October 2001

Issue Highlights

• Cover Article: Domestic Violence
• President's Column
• The Pineapple: Welcome & Hospitality
• SuperLeaguers
• JLMarvelous
• Membership Open House
• Membership Yearbook
• Movers & Shakers
• Little Leaguers
• Proposed Bylaw Change
• Condolences
• Proposing New Members
• Done In A Day Events
• Placement Advisors Listing
• Golden Palm Excitement
• Sustainer News
• Advisory Board Spotlight: Judge Linda Dakis
• Straw Ballot
• Endowment Fund

Domestic Violence: Many Definitions, Many Victims

By Heidi McInnis, Chair, Public Relations Committee and Chair, KAPOW

Every 15 seconds an act of domestic violence is committed, making domestic violence the most common, but least reported, crime in the United States. The legal definition of domestic violence is any assault-aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment or any other criminal offense-resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another who is or was residing in the same single dwelling.

The behavioral definition is a pattern of assaultive and coercive behavior, including physical, sexual and emotional attacks as well as economic coercion, that adolescents or adults use against their intimate partners for the purpose of establishing and maintaining power and control over that person.

Domestic violence has many definitions, as well as many faces. Crossing ethnic, racial, age, national origin, sexual orientation, religious and socioeconomic lines, the statistics on domestic violence are staggering. By the most conservative estimate, each year one million women suffer nonviolent violence by an intimate. By other estimates, four million American women experience a serious assault by an intimate partner during an average 12-month period. Nearly one in three adult women experience at least one physical assault by a partner during adulthood. Domestic violence occurs within same-sex relationships with the same statistical frequency as in heterosexual relationships, 25 to 33 percent.

Children often become victims
Ninety to 95 percent of domestic violence victims are women. As violence against women becomes more severe and more frequent in the home, children experience a 300 percent increase in physical violence by the male batterer. Domestic violence has immediate and long-term detrimental effects on children. In homes where partner abuse occurs, children are 1,500 times more likely to be abused. Forty to 60 percent of men who abuse women also abuse children. Up to 50 percent of all homeless women and children in this country are fleeing domestic violence. And, 75 percent of all convicted child sexual perpetrators have also battered their partners.

Dating violence is also increasing dramatically. Violence against women occurs in 20 percent of dating couples and an average of 28 percent of high school and college students experience dating violence at some point.

Domestic violence may affect a woman's ability to financially support herself and her children. Fifteen to 50 percent of abused women report interference from their partner with education, training or work. Welfare studies show that abused women do seek employment but are unable to maintain it.

JLM active in the fight against domestic violence
Long before domestic violence regularly made the headlines, the Junior League of Miami was helping to make a difference in the lives of abused women in Miami-Dade County. In 1986, the chair of JLM's Public Affairs Committee, Claudia Kitchens, urged the League to use its $100,000 surplus to address the housing needs of battered women and their children. This seed money, combined with other generous donations and dedicated fundraising by members, enabled the Junior League of Miami to purchase an apartment complex in North Miami. This was the beginning of Inn Transition, JLM's creative and vital answer to transitional housing for victims of domestic violence and their children.

Now in its eleventh year, this JLM flagship project has grown to include two adjacent apartment buildings with 20 units total, providing housing and resources to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Operated in public-private partnership with Miami-Dade County, Inn Transition residents are drawn from applicants staying at Safe Space, the County's domestic violence emergency facility. Inn Transition provides the next step, longer-term housing, typically for four to six months. Residents are able to work on education, job-training, saving money and stabilizing their lives so that they can transition from this residential housing program to independent, permanent housing.

The ultimate goal of Inn Transition is to break the cycle of domestic violence and help to enable each resident become economically and emotionally independent, and able to provide a stable life, free of violence, for both herself and her children.
For daily operations at Inn Transition, the County takes the lead, managing childcare, transportation and counseling. Inn Transition North Inc. operates as a subsidiary corporation of the League, carrying certain landlord-type responsibilities. But the heart of the League's volunteer work is with the families. In addition to planning regular activities with the women and their children, the League provides a mentoring program, lending a friendly ear and supportive voice, hleping to play a vital in each woman's "transition."

Since 1990, approximately 175 mothers and 387 children, representing all racial and ethnic origins. Applications are reviewed for the units as they become available as a result of successful "transitions."

Spreading the model
Based on the success of Inn Transition North, the League has assisted Greater Miami Neighborhoods and Community Services to build a 56-unit complex in South Dade to address the needs of homeless families and families who are victims of domestic violence. After 14 long months, building permits have recently been acquired and construction is about to begin. It will take approximately one year to complete the apartments and Community Center.

Another League effort to combat domestic violence is the Domestic Violence is Your Business Project. This project provides support to businesses in developing corporate-level training and appropriate domestic violence education and awareness programs, corporate policies and procedures, including communication and safety plans.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is available. Some important numbers are: 24-hour Hotline for Domestic Violence, (305) 349-5888; National Domestic Violence Resource Center, (800) 537-2238; and the Women's Domestic Violence Support Group, (305) 758-2546.

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President's Column: Sometimes Those Most "In Need" May Be Your Friends

By Julia Bianchi, JLM President

The year 2001-02 marks a new era of communications for the Junior League. Today, email is the standard way of distributing meeting announcements and minutes and conducting the daily business of our organization.

When first developed, many thought email would make the world more impersonal. In terms of the Junior League, I think the opposite is true. As president I can assure you that because of email I have "gotten to know" many more members than I otherwise would have through regular meetings and committee work. Email serves as a unique way to keep in contact with many people simultaneously.

Many of you email me directly with your thoughts and ideas for making our organization better. Many also email me with details of your personal lives and the challenges your families are facing. Frequently I am "forwarded" emails regarding individual members. The personal news often deals with family illness, fertility issues, depression, anxiety, children with disabilities, financial concerns, divorce and career decisions. Our members regularly express deep concerns about their ability to "be a good volunteer" while juggling multiple responsibilities.

These emails really cause me to ponder the incredible stress that some of our members experience day in and day out. I am simply amazed that despite these challenges our members still volunteer their time to help others. Somehow these women manage to deal with their seemingly overwhelming problems and still find time to give of themselves to those in need.

Through this article I wish to appeal to each one of you with a simple request to help make the Junior League an even better organization of "good volunteers." The next time you hear about a fellow member who is coping with personal crisis, please take a moment to volunteer your time to reach out to help in some way ­ perhaps with a gesture as simple as writing a note or preparing a home-cooked meal.

Because sometimes those in need are a lot closer than you might like to think. They may be sitting right next to you at your committee meeting.

Read the president's past emails to all members.

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The Pineapple: A Symbol of Welcome & Hospitality

By Debbie Radosevich, Chair, Meetings & Hospitality Committee

Through the ages, the pineapple has been considered a special treat for display and gastronomical enjoyment. From before the time of Christopher Columbus, through Renaissance Europe & Colonial America, the pineapple came to symbolize the sense of welcome, good cheer and human warmth inherent in special social events.

With the image and spirit of everything it represents, the Junior League of Miami's Hospitality Committee has chosen the motif of the Pineapple to welcome our membership to our new meeting venue, the Coral Gables Country Club.

Your hospitality committee is excited about the new venue and is ready to take on the challenges of this League year. Our members will be distinguishable by the pineapple motif that they will be wearing.

We are there for you. Any questions you might have please don't hesitate to call on us.

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SuperLeaguers

JUNE SuperLeaguer: Crystal Rody
We are blessed to have someone like this member at the head of the marketing effort for the Golden Palm Gift Market. She has taken the Golden Palm to the next level by aligning us with a top-notch marketing firm that is doing first-rate work for us for almost nothing. She is ultimately responsible for tickets, program, invitations, media, the database, as well as every bit of printed material regarding the Golden Palm. She leads her marketing team with a smile and great attention to detail. She is a delight to work with and an asset to our organization because she wants to put the JLM in "the best light" Thank you Crystal Rody for your AMAZING energy, enthusiasm and vision for the Golden Palm Gift Market.

JULY SuperLeaguer Margaret Nee
This member took on one of the League's less glamorous, most tedious, yet extremely important jobs that is critical to us all. She volunteered to serve as Encore Shop processor which involves 10 to 15 hours per week marking and tagging and recording items. "The goddess of processing" as dubbed by Encore Shop Chair Karen Cabrera, Margaret Nee took two vacation days to work in the shop, worked through family illness that could have easily taken her away and has even enlisted her mom to come in and help too. She stepped in at a time when the Shop was in desperate need of assistance to make the turn-around we have witnessed over the past few months. We are forever grateful to Margaret, July SuperLeaguer!

AUGUST SuperLeaguer Loretta Nido
This member is a familiar name to most of us...taking command of another job in the League that is extremely detail-oriented and of huge importance to membership. After getting last year's membership placement details all in place and spending endless hours on the phone and email, she devised a wonderful new tool mailed to all actives, the Membership Requirements Guide, to launch the new year with clarity for all members. She worked during the summer pregnant with her fourth son, hosted a Placement Committee meeting the night before his birth-12 hours before going to the hospital-and was back to work for the League two days later! An amazing job and an amazing asset to our League, congratulations Loretta Nido!

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JLMarvelous!

• Kudos to Debbie Radosevich for volunteering to chair the Meetings and Hospitality Committee! Special events are her thing on the job at Kreps DeMaria...you can tell she enjoys this kind of thing and knows what she's doing! Look for the pineapples and other fun in store for us this year at our General Membership Meetings.
• Hat's off to Heidi McInnis for stepping up to the plate to lead KAPOW in addition to the Public Relations Committee. Thanks, Heidi!
• To Yearbook Committee- members Laura Decker (Chair), Wendy Allen and Kristin Pierce; Graphic Designer Iris Fuentes; and Aquarius Press for making the deadline and having them ready for the first General Membership meeting in September.
• To all of the Actives and Provisionals who have requested their 2001 Golden Palm Gift Market volunteer shift by email and fax! The system is working like clockwork thanks to everyone's cooperation!
• To every Active, Provisional and Sustainer who helped the Golden Palm Gift Market Committee achieve its underwriting goal! The generosity of our membership, no matter how small or large the donation, is overwhelming.
• To Nancy Halula who has gone above and beyond her Golden Palm requirement by beginning the computerization of the merchant list (that contains thousands of names)! Thank you for your diligence to this tedious task and important tool.
• A special thanks to the Board of Directors for contributing over $800 to "Courage for Cancer" in support of Andria Hanley's fundraising efforts which reached more than $3,000 toward women's cancer research.
• The Placement Committee would like to thank Loretta Nido for all her hard work, organization and leadership skills, which have helped get the committee off to a great start. Loretta had her Placement Committee Meeting the evening before she was scheduled to give birth to her fourth son.
• Congrats to Maggi Rossi and Katie Landsea who coordinated yet another fabulous, informative and fun Super Saturday at the Hyatt Coral Gables; to the Provisional Committee mentors for their help in making Super Saturday a huge success; and to all of the provisionals for their enthusiasm.
• To Kyla Caliendo for coordinating all of the meeting arrangements for Super Saturday with the Hyatt Regency-Coral Gables!
• Thanks to DIAD chair Gail Scott for rallying volunteers in steamy hot August weather for the United Way Kick Off event in Virrick Park. Thanks also to all of you who turned out for this event. We indeed saw what a difference we each can make.
• Special kudos to Jessica Dearnley who dragged out her brand new husband Matthew, and to Galia Pennekamp who provided two non-league volunteers to make our DIAD team complete!
• To the members of the Development Council for taking time out on a beautiful day to participate in Super Saturday.
• To Sheila Brewer for her extra help in performing various Placement committee tasks above and beyond her duties as an Advisor.

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We need YOU!
Bring a friend to a Membership Outreach Open House

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Coming to You: Membership Yearbook

The newly designed 2001-02 Yearbooks have been mailed to all active, provisional and sustainer member's homes, with the exception of those picked up at the September morning General Membership Meeting.

The yearbooks should start arriving at homes during the last week of September. The Yearbook Committee will have a table at the October 9th General Membership Meeting. Stop by if yours hasn't arrived by then, or, if you'd like to buy an extra copy for the office or car. A limited supply is available for just $10 per book.

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Movers & Shakers

• On behalf of the Junior League of Miami, Sharon Johnson has been selected to serve on the Board of Directors of The Journey Institute, an organization that supports adult victims of childhood sexual abuse. Congrats!
• Kara McCullough has been elected a shareholder of Akerman Senterfitt & Eidson PA. Good job!
• Sustainer Sylvia A. McCabe, a kindergarten teacher at American Bankers Satellite Learning Center, recently became a National Board Certified Teacher. This certification is difficult to achieve and an honor in the teaching profession. Congrats Sylvia!

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Little Leaguers

• Welcome Lucas Martin Nido, born on August 30th to Loretta and Miguel Nido.
• Welcome Anabella Marie, born on July 10th to Stephanie Kirby and her husband, Michael.
• Welcome Susan Sawyer O'Keefe, born on July 29th to Alison and Doug O'Keefe.
• Welcome Ivy Jean, born on August 16th to Tom and Galia Pennekamp.
• Welcome Samuel Ventura Carico on June 29th to Patti Ann and Scott Carico.
• Welcome Andre Phalle, born in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia, on August 30, 2000, and adopted by Alix Harper and Aleks Rosenberg.

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Update on Proposed Bylaw Change

By Michele Battle, Vice President - Finance

Last spring at the March General Membership Meeting, the Finance Council proposed an amendment to our bylaws. The motion dealt with the Board of Directors and the Membership's approval of changes in the budget. Due to member concerns, the motion was tabled. As a result, the Finance Council has been reviewing the existing bylaw and is making every effort to incorporate member suggestions. We will publish our revised recommendations and the proposed bylaw change in the November Journal. This bylaw change will be voted on at the November General Membership Meeting. Please be sure to closely read the November Journal and educate yourself about this upcoming vote. If you have any concerns or issues you would like to discuss with the Finance Council, please call me at (305) 613-0304.

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Condolences

• Condolescences to active Lisette Luaces, on the passing of her father.
• Our deepest sympathies to the family of actives Barbie Alderman and Ann Ioannides-DeLeon, on the death of their grandfather.
• To the family of Jane Sevier Smith, a Junior League of Miami Sustainer who had relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, on their loss.

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Do You Know How to Propose?

By Jennifer Prendergast, Program Development Chair

Last year, the Program Development Committee received more than 20 project proposal applications. Many were appropriate while some, though great ideas, missed the mark. In an effort to help applicants become familiar with JLM and our focus area, the Program Development Committee has reinstituted the Project Proposal Informational Meeting.

This meeting is designed to familiarize applicants with JLM requirements, application components and answer any questions about the Program Development Process. This year, all applicants are required to attend this meeting in order for the application to be considered by JLM.

PROJECT PROPOSAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING

All those interesting in proposing projects for the Junior League of Miami in 2002-03 are required to attend this meeting.

• Overview and guidelines
• Application requirements
• Question and answer time

Project Proposals are due by November 30, 2001. Applications from organizations who do not attend the Project Proposal Informational Meeting will not be accepted. All interested applicants and members are invited to attend.

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Witness the Difference a Day Can Make!

The Done In A Day Committee needs your participation in the following Saturday events:

October 13: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

October 20: Domestic Violence Walk

Each Done In A Day event counts as a General Membership meeting credit.

For more information or to sign up, contact Gail Scott.

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Excitement Continues to Build for the 2001 Golden Palm Gift Market

By Ashley Cusack, GPGM Co-Chair and Molly Carroll, GPGM PR Chair

The Golden Palm committee is overflowing with excitement about the Golden Palm Gift Market 4. Our Premiere Under the Palms preview party is shaping up to be a real "blockbuster," taking on a Hollywood premiere theme. You won't want to miss out on the cuisine, the cocktails or the first look at our merchants. And Burdines is treating us to an incredible schedule of events and giveaways including Chanel and Mac, Swarovski rhinestone tattoos, and more! Fabulous other events have been planned throughout the weekend and of course, there's the great shopping. We have favorite vendors returning as well as many exciting news ones, all hand-picked to ensure a unique assortment of Holiday shopping.

Take 10
Don't forget that members are key to the success of the 2001 Golden Palm Gift Market. Help us achieve our goal to break our attendance records at this year's event! We are asking all members to take 10 people to the Market.

You should be scheduled by now!
The Golden Palm Gift Market volunteer shift scheduling is almost complete! Thank you to all of the actives and provisionals who have already signed up for, and completed their shift. Remember, every active and provisional must complete two 2-hour pre-market shifts or one 4-hour market shift for the 2001 Golden Palm Gift Market. The deadline for completion is November 18th.

If you have not yet scheduled your shift, it is not too late­but you must hurry. Many shifts have already filled up including all pre-market. Please be sure to email your shift requests immediately to absolutesolution@mindspring.com or fax to: (305) 672-1147.

The master schedule will be available at the November General Membership meeting. If you have already requested a shift but are not certain of when it is, please contact us. It is your responsibility to sign up and complete your shift.
We still have lots of work ahead of us. If you have the time and would like to schedule an additional shift, please let us know! We appreciate all our terrific volunteers for making time to work on this event.

Visit www.juniorleagueofmiami.com for tickets, shift scheduling and updates!

Look for our billboard!
Our marketing team was busy all summer getting the word out. Our billboard will be up any day and notices on calendars, websites and newspapers all around town. Save-the-date cards went out in September and invitations will be in mailboxes shortly. Thanks to members for helping with publicity. To help you keep up the good work, flyers (printed and an e-version) are available for you to distribute. Visit the JLM website or call our hotline at (305) 476-3183 to obtain these terrific tools!

THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
We are so proud of our underwriting team for successfully meeting and exceeding our projected goals with time to spare! We are so fortunate to have such generous members within our League, as well as the charitable support from the community. We have found an ideal partner in Bill Ussery Motors who has kindly agreed to be our presenting sponsor. The gifts from our sponsors undoubtedly help us to make the Golden Palm Market a fundraising success, and continue our mission of helping Miami's women, children, and families to conquer tomorrow's challenges and to build a united community.

• Bill Ussery Motors - $15,000
• Carnival Cruise Lines - $5,000
• Potamkin - $5,000
• Esslinger Wooten Maxwell - $4,000
• The Graham Family Foundation - $3,000
• Ashley & Jimmy Cusack - $3,000
• Tina & Dan Carlo - $1,500
• Susan Adams (Family Foundation) - $1,000
• Barbie & Robert Alderman - $1,000
• David and Julia Bianchi - $1,000
• Karen & Frank Cabrera - $1,000
• Critchlow & Spector, P.A. - $1,000
• Footworks - $1,000
• The Garner Family Foundation - $1,000
• Betsy Hoover Thomas - $1,000
• Keen Battle Mead - $1,000
• Kenny Nachwalter Seymour Arnold
• Steven & Leanna Vastine Marks - $1,000
• Publix - $1,000
• Amy & Ken Sussman - $1,000
• Elaine & Bob Tatum - $1,000
  
  IN-KIND DONATIONS
• Burdines
• Sloan's Auctioneers and Appraisers
• Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
• Lite 101.5 FM
• South Florida Parenting Magazine
• My Gym
• Joanna's Marketplace
• KMART
• Big Cheese
• LifeO2 Water
• FAO Schwartz
• Zany Brainy
• Ziggy the Clown
• Dr. Manjula Jegasothy
• Synergy Yoga

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Sustainer News: Golden Palm Market here we come...

By Rosemarie "Poodie" Floyd, Sustainer Chair

Once again we've started our year with a successful Sustainer Coffee. It was wonderful seeing everyone! We are especially grateful to Teresa Zohn for actually volunteering her home without us having to beg. Another big thank-you to Karen Cabrera and her entire Encore Shop Committee for all the delicious appetizers...and all they asked for in return was substantial donations for the Shop! Now we are moving on to our next project.

The Golden Palm Gift Market will be a must for all Sustainers. Mark the dates: November 16-18. Thursday, November 15th, is the big opening Preview Party night with wonderful entertainment, food and activities.

Friday is our big day with gift bags for sustainers and lots of activities for women. Bring your mother, daughters, friends, co-workers and have a fun day. Some of the free activities wll include nail and hair evaluations, day spa treatments, cooking demonstrations, aging reversal options, plus all those crystal, china, and other great vendor booths.

Remember to bring your credit card to the Golden Palm to buy all of your holiday gifts with one-stop shopping. The Golden Palm Gift Market has an exciting schedule of events. Please make sure to review the information in this Journal and online. See you there.

Bridge begins again
For those interested in the camaraderie of playing bridge, the Sustainer bridge group starts their annual round-robin tournament in October. All team players must be active Sustainer members to participate. You and your sustaining member partner will play as a team throughout the whole season. There is a $5.00 fee to play a total of seven games with an annual awards luncheon at the end. If you would like to participate, please contact the Committee Bridge Chair, Bea Garner, beazie913@aol.com. Happy bidding; may the cards be with you!

News from you
Now that I have caught up on Sustainer events, I would like to dedicate a portion of each monthly column to items of Sustainer interest that you submit. It is important that you take an active role in keeping all of us informed and influencing the direction of your club. Please keep in mind that my deadline is the 5th of each month for the following month's newsletter. Feel free to contact me at rmfloyd@yahoo.com.

I have two pieces of news for this month. First, Jeannett Slesnick has agreed to continue publishing the quarterly Sustainer Newsletter. Thanks, Jeannett! Second, Becky Matkov wishes to announce the introduction of a new book, Miami's Historic Neighborhoods, History of Community, North Miami to Homestead. The book signing will be on Wednesday, December 5th at 8:00 p.m. at Books & Books in Coral Gables. Please mark your calendars.

Remember that we play an important role in the League. I will see you at all of the exciting events!

A Day Not to Miss: Friday is Women's Day
Sustainers: You won't want to miss out on all the fabulous events and unique merchants we have lined up for this year's Market. Friday, November 16th is Woman's Day and we planned it with you in mind. Burdines is sponsoring this day and will have vendors like Chanel, Swarovski, Lenox and Salton. If you call our hotline (305 - 476-3183) and let us know you are coming, we will reserve a special Burdines gift bag for you to receive upon arrival.

This just in: Elizabeth Knight, renowned author and lecturer on the art of entertaining easily, will be treating us to a tea etiquette seminar and book-signing during Friday's Women's Day event.

Her first book, Tea with Friends, was published in 1998 by Storey Books. It was endorsed by the U.S. Tea Council and is a Country Homes and Gardens Book Club selection. Elizabeth's advice on all things tea-related has been featured in radio and newspaper interviews across the country.

It's just one more thing you won't want to miss at the Golden Palm!

Advisory Board Spotlight: Judge Linda Dakis

By Heidi McInnis, PR Chair

Linda Dakis has served as a member of the Junior League of Miami's Community Advisory Board for several years. The League calls upon its advisors, including Judge Dakis, for their expertise in areas important for the League's mission. As a judge with extensive experience in domestic violence, Judge Dakis has been an extraordinary advocate for the League.

Linda Dakis is currently Administrative Judge of the Civil Division of County Court and has previously served as Administrative Judge of the Domestic Violence Division. During her 12-year tenure, she serves as a Supreme Court appointee to the Mediator Qualifications Board and is a member of the Miami-Dade County Domestic Violence Oversight Board. She is past chairperson of the Governor's Task Force on Domestic Violence, and is the proud recipient of the 1998 Advocate of the Year Award from the Florida Coalition on Domestic Violence.

Judge Dakis has been a faculty member at the National Judicial College, Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies and for the Florida Bar. She has been featured in many television productions on domestic violence and has been published in the Florida Bar Journal, Trial Magazine, and Family Law Advocate.

She has lectured for the Academy of Trial Lawyers of America and the American Bar Association. Judge Dakis holds a bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and a law degree from the University of Miami. She had an active trial practice for 15 years before becoming a judge.

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Thank you to our partners

The Junior League of Miami extends its gratitude and appreciation to the following major donors who have provided generous support to the Junior League throughout the past year.

• Bill Ussery Motors
• Northern Trust Bank of Florida, N.A.
• Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
• Bacardi USA
• Amy & Kenneth Sussman
• Esslinger Wooten Maxwell
• Union Planters Bank
• Karen & Francesco Cabrera
• Julia & David Bianchi
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Potamkin Family Foundation
• The Kelly Foundation
• The Graham Foundation
• Ashley Brinson Cusack
• Citigroup
• Gap Foundation
• Nancy Ludwig
• Mellon United National Bank
• Baker Foundation
• Clark & Carolyn Adams Foundation

Major In-kind Donors

• Burdines
• Brooks Weisblat
• The Biltmore Hotel
• Southern Wine & Spirits
• First Media Direct
• My Gym
• Copyright Graphics
• South Florida Parenting
• Hyatt Resorts & Hotels
• 101.5 Lite FM
• Sloan's Auctioneers & Appraisals

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Everything You Always Wanted To Know About JLM's Straw Ballot

By Morgan Park,Chair, Nominating (Compiled from past JLM documents)
At the October General Membership Meeting you will receive a Straw Ballot. This ballot outlines leadership positions for the next League year (2002­2003). It offers a brief description of each position and asks you to give the Nominating Committee the names of JLM members who you believe would be good candidates for leadership. Every single JLM member is strongly encouraged to submit a Straw Ballot.

To anticipate some frequently asked questions, the Nominating Committee has compiled the following Q&A regarding the Straw Ballot.

The Straw Ballot
Q: How are leaders of JLM chosen?
A: Three ways: 1) you self-submit a Straw Ballot and let us know you are interested, 2) your name gets submitted by a peer, or 3) your leadership abilities have been noticed by the current JLM leadership.

Q: What is the purpose of the Straw Ballot?
A: It provides every JLM member an opportunity to give input in deciding next year's leaders by specifying who you feel would be best suited for leadership positions.

Q: If I submit my name, am I obligated to anything?
A: Nothing. You are just indicating your recommendations, interest and goals.

Q: Will the Nominating Committee think I am too bold if I submit my own name?
A: Absolutely not! Everybody should feel comfortable self-submitting. We simply want the names of good leaders and we can't know everyone's strengths without your help.

Q: Won't I be embarrassed if I self-submit and don't get slated?
A: You shouldn't! Confidentiality is first and foremost with the Nominating Committee. Please feel free to submit your own name. There are many leadership positions in the League we are looking to fill.

Q: What if I have only one name to put on a Straw Ballot?
A: Write it down and send it in! We know it is impossible to think of someone for every leadership position. One name is fine, even if you don't have a preference for what position she would be best suited for. We want your recommendations!

Q: What is the difference between the Straw Ballot and the Willingness-To-Serve form?
A: The Straw Ballot asks for recommendations for next year's Executive Board, Nominating Committee, Membership Committee, Treasurer and Planning Council Members-at-Large. The Willingness-To-Serve form asks for recommendations for all other leadership positions in the League. Also, the Willingness-To-Serve form is due later, January 31, 2002, and should be submitted to Holly Battle (as opposed to the Nominating Committee).

Q: If I have questions, who should I call?
A: Call someone on the Nominating Committee: Lorrie Borden, Holly Ebbert, Sara George, Allison Holly, Rubye Nell Johnson, Barbara Kelly, Stephanie Kirby, Lyn Pannone, Morgan Park and Allison Robinson.

Q: How do I submit a Straw Ballot?
A: Click here!

Please do your best to get a Straw Ballot to Nominating by November 30, 2001!

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Support the Future of the JLM

The purpose of the Junior League of Miami's Endowment Fund is to support the future of our League. Continued growth of the fund could eventually generate sufficient principal to provide a substantial annual income to fund our community projects.

This year, we can demonstrate our commitment to the Junior League of Miami through additional donations from 100 percent of our membership. Contributions are welcomed from active, sustaining and provisional members. Gift of Caring brochures are also available at League headquarters and can be used to make a donation to the Endowment Fund in honor, memory, or recognition of someone special.

Why not consider contributing to the Endowment Fund today? For more information, please contact Debbie Corbishley, V.P. of Development.

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