet on average, we still make less than our male counterparts. We might be called bossy while he is called boss. 

Many of us still hesitate to park in a dark parking garage or run by ourselves near twilight while a male neighbor thinks nothing of it. Some women will face judgment of whether or not they are a legitimate victim of assault based on the clothes they were wearing when it happened or if they had been drinking. They call him a ladies' man and they call her…   

We are surrounded by double-standards, many of which are so entrenched in our culture that we do not even notice them.  Some may think this an oversimplification of a complex issue, but each of the above examples serves to illustrate that we have yet to achieve true equality – that despite an incredible amount of progress, women must continue to strive for equality in a country whose doctrine claims us all equal.

This work is why organizations such as the Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. are still so important and relevant. It is why I am so proud to serve JLSA. There are three parts to our mission, but the one that stands out as unique to us is “developing the potential of women.” We are uniquely positioned to assist women, both our members and those in the community we serve, to reach new levels of success and empowerment.

I owe my own development as a leader to JLSA, which is why my passion grows daily for the potential of what this organization can achieve. My participation in JLSA means I am surrounded by amazing women who not only learn to empower themselves, but empower those they serve as well as those they serve with.

But this work we do is not only beneficial for women. It is not only beneficial for children for that matter. It is beneficial to everyone in the community. This is because when everyone is empowered to be successful, takes care of their families, and reaches their potential, the entire community wins. Instead of being men and women, we become humanity – a group of people working together on equal footing to make our communities safe, productive, and enjoyable.

But until that day comes, Women’s Equality Day should not just be a day of celebration. This day is a reminder of how far we have come and how far we have yet to go. Our awareness of equality issues is heightened and we are inspired to face them head on. We are encouraged that anything is possible but we have to push to achieve it. So each year, on August 26^th, mark Women’s Equality Day, but work each and every day of the year to fulfill the ultimate goal of true equality.

Welcome BACK !

Jessica McAnelly, a member of the communications council team and our newest blogger extraordinaire, has seen autumn off to a busy start this year. In this latest post, she reminds us not to just get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this season, but also to welcome challenges, growth and opportunities.

Welcome back to another wonderful year in the League.
Welcome back to school.
Welcome back to a routine.
Welcome back to being more involved.
Welcome back to personal growth and development.

As I ran around town in a whirlwind of buying backpacks and school supplies, I saw other moms in the same panic of finishing up their own "to do lists." I, as well as the other moms around me, were all getting ready to get our kids, and ourselves, into a back-to-school frame of mind! It made me think back to how exciting the first day of school really is, kind of like going to our first JLSA General Meeting! You get to see friends you haven't seen all summer; you hear about all the new things that are planned for the year; and you learn new skills!  It's truly a time to get back to growing yourself, to embracing new opportunities to enrich your life!

No matter what stage of life we are in, it's never too late for us to build and grow on the foundations the Junior League of San Antonio has instilled in us. Our league continues to develop our potential and improve our leadership skills through education and our charitable work. So ladies welcome yourselves back to growing within our league and within your life!

This fall, consider taking advantage of opportunities for personal development, whether they're within the League or in our wonderful South Central Texas community.
*Take an online course in a subject that interests you
*Start or finish that Master's degree
*Learn a new Language. Oui ? Si?
*Take on a leadership role within the league
*Take a Toastmasters class and finally get over that fear of public speaking
*Sign up for training sessions the league offers and sometimes get a Member Credit. Double Bonus!

Whatever you have on your mind to do, remember it's never too late to get back to growing yourself!

And mark your calendars to attend our first General Meeting, Sept. 13 at the Bright Shawl. We want YOU to get in that back to school mode by showing us your college pride (prizes will be awarded)!

I don't know about you, but I already feel those first day of school butterflies and can't wait to see old and new friends and hear about the things we will accomplish in the League this year! Hope to see you there!