The League Pulse Archives
The Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri: women building better communities.
Remembering When with Four Fabulous Sustainers
Front row panelists: Leslie Whitaker and Jerry Vaughan. Second row panelists: Sudy Hurst and Jinny McCoy.
This year’s Spring Sustainer Meeting’s main event was filled with insightful stories of the past, told by four amazingly funny and brilliant sustainers: Leslie Whitaker, Jerry Vaughan, Jinny McCoy and Sudy Hurst; with Lisa Nickel moderating the conversation.
The first question asked of the group was, “When you joined the League, what was it like?”
- Leslie explained that back then the League had a closed entrance process. It was an honor to join and the process and League activities were very secretive. Additionally, new member classes were about 20 people, contracts had to be signed to participate and everyone was required to work at the Thrift Shop, along with two other committees.
- Jerry said, “I had to wait two years to have a rush party. I was told to wear white gloves and my very best dress. When I got in, my father sent me a dozen roses!
The second question, “What were the greatest issues you faced throughout your League career?” brought about insightful and thoughtful responses.
- Sudy’s first General Membership Meeting as President was held on September 13, 2001 – just two short days after the 9/11 tragedy. She led an emotional meeting and then ensured our League donated funds to all the Leagues that had been impacted. “Needless to say,” she said, “it was a profound year.”
- Jinny helped women who were in the workforce integrate with the League. When she arrived, women who worked outside the home were not allowed to vote or attend meetings. The League didn’t even know what to call them. At one point they discussed referring to them as “Ladies of the Evening”, but fortunately settled on “Evening Actives” before simply allowing women who work the same benefits as those who didn’t.
- Jerry worked to move from a closed membership policy to an open membership policy, knowing this change would enable a more diverse group of women to join the League. She told the women whom she encouraged to vote for the change, “We will bring the community further along with diversity.”
The panel concluded with closing thoughts.
- Leslie said, “I sustain the League because I value the training, which helped me as a mother, a wife and as a board leader.”
- From Jerry, “We are the best women’s leadership group in the city. It takes a lot of courage to do anything for 100 years.”
- From Jinny, “Why do I sustain the League? It’s the friendship – but most of all the training I received.”
- Sudy said, “Besides friendships, we have a strong caliber of women who have depth and talent. They’re smart and sophisticated – plus it’s fun!”
Our League is incredibly fortunate to have an incredible group of Sustainers who share a passion for service, pride in our community and commitment to building the potential of women.
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