Message from the 2011-2012 President

Junior League of Riverside, Inc. (JLR) is pleased to announce the 2011-2012 President, Teri Parker.
As I approach the up and coming year, my mind is filled with many thoughts and ideas. The Junior League of Riverside has transitioned through several phases within its 83 years as a volunteer organization. Many very accomplished women within our community, as well as nationally and internationally, are members of the Junior League. I am proud to follow in the foot steps of these women as President of the Junior League of Riverside. I look forward to working with our League in continuing to make a difference in our community through the programs and events that our organization is directly involved with.

My theme this year is “Women Empowering our Community through Health and Fitness” Our current project “fitRiverside” is a dynamic project that addresses the impact of childhood obesity in our community today, tomorrow and in the future. Our efforts will teach children the importance of a healthy lifestyle through active living, healthy food choices and family education. As Mayor Ron Loveridge stated in his 2011 State of the City address, “Riverside neighborhoods should be fit, fresh and fun. The City should support, actively and imaginatively, walking, cycling, community gardens and fitness efforts, such as the Junior League’s fitRiverside program.” With the support of our community and our members, we hope to positively impact the lives of at least 1,500 children over the course of the next year.

With our “fitRiverside” project securely in place, this year we will be focusing on the league’s membership levels. JLR will strive to engage our members offering involvement opportunities and membership value so that they choose to stay in our organization. Unfortunately our membership attrition levels have been extremely high over the past several years. This is partially due to competition from other organizations and more recently to the downturn in the economy. Attracting new members and retaining them will be strongly emphasized this year through various enhanced membership experience strategies.

We have a unique group of members with significant strengths that add tremendous value to our organization. I am confident that our cohesive group can accomplish growth in both our projects and membership. We will empower the community through health, fitness, education and awareness, while impacting our lives in a positive manner as well.

2011-2012 Board of Directors

President:	Teri Parker
President Elect:	Yoginee Braslaw
Sustainer to the Board:	Darcy Weis
Community Director:	Tori Firetag
Community Director Elect:	Mandy Hyde
Membership Director Elect:	Darcy Hills
Fundraising Director:	Lori Patton-Raffy
Fundraising Director Elect:	Diana Renteria
Finance Director:	Tracy Kern
Finance Director Elect:	Stefanie Field