A league of their own benefits many

When a group of women formed the Junior League of Cedar Rapids in 1934, their opportunities in public life were relatively limited.

Wife and mother were the jobs that women were made for - or so the thinking went.

But those young women knew they had much to offer their communities in addition to their families.

Seventy-five years after its formation, the Cedar Rapids league continues to make an indelible mark on the place we live and on the women who serve.

It's a whole new world for women now, perhaps in part because of service groups like the Junior League.

The group is part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, an organization whose stated goals are to promote volunteerism, improve communities and develop women's potential.

To mark this anniversary, a temporary exhibit, “Women Building Better Communities: 75 Years of the Junior League of Cedar Rapids,” continues through Saturday at the Mary and Carl Koehler History Center.

Today, the Cedar Rapids group counts more than 350 active and sustaining members. Over their decades of service, members have contributed millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours to causes that help area women and children.

They have supported children's educational and artistic development through programs like the Playtime Poppy children's theater, the Science Station and the Expand and Improve Educational and Interactive Opportunities project at Bever Park.

They've provided critical services for women and children in need through the Waypoint Madge Phillips Center, runaway youth shelters, high school day cares, mentoring and other programs.

They have been active in flood relief and recovery, and now are helping The Arc of East Central Iowa to create an art studio and retail store.

Their efforts brought us the Duramed FUTURES Tournament - Iowa's only stop on the LPGA's Developmental Tour, which prepares young women for professional golfing careers.

In the past 75 years, they raised more than $4 million for these and other local projects.

Equally as important as the Junior League of Cedar Rapids' charitable and volunteer contributions, the group also has trained generations of its members as leaders. As example, more than 800 local men and women have received training and support as emerging community leaders through the Leadership for Five Seasons program conducted by the league and the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout a long history of promoting women's education and involvement, Junior League members have learned by doing.

That's as important today - and will be tomorrow - as it was 75 years ago.