History

In 1901, Mary Harriman, a socially conscious 19-year old New York City debutante, founded the first Junior League. Moved by the suffering she saw around her, Harriman mobilized a group of 80 other young women – hence the name “Junior” League – to work to improve the squalid conditions in which immigrants were living in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Harriman’s vision for improving communities by using the energy and commitment of trained volunteers inspired others around the country. The second Junior League was started in Boston in 1907 and was soon followed by the founding of the Brooklyn chapter in 1910.

In 1921, the Association of Junior Leagues was formed to provide professional support to the Leagues. Today, the Association of Junior Leagues International governs 291 Junior Leagues in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Great Britain.

Junior League of Norman 

Originally established as the Junior Service League (JSL) of Norman in 1975.  The Junior League of Norman, as it is known today, was accepted into membership of the Association of Junior Leagues on June 14, 1983.  Over the years, while our programs have evolved and our efforts have shifted, we have maintained our focus in the areas of — helping children in our community thrive.