By Judy Jorgensen

At Large Director, AJLI Board of Directors 2022-2025

Past Chair, AJLI Sustainer Committee

To be a Sustainer in the Junior League today means more than simply transitioning out of Active membership—it’s about stepping into a new chapter of opportunity, leadership, and legacy. While the term “sustain” traditionally means to support or strengthen, in the League it encompasses a wide spectrum: from mentoring and training to donating and serving on boards. Contrary to the misconception, “going Sustainer” does not mean leaving the League—it can actually be a time of increased engagement and leadership.

Sustainers by the Numbers

Sustainers now make up nearly two-thirds of Junior League members, a majority that includes women from their 30s to their 90s and beyond. With most Junior Leagues no longer requiring an age cutoff, the Sustainer demographic has expanded to reflect a wider range of life stages and interests. These members bring decades of wisdom, experience, and potential to every League.

Cultural and Strategic Shifts

In 2024, the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) Sustainer Committee was established to focus more intentionally on engaging and enriching the Sustainer experience. Through a series of focus groups and surveys—including a major All-Sustainer Survey with over 2,000 respondents—key themes emerged: Sustainers want connection, clearer communication, meaningful engagement, and a stronger sense of community impact.

Sustainers expressed interest in social opportunities, but many also value continued service and leadership. A recurring concern, however, was feeling sidelined—valued more for financial contributions than for mentoring or expertise. This disconnect calls for a cultural shift in how Leagues view and engage Sustainers: not as “former members,” but as lifelong contributors.

From Insight to Action

Based on this feedback, AJLI launched the following initiatives:

• The first Sustainer programming at the 2025 AJLI Annual Conference since 2018
• Monthly virtual meetups and a dedicated Facebook group for Sustainer leaders
• Development of a Sustainer Director job description and leadership handbook
• Establishment of an annual AJLI Sustainer Connection Award
• Exploration of Sustainer-specific community impact initiatives

The Sustainer Committee also recommended integrating Sustainers into broader League systems and eliminating outdated silos. This integration encourages shared leadership, deeper institutional memory, and greater generational continuity. Actives, too, play a critical role—by being open to the mentorship and contributions Sustainers can offer.

Looking Ahead

AJLI’s Board and staff will continue to prioritize Sustainers, with plans to explore new ways to connect and collaborate across membership levels. The goal is to ensure that Sustainers are not just honored for past service, but empowered to help shape the League’s future.

Ultimately, Sustainers are not just supporters—they are strategists, advocates, and torchbearers. By embracing their full potential, the League ensures it can thrive for generations to come.

Blog Post Note:

This speech was given by Judy Jorgensen at the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) 2025 Conference in Orlando, Florida